The Benefits of Moderate Coffee Consumption: 9 Reasons Why It’s Good for You
Coffee. I can’t imagine a day without it, whether I’m cradling a travel mug on my way to work or running out after spin class to get a skinny latte. It’s a great way to wake up, and there’s something soothing about sipping a steaming cup of coffee. But is it good for you?
The case for coffee is stronger than ever. You may be getting more benefits from your favorite morning drink than you think: Coffee is full of compounds that may help guard against diseases more common in women, such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
In addition to caffeine, coffee also contains antioxidants and other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against disease, according to nutrition experts at Johns Hopkins University.
How does drinking coffee benefit your health?
Here are 9 ways coffee can benefit your health beyond boosting your energy:
- There is a possibility of living longer.
Women who drink coffee are less likely to die from coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease, according to recent studies.
Several studies have investigated the relationship between coffee consumption and various health outcomes, particularly in women. One study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women who drink one to two cups of coffee per day have a 20% lower risk of stroke compared to those who don’t drink coffee. Another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that women who drink four or more cups of coffee per day have a lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease compared to those who don’t drink coffee.
Additionally, research has suggested that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found that individuals who drink four cups of coffee per day have a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study also found that the risk reduction was greater in women than in men.
Furthermore, some studies have suggested that coffee consumption may have a protective effect on kidney function. A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that individuals who drank more than three cups of coffee per day had a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease compared to those who drank less than one cup per day.
Overall, the evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption can have several health benefits, particularly in women. However, it’s important to note that individual responses to coffee can vary, and excessive coffee consumption can have negative health effects. It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider about specific health concerns and how coffee consumption may impact them.
- It is possible that your body processes glucose (or sugar) more efficiently.
People who drink more coffee are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to studies.
Coffee has been shown to have potential benefits for blood sugar regulation and metabolism. Some studies have suggested that coffee consumption may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, leading to more efficient processing of glucose in the body.
For example, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that regular coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study followed over 88,000 women for 20 years and found that those who drank more than one cup of coffee per day had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who didn’t drink coffee.
Other studies have suggested that coffee consumption may improve glucose metabolism in people who already have diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that caffeic acid, a compound found in coffee, improved glucose uptake in cells and reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.
Furthermore, some studies have suggested that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that individuals who drank more than three cups of coffee per day had a lower risk of metabolic syndrome compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between coffee consumption and glucose metabolism, the evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption may have potential benefits for blood sugar regulation and metabolism. As with any dietary change, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider about specific health concerns and how coffee consumption may impact them.
- Heart failure is less likely to occur in you.
Coffee may help ward off heart failure, when a weakened heart cannot pump enough blood to the body.
Several studies have suggested that moderate coffee consumption may have potential benefits for heart health, including a reduced risk of heart failure. One study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals who drank moderate amounts of coffee (one to two cups per day) had a lower risk of heart failure compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Another study published in Circulation: Heart Failure found that women who drank two to three cups of coffee per day had a 25% lower risk of heart failure compared to those who didn’t drink coffee. The study also found that the risk reduction was greater in women who were overweight or obese.
Moreover, some research suggests that coffee consumption may also have potential benefits for reducing the risk of other cardiovascular conditions, such as stroke and coronary artery disease. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that moderate coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke compared to non-coffee drinkers. Another study published in the journal Circulation found that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day was associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease.
While the exact mechanisms behind these potential benefits are not yet fully understood, it is believed that coffee’s antioxidant properties may play a role. However, it’s important to note that excessive coffee consumption can have negative health effects, such as increasing blood pressure and heart rate. As always, individuals should speak with their healthcare provider about specific health concerns and how coffee consumption may impact their health.
- Parkinson’s disease is less likely to develop in you.
As well as lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease, caffeine may also help those with the condition better control their movements.
- It will be a pleasure for your liver.
Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels that are within a healthy range than those who do not drink coffee.
- There will be a stronger DNA in you.
If not repaired by your cells, DNA breakage in dark roast coffee can cause cancer or tumors.
- There will be a significant reduction in your chances of developing colon cancer.
A study found that women who drink coffee – decaf or regular – are 26 percent less likely to develop colon cancer.
- Alzheimer’s disease risk may be decreased.
It is estimated that two cups of coffee may provide significant protection against Alzheimer’s disease, even though nearly two-thirds of Americans who suffer from the disease are women. Women 65 years and older who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop dementia in general, according to research.
- Strokes are less likely to happen to you.
Women who drink at least one cup of coffee a day have a lower stroke risk, which is the fourth leading cause of death among women.