Whether it’s dark or light roast, from Dunkin Donuts or a local coffee shop, many people (including myself) can’t get enough coffee. As a self-proclaimed coffee addict, I have spent far more time than I care to admit looking for reasons to validate my coffee consumption and feed my addiction. To my surprise, I found that according to Medical News Today, coffee in moderation (one or two 8-ounce cups a day) can actually do much more good than harm, though too much can have adverse effects on your health. If you are looking to keep your addiction and stay healthy, here are a few of the benefits to drinking coffee.
- It lowers the risk of various liver diseases.
Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health have shown benefits to drinking coffee when it comes to diseases such as liver cancer. Coffee can even help prevent cirrhosis, especially cirrhosis brought about by alcoholism, whereas other beverages with caffeine cannot. The same applies for liver cancer, though not to the same degree.
- It improves energy levels.
Nearly every single professor I’ve had has validated this claim. Once that midday funk rolls around and you lose all motivation to do work, a cup of coffee is the best way to re-energize yourself and give yourself that boost to finish off classes with a bang. Drinking coffee before working out can also give you extra energy to help you complete your exercise routine; however, drinking just coffee can dehydrate you, so make sure you drink plenty of water if you plan on doing this. Before some of my races in high school, I would have an iced coffee and some water, leading to some of my best times.
- It lowers the risk of neurological and mental health problems.
In the same study conducted by the National Institute of Health, it was determined that people, especially women, who drink coffee have a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, these studies do not take into consideration those with the genetic disposition to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. According to the website for the Journal of American Medical Association, coffee can also help fight depression, especially in women. Those subjects in the study who drank coffee were found to have a lower risk of developing depression than those who did not.
- It is a source of many needed vitamins and nutrients.
According to Authority Nutrition, coffee is where many people get needed antioxidants. Coffee also provides people with part of the daily recommended dose of vitamins B2 and B5 as well as part of the daily recommended dose of potassium, which is also found in bananas.
If you stick to the daily recommended serving, coffee can be a resourceful part of your diet. However, drinking coffee in excess can lead to many negative side effects. Too much coffee, especially on an empty stomach, can cause heartburn and increase the likelihood of developing stomach ulcers. So, even though coffee can be healthy, it like many other healthy foods and beverages should be consumed in moderation.
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