6 Benefits of Coffee That You Might Not Know

Many people enjoy a cup (or two, or three…) of coffee throughout the day. Most of us recognize that the caffeine in coffee can help to wake us up and energize us to take on our daily routine. But, coffee has many more benefits than just to help you wake up in the morning. In fact, coffee can be actually good for you!

There have been many studies carried out regarding the health benefits of coffee over the years. So, whether you are an regular coffee drinker or you only have a cup here and there, these benefits might encourage you to make yourself a fresh coffee in the morning.

1. It Can Help Fight Against Depression

The Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study that determined women who drank at least four cups of coffee a day were less likely to suffer from depression. Coffee contains chlorogenic, ferulic and caffeic acid. These acids can reduce the inflammation of nerve cells that takes place in the brain of people with depression. If you suffer from depression, it is vital to seek out professional treatment or management solution. But, your morning cup of coffee just might be helping to manage your symptoms more than you realize!

2. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Coffee’s correlation with the heart has been a popular subject for many years. Multiple studies have shown that people who drink anywhere from 3-5 cups of coffee each day have a lower risk of heart disease. Obviously, a lot depends on your lifestyle, dietary habits and family health history, but, drinking coffee can lead to a reduced calcification in your coronary arteries. As a result, you can be less likely to develop issues with your heart.

3. Reduced Cancer Risk

Studies have found that drinking coffee daily can reduce the risk of liver cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer. Different types of cancer are not the only diseases that coffee can protect against. The risk of getting Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease can also be reduced by drinking coffee regularly. The caffeine in coffee is what really helps to protect your brain against these conditions. Coffee has even been shown to reduce the risk of Type II Diabetes. Any of these conditions should be officially diagnosed and monitored by a doctor, but drinking coffee might be a good way to help manage them and perhaps lower the chances of them getting worse over time.

4. Prevents Cavities

Some people choose not to drink coffee because it can stain your teeth. But, black coffee can actually help to fight against cavities. It works by killing the bacteria found on your teeth that is often associated with tooth decay. Additionally, research has been done that suggests coffee can help to fight against periodontal disease. For a long time, many people believed that coffee caused decay to the teeth and gums. In fact, it does just the opposite! It can actually help to protect your gums from disease, and reduces the risk of tooth and gum decay. Of course, adding cream, milk, or sugar negates this benefit. But, if you take your coffee black, you could actually be doing something good for your oral health. Just be sure to brush your teeth after drinking coffee, and you won’t have to worry about staining your teeth.

5. Boosts the Way You See Yourself and Others

In 2018, the Journal of Psychopharmacology published a study that talked about how drinking coffee can help you to see yourself and others in a more positive light. This can be especially true when it comes to the workplace. The study suggested that people who drink more coffee have a better view of themselves and the people they work with than people who don’t regularly drink coffee. Obviously, getting along with your co-workers is important when it comes to creating a healthy working environment, and even for productivity. When you have a better view of yourself, you are more likely to succeed at work, and get things done more efficiently. If something as simple as a cup of coffee each day can make it easier to view your co-workers in a more positive light, why not try it?

6. It Can Increase Your Longevity

This might not be a surprising benefit, considering all of the diseases and health issues that coffee possibly can ward off. People who drink coffee are known to lead longer lives, thanks to a lowered risk of many different ailments. Coffee itself doesn’t necessarily increase your lifespan. But, it does help to ward off a lot of health problems, including ones not listed in this article. Studies are still being conducted all of the time to determine exactly what coffee can protect against. So, don’t be surprised to hear that new health benefits continue to come up as it relates to this popular beverage.

Drinking Coffee for Better Health

There is no magic pill (or in this case, magic drink) that will cure all of your problems and allow you to live forever. But, with so many studies done on the benefits of coffee, it is hard to ignore just how good it might be for you. Whether you are currently a coffee drinker or not, adding an extra cup or two to your daily routine might really help to boost your overall health, while protecting you from some potentially-harmful conditions.

There are many other benefits of coffee to consider, from reducing inflammation and healing muscles, to protecting your eyes from retinal damage. So, if you are looking for a safe and natural way to boost your health, while giving yourself a bit more energy in the process, a cup of your favorite coffee might be a good way to go.

Other great articles to read:

6 Benefits of Drinking Green Tea Every Day

Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar