Coffee is the beloved beverage known for its ability to fine-tune your focus and boost your energy levels.
In fact, many people depend on their daily cup of joe right when they wake up to get their day started on the right foot.
In addition to its energizing effects, coffee has been linked to a long list of potential health benefits, giving you even more reason to get brewing.
1. Boosts energy levels
Coffee contains caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant that is known for its ability to fight fatigue and increase energy levels. This is because caffeine blocks the receptors of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, and this increases levels of other neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate your energy levels, including dopamine. One small study found that consuming caffeine increased the time to exhaustion during a cycling exercise by 12% and significantly reduced subjective levels of fatigue in participants.
2. Protect against Type 2 diabetes
Some research suggests that consuming coffee regularly could be associated with a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long term. In fact, one review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing type
2 diabetes. This is thought to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants and may affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism — all of which are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes.
3. Support brain health
Although studies have turned up mixed results, some research suggests that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. According to one review of 13 studies, people who regularly consumed caffeine had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Caffeine consumption also slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease over time. Another review of 11 observational studies in more than 29,000 people also found that the more coffee people consumed, the lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Weight management
According to research, coffee could alter one’s fat storage and support gut health, both of which may be beneficial for weight management. In another study, increased coffee intake was linked to decreased body fat in women. Furthermore, one study found that people who drank one to two cups of coffee per day were 17% more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels, compared with those who drank less than one cup per day.
5. Lower risk of depression
According to one review of seven studies, each cup of coffee that people consumed per day was linked to an 8% lower risk of depression. Another study found that drinking at least four cups of coffee each day was associated with a significantly lower risk of depression, compared with drinking just one cup per day.
References
1. RUSH University Medical Center
2. The Johns Hopkins University 3. Healthline 2023
