Are you a coffee drinker? If so, you’re in good company. According to a nationwide survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, 64% of American adults drink at least one cup of coffee per day. And it’s not just adults who are fans of this popular beverage; teenagers and young adults are increasingly turning to coffee as well. In fact, 43% of 18-24-year-olds say they drink coffee every day!
There are many reasons why people enjoy drinking coffee, including the fact that it’s a great way to wake up in the morning or get a boost of energy during the afternoon. But did you know that there are also many potential health benefits of coffee? Keep reading to learn more about six ways that coffee can actually be good for you.
Coffee May Help Protect Your Liver
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which are substances that can help protect your cells from damage. One study found that coffee drinkers had a 20% lower risk of developing liver cancer than people who didn’t drink coffee. Other research has shown that coffee consumption is linked with a lower risk of cirrhosis, which is a type of liver damage.
Coffee May Reduce Your Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects movement. Some studies have found that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, although it’s not clear exactly how coffee might protect against it
Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a serious health condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels are too high. Several studies have found that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One theory is that the antioxidants in coffee may help prevent some of the cell damage that leads to diabetes
Coffee May Help You Lose Weight
If you’re trying to lose weight, you may want to consider adding coffee to your diet. Studies have found that coffee drinkers have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who don’t drink coffee. Caffeine, which is a natural stimulant, has also been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning
Coffee May Help Reduce Your Risk of Certain Types of Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but there is some evidence that coffee drinking may help protect against some types of cancer. One large study found that men who drank four or more cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of developing skin cancer than men who didn’t drink any coffee. Other studies have similarly found links between coffee drinking and lower risks of colon cancer and prostate cancer
Coffee May Boost Your Physical Performance
If you’re an athlete or just looking for an edge in your physical performance, caffeine in coffee may be just what you need. Caffeine has been shown to improve physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels and enhancing muscle contractions. For example, one study found that cyclists who drank caffeinated coffee before racing improved their times by an average of 2%
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many potential health benefits associated with drinking coffee—so if you’re one of the millions of Americans who enjoy a cup (or two) on a daily basis, rest assured knowing that you may be doing your body good!
This article is posted on CoffeeChat
