The health benefits of coffee have been hotly contested over the years. Some experts say you should avoid caffeine, while others praise the numerous health benefits of a daily brew. These days, there is a large amount of data to support the idea that drinking up to 400mg of good-quality coffee can benefit your mental and physical health. In today’s blog, we’re going to delve deeper into these benefits and explore how and why coffee is so darn good for you. Keep reading to find out more!
Coffee boosts physical performance
Increased energy and alertness are some of the most obvious benefits of drinking coffee, which is why it’s part of most people’s morning routine. But did you know that a cup of coffee can also improve your physical performance? The caffeine in coffee stimulates the release of epinephrine, the hormone responsible for the “fight or flight” response. It can also impact the motor cortex, which is the part of your brain responsible for muscle activation. What’s more, coffee can increase your insulin sensitivity which signals to your body it needs to use its glycogen stores for energy. Put simply, coffee can help your body move faster and better for longer. So if you’re looking for a pick me up to get you through a tough gym session or motivate you before a morning run – trying reaching for an espresso shot.
Coffee can reduce the risk of cancer
Some American research studies indicate that your beloved brew can help lower the risk of prostate cancer, liver cancer, endometrial cancer, and some cancers of the mouth and throat. This is because coffee is brewed from beans high in antioxidants which are thought to have a protective effect against certain types of cancer. So if you’re looking to reap the benefits of coffee’s nutrients, make sure you select high-quality beans.
Coffee can decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease and diabetes
You’ve heard of the caffeine buzz, but did you know it can help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 25%? Nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to tremors, problems with balance and movement and speech difficulties. However, some studies have shown that coffee causes activity in the part of the brain affected by Parkinson’s, which spells good news for daily drinkers. But that’s not the only medical condition that can be affected by coffee. Caffeine decreases your insulin sensitivity and impairs glucose tolerance, therefore reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. So if you have a history of metabolic or movement disorders in your family, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about adding a cup of coffee to your diet.
Coffee improves your mood
Any long term coffee lover will tell you that their day doesn’t officially start until they’ve had their morning cup of java, and there’s actually a scientific reason behind this. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and boosts the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which elevates your mood. So if you’re someone who struggles with getting going in the morning, try reaching for a sweet brown brew.
As you can see, there are numerous mental and physical benefits to drinking coffee from increased performance and disease prevention to improve mood and wellbeing. However, it’s important you chat with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist before making any big changes to your usual diet. But you can reap the health benefits of drinking coffee by buying or renting a coffee machine for your office or checking out our fantastic range of beans and brews.
