Waking up in the morning can be a challenging task for many, especially with so much that goes on in our busy lives. The taste of coffee is not the only reason to plug in your coffee maker. There are a number of health reasons to muse over the next time you drink your favorite cappuccino; however, the following three may convince even the part-time coffee drinker to sip on a few more cupfuls.
Antioxidants
Research has shown that coffee is loaded with antioxidants. These natural and manmade substances help prevent and delay cell damage. In coffee, these antioxidants have been shown to slow the aging of our skin by reducing the danger of ultraviolet rays caused by the sun. Coffee lowers the risk for many diseases, including 2 diabetes, liver disease, Parkinson’s, and stroke. Studies also point out that three to five cups a day will is a safe, healthy way to keep energy levels up and may keep many of these harmful diseases at bay. Regular coffee is also shown to have more antioxidants than green and black tea—in fact, it may even be the best source of antioxidants in the Western diet.
Caffeine
One of the most advantageous aspects of coffee comes from caffeine. There is a chemical inside our brains called adenosine, which signals the brain that it is time to sleep. Caffeine inhibits adenosine receptors. Studies have displayed a variety of results from caffeine consumption, such as higher test scores, clearer thinking, and improved energy. This explains why so many people need to reach for a cup to start and continue their day. Blood also gets pushed through the body, thanks to a raised heart rate, therefore recharging the brain and muscles. Caffeine also aids in pain management. According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, the same reason that coffee stimulates (blocking adenosine receptors) may also help with pain management, including reducing pain from headaches such as migraines. These benefits hold true even with the lower caffeine content in decaf coffee!
Mental Health
According to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health demonstrated that coffee can fight depression and reduce the risk of depression in women. The study showed that women who drank four or more cups of coffee a day were 20 percent less likely to develop depression. Interestingly, the same results were not found in other caffeinated beverages! Other studies also show that caffeine leads to a lower suicide risk. Of course, everything in moderation: too much caffeine can lead to anxiety and even manic symptoms.
Four cups a day is a lot, though! Although coffee does help us get through our fast-paced, 21st-century lives, it is hard to work in the time to brew it each day, and ordering lattes at a coffee shop can add up financially. Fortunately, technology is on our side. Thanks to the modern convenience of dozens of brands of brewing systems, we can enjoy a fast cup of coffee in the morning or throughout the day. Successful e-commerce companies are popping up with options like a fast and easy-to-buy coffee subscription that will deliver to your door on a monthly basis. Single-brew machines with individual cups are incredibly popular and now even offer recyclable and compostable cups! Not only is coffee actually good for you; it’s easily brew-able and accessible!