How Does Coffee Affect Your Health?
indrani karmakarBA Hons Experience: 2.5 yearsIndrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... more
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There are two kinds of people on earth, one who can live without coffee, and one who will go crazy if their coffee mug is taken away from them. If you belong to the latter category, we have some great news for you. Coffee is more than just something that wakes you up, it has some great health benefits worth fighting for. In this article, we have made a list of some benefits you can avail just by including coffee in your daily life. Read on!
It Boosts Mental Agility And Focus
While it’s no secret that coffee can enhance alertness and concentration, its effects on mental agility go beyond mere wakefulness. The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant, increasing the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine (1). They are associated with improved cognitive function. As a result, coffee drinkers may experience heightened focus, sharper memory retention, and faster reaction times. It is a cognitive boost that comes in handy during demanding tasks or intense study sessions.
It Enhances Physical Performance
Coffee isn’t just for mental acuity, it can also give your physical performance a boost. Caffeine has been shown to increase adrenaline levels in the blood, which can mobilize fatty acids from fat tissues and enhance physical endurance (2). Whether you’re hitting the gym or embarking on a challenging hike, a cup of coffee beforehand might just give you the extra push you need to reach new heights.
It Helps Improve Your Mood Elevation
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee has a way of lifting the spirits, but its effects on mood go beyond mere sensory pleasure. Studies have shown that caffeine can stimulate the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being (3).
It Supports Digestive Health
Did you know, coffee also acts as a natural digestive aid? The caffeine in coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive tract, promoting peristalsis (4). Additionally, coffee contains compounds like chlorogenic acids and polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may support overall digestive health (5).
It Helps Regulate Appetite
If you’ve ever noticed that your appetite decreases after drinking coffee, you’re not alone. Caffeine has been shown to suppress appetite by influencing hormones like ghrelin, which is responsible for signaling hunger to the brain (6). Additionally, the thermogenic properties of caffeine can temporarily increase metabolism, leading to a decrease in appetite and a potential boost in calorie burning. However, it’s essential to strike a balance and not rely solely on coffee to manage appetite.
It Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Coffee may offer unexpected benefits for blood sugar regulation, particularly for those at risk of type 2 diabetes. It is all thanks to compounds like chlorogenic acids and trigonelline, which have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism (7). While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, incorporating coffee into a balanced diet may offer potential benefits for blood sugar management.
It Boosts Liver Health
Your morning cup of coffee may be doing more than just perking you up. It could also be supporting liver health. Research suggests that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of liver diseases such as cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (8). The exact mechanisms behind these protective effects are still being studied, but it’s believed that compounds like chlorogenic acids and caffeine may play a role in reducing inflammation and promoting liver function.
It Helps With Stress Reduction And Relaxation
For many, the act of sipping a warm cup of coffee is synonymous with relaxation and comfort. Beyond its rich flavor and aroma, coffee may have physiological effects that promote relaxation and stress reduction (9). The ritual of brewing and savoring a cup of coffee can provide a moment of mindfulness and respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to recharge and rejuvenate both your body and mind.
Bonus: Coffee Is Also Great For Skin Health!
Coffee isn’t just for drinking, it’s also a popular ingredient in skincare products, thanks to its potential benefits for skin health. So, if your coffee powder has gone bad, you can always use it for skin care! The caffeine in coffee has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. Additionally, caffeine may promote blood circulation and reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. This makes it a popular ingredient in eye creams and serums.
So, now we know that coffee is much more than just a beverage. From boosting cognitive function to promoting social connection, coffee has the power to enhance every aspect of your life, one sip at a time. So, the next time you reach for your favorite brew, savor not just the flavor, but also the many benefits it brings to body, mind, and soul.
