Do you find it almost impossible to function without several cups of strong coffee in the morning? If so you are not alone. Millions of Americans drink coffee every day and it is one of the world’s most popular beverages. It doesn’t even matter how you drink it particularly, although if you are partial to frappuccinos, your waistline will suffer in the long term. So what are the health benefits of drinking coffee and can it really help you live forever?
Keep Going All Day Long
The caffeine content in coffee acts as a powerful stimulant, which is great if you have been up all night or are just feeling a bit sleepy mid afternoon. A cup of strong coffee will blow the cobwebs away and help to keep your brain functioning. So if you are on a long road trip but are beginning to feel sleepy, stop for a cup of extra strong espresso—the break plus a dose of caffeine will help to prevent you from dosing off at the wheel, and thus dying prematurely.
Reduces Risk of Depression
Depression is a serious mental health disorder. Millions of people suffer from some degree of depressive illness at one time or another and if left untreated, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. Drinking a few cups of coffee per day has been shown to reduce the risk of depression, but irrespective of this, coffee is very much a social drink, so making the effort to step outside the house and meet friends for a coffee is a great mood lift. And happy people live longer.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Several scientific studies have indicated that people who drink coffee have a reduced risk of developing cancer. Oral cancers, prostate, liver and breast cancer rates are all lower amongst those who enjoy a daily dose of coffee, which is good news for your life expectancy. Drinking espressos might not prevent you from developing cancer at some point, but it could just lessen the odds.
Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s
Coffee helps to keep the brain healthy, apparently. Studies have indicated that those who drink three or four cups of coffee per day are a lot less likely to develop neurological brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. You do need to have been a regular coffee drinker for twenty years or so for maximum protection, so if you only picked up the coffee habit last year, you have some way to go yet.
Prevents Diabetes
Coffee contains high levels of antioxidants and minerals, which is why it has been linked to a reduction in the levels of Type 2 diabetes in a number of important scientific studies. Minerals such as chromium and magnesium are known to help the body regulate insulin levels, so regular coffee drinkers are far less likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. However, if you are significantly overweight or you never take any exercise, drinking coffee is unlikely to prevent you from developing diabetes at some point.
Coffee has a number of health benefits that can enhance your life, but if consumed in excess, caffeine is dangerous and may end up shortening your life instead. So remember, for maximum benefits, only drink good quality coffee and always enjoy it in moderation.
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
Toby Mathews, the author of this postis a sales executive at Caruso Caffe, a firm that specializes in espresso machines in Toronto. He enjoys writing about his experiences and he goes out of his way to help people. Whenever he isn’t busy, he likes to spend time with his family.
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