Coffee is to man as the early worm is to the bird—a staple start to the day, that for many of us, makes those torrid AM hours somehow more bearable. But java has benefits outside of the quick boost of energy. Here’s why you should drink more Joe for your health (and sanity):
1. Boosts Physical Performance
Caffeine increases levels of Adrenaline in the blood, a hormone which prepares our bodies for physical exertion. Caffeine causes fat cells to break down body fat, which is then absorbed in the bloodstream as free fatty acids available to use as fuel. Overall, caffeine can improve physical performance by up to 12%.
2. Decreases Your Risk Of Type II Diabetes
According to this study led by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, drinking more java can lower your risk of type II diabetes by 11%. They also found that a decrease in coffee consumption by more than a cuppa a day can increase your risk of type II diabetes by 17%.
READ MORE: Why Coffee Won’t Do a Damn Thing After One Too Many Late Nights
3. Reduces Your Suicide Risk
Coffee makes you happy when skies are grey: daily brew consumption was linked to a reduction in suicide risk in both men and women by almost 50%, according to a study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health. How? This morning elixir stimulates the central nervous system and by boosting the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, acts as a mild antidepressant.
4. Lowers Risk Of Certain Types Of Cancers
LIVER CANCER: Drinking between one and three cups of java per day can lower your risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer by a whopping 56%, according to a recent study.
COLON & RECTAL CANCER: In this study, higher consumption of caffeinated coffee was associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer, while drinking more decaffeinated coffee was associated with a lower risk of colon and rectal cancer.
ORAL/PHARYNGEAL CANCER: In another study, researchers found that drinking four or more cups of caffeinated java each day was linked with a 49% lower risk of dying from oral/pharyngeal cancer than no or occasional consumption.
5. Makes You Smarter
Coffee improves various aspects of brain function, such as memory, reaction time and general cognitive function, according to a recent study.
6. Aids in Weight Loss
A substance extracted from un-roasted coffee beans (green coffee beans) can aid in weight loss, says new research.
READ MORE: Here Are 11 Reasons You Should Be Drinking Coffee Right Now
7. Lowers Stroke Risk
Researchers in this study found that drinking at least one cup of coffee daily was associated with about a 20% lower risk of stroke.
8. Cuts Muscle Pain
A study in the Journal of Pain suggests that consuming two cups of coffee per day can reduce post-workout muscle pain by up to 48%.
9. May Delay Alzheimers
According to this study, three cups of coffee a day may delay Alzheimer’s disease in older adults. Researchers of this study recommend drinking coffee regularly.
10. Ups Your Fibre Intake
Turns out coffee has more fibre than wine and orange juice, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, which can help keep you regular, and can slow the rate at which sugar is absorbed in your bloodstream. So drink up!
