That morning cup of java can feel like a godsend, especially when you wake up bleary-eyed after another fitful battle with your sheets. But this brown elixir does more than just wash away lingering tiredness; each sip of coffee can also pack some serious health benefits.
Let’s unpack the science behind your morning brew:
1. It Might Prevent Diabetes
In a study published in the journal Diabetologica, researchers kept tabs on a group of almost 124,000 people over the span of two decades. They found that those who upped their coffee consumption by more than a cup a day over just a four-year period managed to slash their risks of developing Type 2 diabetes by 11%. Those who nixed coffee from their daily menu actually ramped up their risks of disease.
READ MORE: Why Coffee Won’t Do a Damn Thing After One Too Many Late Nights
However, be warned: if you already have Type 2 diabetes, coffee is a beverage best avoided. Past research has shown that caffeine intake can actually spike your insulin and blood sugar levels if you’re battling with the disease.
2. It Might Increase Your Lifespan
A study published in the BMJ found that those who drank coffee regularly managed to tap into a wider range of health benefits than their java-deprived peers. Their research showed that coffee converts were less likely to die prematurely and 19% less likely to die of heart disease.
3. It Might Hit the Brakes on Dementia
One study looked into how caffeine might help slow the progress of dementia. The result? Those who drank between three to five cups of the good stuff managed to slash their risk of developing the disease by as much as 65%.
4. It Might Protect Your Heart
A 2013 review looked at the relationship between consuming coffee and cardiovascular disease. After assessing the findings of 36 different studies, the authors concluded that those who drank between three to five cups of coffee per day had a drastically lower risk of developing heart disease than those exceeding or falling short of these amounts.
5. It Might Safeguard Your Liver
Big night out? Coffee could be the cure. Studies have found that drinking any amount of coffee over abstaining from the beverage could help reduce your risks of developing liver fibroids, liver cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
READ MORE: Overdosed on Coffee? Here’s What To Do
6. It Might Boost Your Physical Performance
Caffeine spikes levels of Adrenaline in the blood, a hormone that preps your body for some serious physical exertion. Caffeine also causes fat cells to break down body fat, which is then absorbed in the bloodstream as free fatty acids available to burn as fuel. Overall, caffeine can improve physical performance by up to 12%.
