5 Reasons Why Coffee Is Good For Your Health
Our second post this week is for all the caffeine fiends out there. We combed through reams of research and scientific studies about the effects of coffee on our bodies and brains. Here’s our quick guide to caffeine.
- Coffee improves your mood
The American Academy of Neurology published a study saying that those who drank four or more cups of coffee were about 10% less likely to be depressed than non-coffee drinkers. Interestingly, a Harvard study published in 2013 showed that drinking two cups of coffee a day prevents risk of suicide by 50 percent. Both studies proved that coffee acts as a mild antidepressant. Coffee helps in the brain’s production of dopamine (aka the happiness hormone).
- Coffee enhances your memory
Coffee doesn’t just perk you up — one cup of joe a day can give your memory a boost too. A study from John Hopkins University proves that coffee can enhance your memory.
“We’ve always known that caffeine has cognitive-enhancing effects, but its particular effects on strengthening memories and making them resistant to forgetting has never been examined in detail in humans,” says Michael Yassa, assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. “We report for the first time a specific effect of caffeine on reducing forgetting over 24 hours.”
- Coffee helps you burn calories faster
Coffee is one of the best drinks for weight loss because it boosts your metabolism. The National Center for Biotechnology Information proved that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3 to 11 percent. Coffee also contains magnesium and potassium, which helps the human body regulate blood sugar levels and reduce your craving for sweet snacks. It makes sense to have a strong cup of coffee before you hit the gym.
- Coffee is a great source of antioxidants
Researchers from the University of Scranton claim that “nothing else comes close” to providing as many antioxidants as coffee. Their study revealed that a typical serving of coffee contains more antioxidants than typical servings of grape juice, blueberries, raspberries, and oranges. PLOS One’s research further details the antioxidant capacities of brewed coffee.
- Coffee helps lower your risk of getting sick
There’s a body of research claiming coffee helps reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Because coffee is packed with antioxidants, it makes sense that coffee could help you live longer.
Want some more research?
AsapSCIENCE explains how caffeine stimulates adrenaline production and prevents your brain from reabsorbing dopamine, which in turn keeps you happy.
