Everything in moderation is good, and drinking coffee is no exception. Caffeine's benefits and drawbacks have been debated for years; however, coffee also contains high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients, making it not only an aromatic but also a beneficial beverage for you.
And if you're a coffee shop owner, it would be more rewarding to concentrate not only on your branding design (for example, checking where you can find standard coffee sleeves), but also ensure that your customers understand how they can benefit from the coffee you serve.
Below, you will find a list of proven benefits of drinking the right amount of coffee. They range from aiding in liver protection and lowering the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases to improving mental performance and reducing the risk of a stroke, among other benefits. Continue reading to find out how you can get more out of your daily cup of coffee - and get more customers into your coffee shop.
Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the most common health problems in the United States, and it's a major cause of death. This condition occurs when there is an obstruction in the coronary arteries. The obstruction is usually caused by a build-up of plaque, which is a combination of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances.
Coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease; specifically, drinking three or more cups of coffee per day can lower the risk of heart disease by up to 20%. However, it's not clear whether the caffeine or other components found in coffee are responsible for this effect.
Helps Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects over 25 million people in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. This condition occurs when your body is unable to produce enough insulin or properly use the insulin it produces.
Coffee has been linked to a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, with those who drink one cup per day having a 10% lower risk; however, those who drink four cups per day have a 50% decrease in their risk. This may be due to the antioxidants found in coffee or even just the act of lowering stress levels.
Reduces the Risk of Liver Cancer
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body and is the largest organ in the abdominal cavity (next to the stomach). The liver performs hundreds of different functions and is responsible for breaking down and removing toxins from the blood. It also plays a role in fat metabolism, digestion and absorption of nutrients and even serves as a temporary storage site for red blood cells.
The liver is susceptible to cancer, and while it's not one of the leading causes of death, it does account for roughly 30% of all malignancies. Liver cancer is usually caused by hepatitis B or C, excessive alcohol consumption, or exposure to toxic chemicals like benzene.
However, drinking coffee has been associated with a lowered risk of developing liver cancer; specifically, those who drink four or more cups per day have a 40% lower risk of developing liver cancer than those who don't drink coffee at all. The benefits could be due to antioxidants found in coffee as well as its ability to improve liver function and decrease fat build-up on the liver.
Protects Against Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is another common health problem in the United States; over 5 million Americans suffer from this condition, and that number is expected to rise sharply over the next decade. Alzheimer's disease causes memory loss as well as problems with reasoning and planning. It's a progressive disease that eventually leads to death.
Coffee has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer's disease, meaning that drinking coffee may reduce your risk of developing this condition. In fact, those who drink three or more cups per day have an 80% lower chance of developing Alzheimer's disease than those who don't drink coffee at all.
May Lower Your Risk of Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is another common neurological disorder and is caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. This condition causes tremors, stiffness, slowness and difficulties with walking. It's a progressive condition that degenerates over time and eventually leads to death.
Several studies have shown that drinking coffee can help prevent Parkinson's disease; specifically, one study showed that drinking two cups per day can reduce your risk of Parkinson's disease by 60%. However, it appears that caffeine may not be responsible for this effect; rather, it may be due to antioxidants found in coffee or even its ability to lower stress levels.
Boosts Mood & Energy Levels
Coffee has a number of benefits that can help boost your mood and energy levels. It's been shown to increase alertness, improve short-term memory and decrease feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
Caffeine in coffee is responsible for these effects; specifically, it can stimulate the central nervous system and cause your body's energy reserves to be released. Therefore, drinking coffee has a number of benefits for both your physical and mental performance.
Conclusion
Coffee is a widely consumed beverage that has a number of benefits, ranging from lowering your risk of heart disease to reducing the risk of liver cancer. It also has a number of benefits for your physical performance and mental health.
However, it's important to keep in mind that coffee can have negative effects if you consume too much of it. Therefore, it's best to stay within the recommended daily limits: three to five cups per day for most adults.
