Coffee is good for you! No, really, there have been several studies that have shown that your morning cup of coffee is beneficial to your health. Aside from perking you up and giving you a little extra boost of energy, coffee is full of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can help lower your risk of several serious diseases and overall improve your health. Here are some of the ways that coffee is beneficial to your health.
The caffeine in your morning cup of coffee can improve your physical performance. Not only does caffeine increase epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in your blood, but caffeine helps to break down body fat, which turns free fatty acids into fuel. Studies have shown that on average, caffeine improves physical performance by 11-12%. So, next time you are headed to the gym, swap that pre-workout energy drink for a robust cup of coffee.
Your morning cup of coffee is doing much more than just metaphorically making your heart happy; it actually is good for your heart. Studies show that coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease and strokes. In a recent study by Heinrich-Heine-University and the IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Germany, researchers found that coffee sparks the heart cells which in turn has a positive effect on energy stores, mitochondria, and the protein called p27 which helps to protect heart muscle cells.
Aside from the smile that appears on your face when your barista hands you your favorite coffee drink, coffee does help to improve your mood. Several studies have shown that coffee can help to prevent mild to moderate depression. There is still much speculation as to why coffee helps to prevent depression, but some researches have credited its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants as the key to reducing or preventing depression.
There are dozens of other ways that coffee positively impacts your health, but as always all good things should be enjoyed in moderation. So, go on, pour yourself that cup of coffee, and take in all the health benefits of our favorite beverage!