is coffee good for you?
It’s the beginning of a New Year and we are all looking for ways to stick with healthy habits; well we have one for you and it’s something you’re already probably doing- drinking coffee! Everyone drinks coffee for a different reason, some for the taste, some for the caffeination, some just because it’s part of a routine. However, most people don’t know that coffee has a lot of health benefits, and we’re here to share the good news!
Longevity
We drink a cup to get us through the day, but it's getting us through life! Many studies show that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day is linked with a longer lifespan. Additionally, Hopkins Medicine (n.d.) states that "recent studies found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from some of the leading causes of death in women: coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease."
May Slow the Progress of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
While there are still studies to be done to confirm this theory, "the majority of studies suggest that regular coffee/caffeine consumption over a lifetime reduces the risk of developing AD."
Promotes Heart Health
Depending on how you take your coffee- black is said to be best- two to three cups of coffee a day can improve cardiovascular health such as lower risk for coronary heart disease, heart failure, and heart rhythm problems. Dr. Mungee from OSF HealthCare (n.d.) also notes that coffee beans have over 100 biologically active compounds which can help reduce stress and inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity and block receptors known to be involved with abnormal heart rhythms.
Boosts Energy/Brain Function
A main reason we all start our day with coffee is to get rid of the morning grogginess and help to increase our energy. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the promotion of sleep and is also linked to the digestion process. Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP) is the further breakdown of food which is responsible for energy transference between cells; after ATP is used, it becomes adenosine. Adenosine builds up in the bloodstream, and if interacting with specific cell receptors, causes drowsiness. Due to this process, cognitive functioning improves when you drink coffee due to the block of adenosine in the brain- this is along with memory, reaction speed, productivity, and motivation.
Helps Gut Health
Lastly, coffee stimulates gut motility and may improve gut bacterial health. Coffee has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects which also helps with this.
While there are still studies to be done to give us more insight on how coffee can help us, hopefully you find comfort in knowing that 2-3 cups of coffee a day might actually keep the doctor away!
"9 Reasons Why (the Right Amount Of) Coffee Is Good for You." 9 Reasons Why (the Right Amount Of) Coffee Is Good for You | Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hopkins Medicine, 28 Oct. 2021. Web. 1 Jan. 2023.
"Adenosine Sleep: What Is Adenosine and What Does Adenosine Do?" SleepScore. 03 Dec. 2021. Web. 1 Jan. 2023.
"Coffee and Neurodegenerative Disorders: Coffee and Alzheimer's Disease." Coffee & Health. Web. 1 Jan. 2023.
Faley, Katie. "I Heart Coffee: Coffee's Health Effects on the Heart." OSF HealthCare Blog. 07 June 2022. Web. 1 Jan. 2023.
Link, Rachael. "9 Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science." Healthline. Healthline Media, 11 Jan. 2022. Web. 1 Jan. 2023.
Ruscio, Dr. Michael. "The Surprising Connection between Coffee and Gut Health." Dr. Michael Ruscio, DNM, DC. 03 Sept. 2021. Web. 1 Jan. 2023.