Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants in the United States. Many people begin every day with a mean cup of joe.
Some people love the taste while others love the effects. Regardless, there are always questions surrounding the health benefits of java. For example, is coffee for weight loss effective? Here are 10 health reasons you should drink black coffee every day.
1. Cleansing your system
You’ve probably heard people say that coffee is a natural diuretic. This means that it can increase the rate at which you’ll urinate. While cleanses should always be used with caution, coffee can help clean out your system. Through our digestive and urinary systems, our bodies are able to release viruses and other harmful bacteria.
Coffee helps to increase the rate at which these processes function. You can now rest assured that those frequent bathroom breaks from black coffee are not so bad after all.
2. Aiding in weight loss
Weight loss has become somewhat of an obsession in our current society. Question marks often linger around the question of coffee for weight loss. The reality isn’t as simple as many may hope. It has been shown that a cup of joe can increase our metabolic rate which can result in the burning of fat.
Our bodies get used to this pretty quickly and the effects stop after a while. However, that cup of caffeine can also act as a powerful hunger suppressant that has the possibility of resulting in less of an appetite.
3. Decreased risk of Alzheimers Disease and Dementia
Alzheimers Disease (AD) and Dementia are both associated with memory loss, especially in older age. It is well-known and documented that caffeine provides a quick stimulation to the body’s central nervous system. Many people are curious about the long-term effect of coffee on cognitive functioning.
Previous studies have shown it to have a positive effect on a decline in cognitive ability. In a CAIDE study, drinking 3-5 cups of joe per day was correlated with a decreased risk in both Dementia and AD. More specifics about this telling study can be found here.
4. Helps against depression
Depression is a serious condition that affects countless people in the United States. While expert attention should always be sought, there are daily routines that have been shown to be beneficial. Drinking a cup of java is one of these. One study suggests that drinking more than a few cups a day or more can lead to a decreased risk for depression.
5. Protecting against Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is perhaps one of the most frightening neurodegenerative diseases. It may sound too good to be true, but a moderate amount of caffeine taken on a daily basis may have a protective effect against this awful disease. This prospective relationship between moderate caffeine intake and protection against Parkinson’s was primarily observed amongst female participants.
More studies are currently underway to learn more about this potential connection. At this point, it seems that a cup of joe every morning can only help protect against Parkinson’s.
6. Related to eight of our genes
While this isn’t directly related to making you healthy, it is incredibly interesting. Scientists have identified a total of eight genes that relate to our consumption of this wonderful java juice. Two of these genes were previously identified. This discovery can help lead to more answers concerning the way in which caffeine affects each individual differently.
7. Provides important nutrients
8. Increases cognitive functioning
While that morning cup of java won’t turn you into an Einstein, there are some definite cognitive benefits. Roughly 40 minutes after consumption, the caffeine enters the brain and raises the amount of the norepinephrine and dopamine transmitters. This helps neurons to fire faster and can enhance your mood, energy and memory.
9. Reduction of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is a condition affecting millions of Americans today. Fortunately, that morning habit of caffeine consumption may be contributing to a lower risk of this form of Diabetes. The Harvard School of Public Health(HSPH) conducted a study to discover what changes are made.
Participants who increased the amount of joe they drank by more than one cup a day experienced an 11% lower risk for type 2 diabetes over a four-year period. This was in contrast to participants who made no changes in their consumption.
10. It makes us feel good
One of the simplest health benefits of that java is making you feel good. Caffeine helps us to tap into many reward systems ingrained in our brain. That feeling you get after taking a sip isn’t insignificant. However, this is also the reason that caffeine is so addictive.
It’s nice to hear that a cup of joe can do more than just wake you up in the morning. There are several health benefits associated with this daily routine. However, it is important to read into each study conducted to ensure the best understanding of the results. Furthermore, a medical professional should be consulted before greatly enhancing your daily intake of caffeine.
