Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world, but is it good for you?
The topic has been steeped in a long-brewing controversy for many years, reaching back to the 18th century when this steamy beverage began gaining popularity. Coffee was demonized as a potential cause of heart disease, panic attacks, high blood pressure, and other health problems, but modern research has debunked many of these claims.
While some people may be sensitive to the caffeine in coffee and experience jitters or other side effects, studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption (around 3 cups per day) is generally safe and even boasts a few health benefits.
The Health Benefits of Coffee
Boost Brain Function
For starters, coffee is loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidant properties found in coffee can help keep our brain cells healthy and boost the performance of neurotransmitters.
Related benefits include increased brain function, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and physical performance. That’s right, physical performance! Many athletes use caffeine as a performance enhancer to help them train longer and harder.
On top of that, the powerful effects of antioxidants are proven to reduce one’s risk of developing degenerative health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Now those are many health benefits in your morning cup of coffee!
Helps Blood Sugar & Diabetes
Many recent studies have shown that the more coffee you drink, the lower your risk of developing type two diabetes. Crazy, right? Not at all. In addition to antioxidants, coffee contains polyphenols, magnesium, and chromium.
Greater magnesium (and chromium) intake has been linked with lower rates of type 2 diabetes, as these nutrients work together to keep blood sugar and insulin levels within a healthy range for diabetics. One case study shows that drinking 12 or more cups of coffee daily could make you 67% less likely to develop diabetes than people who don’t drink coffee.
Lowers Risk of Disease
Some studies show the benefits of drinking coffee include a reduced risk of liver disease, liver cancer, and several other debilitating health conditions. Observational and lab studies suggest that the consumption of coffee has a protective effect (hepatoprotective effect) against chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C virus, and several different types of cancer. All thanks to the beneficial way in which coffee reduces liver enzymes. So, is coffee healthy? We think the pros are stacking up quite nicely.
The Cons of Coffee Consumption
Insomnia
Unsurprisingly, the caffeine in coffee can often lead to insomnia. Sleep loss can be a prevalent side effect for people who consume large amounts of coffee or are sensitive to caffeine or sugar.
Remember, coffee takes about 6 hours to leave your system completely, so it’s probably a good idea to stop drinking it after about 4 pm. However, decaffeinated coffee can still have many of the same benefits as regular coffee, so switching to decaf to promote a healthy sleep schedule is a great idea.
Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that increases brain and nervous system activity. It also increases blood pressure, heart rate, and the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused. However, for those with sensitive stomachs, you may need to reconsider that cup of coffee because it can be unsettling on the stomach, causing acid reflux, stomach discomfort, and digestive or gastrointestinal issues.
Calcium Loss
Calcium Loss. Unfortunately, the antioxidant properties in coffee aren’t the only effect the drink will have on you. Drinking coffee also causes the body to lose calcium, which the urine carries out excessively. Over time, excessive coffee drinkers could put themselves at risk of osteoporosis, where the bones become less dense and more fragile. Fortunately, this can be evaded by putting two tablespoons of milk in the drink or taking calcium supplements daily.
Caffeine Affects
Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that increases brain and nervous system activity. It also increases blood pressure, heart rate, and the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused. However, for those with sensitive stomachs, you may need to reconsider that cup of coffee because it can be unsettling on the stomach, causing acid reflux, stomach discomfort, and digestive or gastrointestinal issues.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Coffee Consumption
As with most things in life, coffee consumption has pros and cons, but overall, modern research suggests that coffee can contribute greatly to a long and healthy life.
You can achieve maximum health benefits from coffee by using freshly ground high-altitude coffee beans, drinking coffee before 6 pm, limiting yourself to 3-4 cups a day depending on your sensitivity, and restricting the amount of sugar or creamer you add to your brew.
Indulge in the highest-quality coffee at Cupla, Utah’s best local coffee roasters. Our coffee company is dedicated to providing the highest quality in every cup, which we achieve through our knowledgeable staff and brewing methods. Cupla Coffee is a high-altitude coffee company providing exceptional coffee in Salt Lake City, Park City, and Cottonwood Heights. Stop by one of our locations today to experience what makes us one of the best high-altitude coffee companies in the state.