10 Health Benefits of Coffee to Energise Your Day With
Many of us need coffee to start our day right. Without it, we can feel pretty rough, and it shows. But besides a shot of energy, there’s more to argue for our case. Coffee is chock-full of health benefits that give us added incentives to indulge in the beloved morning beverage.
Coffee contains over 1,000 compounds that can impact our bodies in various ways. While some studies discuss the health implications of coffee, its benefits outweigh any potential harm when consumed in moderation.
See below for the health benefits that demonstrate why coffee is worth incorporating into your daily routine!
1. Boosts Your Energy Levels
About 95 mg of caffeine exists in a single cup of coffee. Taking as little as 5 minutes to kick in, caffeine enhances alertness and physical energy, peaking in 30 minutes to an hour. It does this by blocking adenosine receptors, a neurotransmitter responsible for tiredness. The effects of caffeine generally only completely wear off 10 hours after consumption.
2. Elevates Your Mood Instantly
The suppression of adenosine influences other neurotransmitters such as dopamine to increase. Known as a “reward centre”, dopamine is associated with motivation, pleasure, attention and more. It’s thus easy for us to experience varied feelings of “happiness” when drinking coffee. Studies have also shown that habitual coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from depression.
3. Supports Cognitive Health and Slows Dementia
There is compelling evidence suggesting that coffee could delay the onset of dementia. A 2016 analysis published in the National Library of Medicine found that coffee consumption amount is proportionate to a lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers discovered that women aged 65 and older who drank up to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop dementia. Coffee is believed to contain neuroprotective properties that ward off Parkinson’s disease.
4. Fights Off Gallstones
Several factors affect how coffee could prevent gallstone formation. Notably, caffeine has been observed to impede the crystallisation of cholesterol, which serves as the building blocks of cholesterol gallstones — the most common kind of gallstone. It also increases gallbladder motility, stimulating contractions in the gallbladder, leading to bile spending less time in the gallbladder.
5. Lowers Your Risk of Heart Failure
According to the Heart Foundation, almost one in 50 deaths is due to heart failure. But coffee might emerge as a potential boon for heart health. Higher coffee consumption has been linked to a significantly reduced risk of heart failure, and a meta-analysis of 21 studies found that drinking three cups of coffee daily is associated with a 21 percent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases compared to non-drinkers. While the reasons behind the benefits are unclear, some experts believe that it is because coffee may have positive effects on blood vessel function, including the regulation of blood flow.
6. Helps You Manage Your Weight
The causal relationship between coffee intake and weight loss encompasses a few areas. Individuals who regularly consume coffee may find it easier to maintain their weight, as caffeine acts as an appetite suppressant. Furthermore, coffee boosts the burning of fat and increases metabolic rate by up to 11 percent. Some also credit overall weight loss to the enhanced levels of physical activity facilitated by caffeine.
7. Strengthens Your DNA Resilience
DNA damage occurs naturally from environmental factors like toxins, UV light and even cellular metabolism. However, coffee offers some protective effects against free radicals, which cause oxidative stress in our bodies. With its antioxidants, coffee helps neutralise these harmful substances and reduce DNA strand breakage. Oxidative stress is linked to diseases like cancer.
8. Protects Your Liver Health
Research suggests that coffee may improve liver enzyme levels in alcohol drinkers, non-drinkers, and individuals with chronic liver disease. Elevated liver enzyme levels are a sign of inflamed or damaged cells in the liver, often pointing to medical conditions such as hepatitis and liver disease, which could potentially escalate to liver cancer. This 2022 study identified a positive correlation between coffee consumption and liver stiffness, which is used to monitor liver scarring and assess the progression of liver disease.
9. Promotes Digestive Wellness
One of the most noticeable effects of coffee is its ability to make us go more frequently. This is because coffee contains gastrin and cholecystokinin, hormones that trigger colon contractions and influence bowel movement. Hence, coffee keeps us regular, and compounded with its antioxidants that reduce gut inflammation, it can be great for our digestive system.
10. Contributes to a Longer Life
A study on more than 83,000 women indicates that drinking four or more cups of coffee daily could result in a 20 percent lower risk of stroke, one of the leading causes of death in the world. The American Cancer Society has also noted that recent studies suggest a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including head, neck, colon, liver and breast cancer, as a result of coffee consumption. In general, coffee’s health benefits are shown to favour longevity, showcasing about a 12 and 16 percent decrease in risk of early death in men and women respectively. It’s said that even drinking one cup of coffee a day can lower the probability of early death by 5 to 6 percent.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating coffee into your daily routine can do wonders for both your physical and mental health. From the familiar rush of energy and the welcome boost in mood to the unexpected support for cognitive health and longevity, the benefits are hard to ignore. So the next time you enjoy your favourite cup of joe, remember that you’re not just treating yourself to a delightful beverage, you’re also nurturing your health in numerous ways!
Where to better indulge in an aromatic and uplifting cup of coffee than at Daily Ground? As one of Singapore’s best spots for quality coffee, we offer a cosy space for idle conversations and productive sessions. Discover our multi-concept café with your preferred brew and a decadent treat. Kick off your day on a high note with us at Daily Ground!
Find us at 619D Bukit Timah Road #01-01 Singapore 269724.
