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Coffee isn’t just delicious and energizing. It is healthy! Here are 10 health benefits of coffee that may surprise you. Then, read on to discover how to choose the best coffee to get these health benefits.
Top Ten Health Benefits of Coffee
The health benefits of coffee range from immediate to long-term. Here are some of them!
Do you drink coffee to wake up, face the day, and be able to think properly? Your instinct is correct. Coffee is good for cognitive function! It may be able to improve memory and ability to concentrate, which can be good news if you are trying to get through work meetings or get your children ready for school in the morning.
Coffee’s effects on the brain are not just instantaneous. They may be long-term as well. Coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of cognitive decline during the aging process, and people who drink coffee may have a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. It is not clear whether these benefits are due to caffeine, other compounds in coffee, or both.
Coffee is known to speed metabolism. That means you burn more calories, and that means it is easier to lose weight, not to mention keep the weight off. In addition, compounds in coffee can support fat burning, and that’s always a good thing when you have extra pounds to lose! Just be sure to drink your coffee without too much cream, syrup, or sugar if you are looking to lose weight.
Diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in the United States, and it is largely preventable. Drinking coffee may be one way to lower risk, since it appears that people who regularly drink coffee have a lower risk of developing diabetes. Other ways to lower risk for type 2 diabetes are to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight, and eat a healthy diet.
Coffee drinkers seem to have a lower risk for certain types of cancers compared to people who do not drink coffee. This beverage is rich in antioxidants, which protect cells against damage from chemicals called free radicals. This type of damage is linked to the development of cancerous cells. Prostate, kidney, breast, liver, and colorectal cancer may be less common among coffee drinkers.
Probiotics are bacteria that live in your gut and support your health. Prebiotics are types of fiber that can feed probiotics. It turns out that coffee has prebiotic properties, and people who drink coffee may have a healthier gut microbiome, or diversity of gut bacteria.
A significant 1 in 6 American adults have constipation, with that proportion doubling after age 60. Coffee may help prevent constipation, as it has a laxative effect. It is also hydrating, which reduces constipation. Other ways to prevent constipation are to exercise and eat a high-fiber diet.
Does drinking coffee boost your mood? It may actually be a thing. Some studies suggest that people who drink high amounts of coffee regularly may have a lower risk of developing depression. The jury is still out, though. If you have any signs of depression, be sure to ask your healthcare provider for help.
People can turn to coffee to prevent or treat migraines. Caffeine may be the magic component here. It is present in some over-the-counter migraine medications. The way it works is to constrict blood vessels in your head, which can reduce the pain associated with migraines.
Drinking more low-calorie beverages can improve weight loss and prevent mild dehydration and symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and confusion. If you are not much of a water drinker, coffee can do the trick. It has only about 5 calories per cup if you drink it black, and if you drink decaf coffee, you can drink it like water. Even caffeinated coffee has hydrating properties.
Getting the Most Benefits from Coffee
An important tip for getting benefits from your coffee is to have the right amount each day. While some is good, too much can be problematic. In particular, having too much caffeine can cause various symptoms, such as the following.
- Feeling anxious or nervous.
- Having the jitters.
- Insomnia or having trouble sleeping.
- Increased blood pressure.
The general recommendation for daily caffeine consumption is to keep it to less than 400 mg per day, or about the amount in 4 small cups of coffee. Your own personal limit may be less than that, so it is best to ask your healthcare provider about the right limit for you.
Some people shouldn’t have caffeine at all, or their limits may be lower. Pregnant women, for example, should ask their doctors what a safe level is. Some people are sensitive to caffeine and unable to sleep after having it. Or, caffeine may trigger symptoms such as acid reflux or ulcer pain.
When watching your caffeine intake, keep in mind that different varieties of Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee have different amounts of caffeine. Regular French Roast and Rise and Shine are fully caffeinated, while French Roast Half Caff and French Roast Decaf can help you limit your intake while still enjoying coffee.
Best Brand of Coffee for Health Benefits
The best brand of coffee for health benefits is one that you love and that is pure. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee tastes smooth and balanced, and it is perfectly roasted to add a light chocolate flavor. Other flavors in the coffee beans are vanilla, nuttiness, and fruity notes.
Speaking of drinkability, Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee is more drinkable because it is low in acid. It is gentle on the stomach. Plus, with less acid, it has less of a sour and bitter taste than higher-acid brands.
The coffee is guaranteed fresh, and beyond that, it is clean. Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee is certified organic so it is free from synthetic chemicals that could be harmful. Furthermore, it is tested to be free from mold and mycotoxins, as well as heavy metals. That means you can focus on getting the benefits without worrying about any bad things that you may be putting in your body.