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Everyone loves coffee. It is the go-to beverage when people want to feel energetic in the morning (or throughout the day), hang out with friends, or go on a date. What you probably don’t know is that it has been criticized in the past. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Coffee is so good because of caffeine – the most common psychoactive substance. The world’s most popular beverage has its critics but coffee is high in antioxidants and nutrition. However, consuming too much coffee, which is not unheard of, can cause more than a few problems. Keep in limits and you can get the benefits of coffee. Consult expert nutritionists with FITFEAST for best dietary advice.
7 Benefits of Coffee
No other beverage increases your energy levels and makes you feel less tired like coffee except energy drinks that contain hazardous amounts of sugar. As mentioned earlier, coffee is rich in caffeine, which gives you all the energy. When the caffeine is absorbed in your bloodstream, it reaches the brain and blocks adenosine – inhibitory neurotransmitter. As a result, the brain receives more dopamine and norepinephrine – hormones that fire up the neurons. Coffee has been found to improve memory, mood, reaction time, and mental function in general.
Ever had coffee before your workout session? If you have or if your trainer/dietitian has ever recommended it, you should follow this advice. Caffeine is common in most fat-burning supplements since it is one of the natural substances that aid weight loss. It can boost your metabolic rate up to 11%. Coffee helps shed water weight and give you enough energy for a high-intensity workout.
Coffee facilitates the breakdown of body fat by stimulating the nervous system through caffeine. Additionally, caffeine increases the production of adrenaline. Known as the fight or flight hormone, adrenaline allows the body to work harder and exert more energy. It breaks down body fat which the fatty acids free for body fuel. Having a cup of black coffee 30 minutes before going to the gym is a good idea.
Ever seen how coffee is harvested? Coffee beans are actually seeds found in bright right and yellow coloured fruit. The seeds as well as the fruit are antioxidant-rich. Fruits in general, especially berries, are good sources of antioxidants. However, they are consumed in small quantities compared to coffee consumption. Coffee is the best source of antioxidants in modern diets. Antioxidants are very important since they help the body fight free radicals. Coffee contains a polyphenol that fights inflammation and thus reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Apart from these coffee beans consist of other nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin B5, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and niacin. Having 3-4 cups of coffee can restore nutrient levels in your body.
Diabetes is a major health problem across the globe and coffee can help with it. High blood sugar is caused by insulin resistance or a reduced ability to secrete insulin. It is not quite clear why but coffee is known to reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. Coffee drinkers have up to 50% lower risk of getting diabetes.
Among the most common dementia-causing diseases is Alzheimer’s – a neurodegenerative disease that affects people over the age of 65. For the worst part, it has no known cure. However, it may be prevented by exercising, eating healthy, and drinking coffee. According to studies, those who drink coffee regularly have up to a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Parkinson’s follows Alzheimer’s closely – it is the second most common neurodegenerative disease caused due to the death of dopamine-generating neurons. Just like Alzheimer’s it does not have a cure but may be prevented by drinking decaf coffee.
Coffee benefits include fighting depression, which is a major mental disorder quite commonly occurring among people these days. Studies have been done and have revealed that people who drink 4 or more cups of coffee a day have a 20% less chance of falling into depression. Suicide numbers affirm that coffee drinkers are considerably less likely to kill themselves.
