7 Science-Backed Benefits Of Coffee

Over 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed every single day and coffee is the most potent and most consumed caffeinated beverage in the world. But what about the real benefits of drinking coffee daily?

Before talking about the benefits of your beloved cup of coffee, let’s first understand how caffeine works in our brains, shall we?

Inside the brain, caffeine works by blocking adenosine from binding to receptors, making us feel more alert and vigilant.

And even if the news is positive for coffee lovers, we still need to consume it in moderation. That’s because caffeine has a half-life of 5 to 7 hours, meaning that half of the afternoon’s cup of coffee will remain in the body for more than 5 to 7 hours. In other words, it can affect your sleep if you drink too much.

Now that you’re aware that moderation is important let’s talk about seven health benefits of coffee, all backed by science.

Caffeine Boost Your Energy Levels

As already mentioned, caffeine blocks adenosine and allows other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine to increase.

Many studies in humans show that coffee improves brain function aspects such as memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels and so on.

Improves Physical Performance

Caffeine can improve physical performance by 12%, on average. It works by affecting and stimulating our muscles, brain, nervous system, and hormones.

Due to its positive effect on training performance, coffee has been widely used by athletes and people aiming to improve their overall performance.

It Provides Antioxidants

Coffee is rich in antioxidants and some studies say that the beverage can be the most significant source of antioxidants in the human diet.

Some of these powerful antioxidants are hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols, both of them being very effective at neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress.

It Increases Fat Burn

Several studies show that caffeine boosts our metabolism, increasing fat burn. That’s why you can find caffeine in almost all fat-burning supplements.

But keep in might that caffeine alone won’t help you to lose weight. It’s just an excellent resource to add to your diet and routine.

It Protects the Liver

It’s not just the brain that benefits from caffeine. Other organs like the liver can be supported by daily coffee consumption.

According to Healthline, people who drink four or more cups of coffee per day have 80% less chance of developing liver conditions.

It May Makes You Live Longer

Coffee intake is often associated with longer life expectancy and a decreased overall risk of mortality, related to lower heart rates.

In some studies, drinking coffee was linked to a 20% reduced risk of death in men and a 26% decreased risk of death in women.

It May Reduces the Risks of Heart Diseases

Apart from the brain and liver, coffee is also the heart’s best friend, even though caffeine is often said to increase blood pressure.

This is actually true, but the effect is almost insignificant. There is some evidence supporting the idea that coffee drinkers have a reduced risk of heart strokes.