Photo by Erik Witsoe
Coffee is known for being the most commonly used recreational drug and the fuel that helps many people through long workdays, but it has many other benefits.
These five benefits show just how powerful coffee can be.
Improves Concentration and Alertness
Coffee can cause a jittery and anxious sensation if you drink too much, but when consumed in sensible amounts, it improves concentration and alertness, as shown after decades of testing of beverages containing caffeine.
If you routinely lack motivation and your attention span wanders, a little coffee can give you more focus. It’s no surprise that coffee is most commonly consumed in the morning. Coffee can speed up your ability to start your day and become productive.
Boosts Metabolism
Coffee has shown a consistent ability to boost metabolism and thus fat loss. It ramps up the signaling that instructs your body to burn fat for energy during regular activities.
Taken in moderate amounts in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet and an exercise regimen oriented toward weight loss, coffee speeds up your results by increasing the amount of fat you burn. Just make sure you take it without cream or sugar to avoid extra calories.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Coffee reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes. If you consume coffee regularly, you can reduce your risk by up to 50%, but the effect is dose-dependent and seems to go up with each cup of coffee consumed. While some of this effect comes from caffeine itself, coffee seems to have a greater effect than caffeine alone does, making it superior for lowering your risk of diabetes.
Keeps Your Brain Healthy
One of the most significant effects of coffee is its ability to protect brain function and prevent some of the worst brain diseases. Regular coffee consumption greatly reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Coffee keeps your brain healthy by protecting neurons and maintaining your drive to use your intellectual muscle daily.
Protects Your Liver
One of the worst liver conditions is cirrhosis, which leads to significant scarring that impairs liver function. Coffee prevents cirrhosis when consumed regularly. Coffee also can reduce the risk of liver cancer and a few other cancers.
Coffee isn’t without side effects, and you should never consume it in amounts beyond what you can tolerate. But most people don’t experience negative effects from drinking a moderate amount every day. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure or other medical conditions, consult your doctor about the safe amount of coffee to drink.
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