7 Reasons To Drink Coffee
If you love your cup of joe in the morning, there could be some benefits to it. While consumed in large quantities isn’t healthy, coffee in moderation has some health benefits. That’s good to know because Americans drink 146 billion cups of coffee on an annual basis!
Seven known benefits of coffee:
- Reduces Depression: There is some evidence that coffee drinkers have lower rates of depression and suicide. A Harvard study showed that coffee drinkers had more than a 50-percent reduced risk of suicide and depression, particularly in women. This might be because caffeine stimulates the central nervous system to produce serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good chemicals. Please note that coffee does not act as a substitute for medicine and should not be used to self-medicate. If you are struggling with depression, please consult your physician immediately.
- Prevent Cavities: If you like your coffee black, you’re in luck. If you like your coffee with sugar and milk or cream, not so much. Black coffee can kill bacteria that cause tooth decay. However, if you add a creamer and sugar, you lose that benefit.
- Reduces Exercise-Induced Pain: Coffee can also increase the benefits of exercise, thanks to caffeine. Studies have shown that drinking coffee before or after a workout reduces muscle strain and pain. Just like with depression, do not use coffee to self-medicate. If you have pain after exercise, you might want to consult your physician.
- Lowered Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Three ingredients found in coffee can help reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk by 9-percent. Of course, you need to minimize the use of milk and sugar or you eliminate those benefits.
- Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: There is some initial evidence that drinking several cups of coffee daily can slow the onset of Alzheimer’s – in some cases, by 65-percent. Researchers aren’t certain but believe it could be because caffeine reduces inflammation. Ask your physician if you are concerned about Alzheimer’s
- Promotes Stronger DNA: There is some evidence to indicate that regular coffee consumption contributes to DNA integrity. Breakdown or weakened DNA strands can eventually lead to cancer or other health issues.
- Boosts Fiber Intake: If you would like to add some fiber and love coffee, you’ll be glad to know that a cup of coffee adds about 10-percent of your daily fiber needs.