9 Healthy Properties Of Coffee Proven By Science
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Second only to oil in terms of the most traded commodities all over the world, coffee is no stranger to being the king of beverages (1)! People across the globe prefer its bitter taste and amazing kick to get through the day and then some.
However, this brown beverage has been facing a lot of bad press lately, being called out for not being as good for the health as it is for the taste buds. So, does that mean you should give up on your cup of joe and the energy boost it provides?
No. Coffee may have certain downsides (what doesn’t in excess?), but it has its positives too (just like anything moderation). Here are 9 science-backed health benefits of having coffee that clearly prove you should stick to your morning routine:
1. It Decreases Chances Of Liver Cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest type of liver cancer and it usually doesn’t show any symptoms (2). While cutting down on alcohol is one way to prevent this disease, having coffee is another! According to a study carried out by the Mario Negri Institute, Italy, you can reduce your chances of getting HCC by 40% by having coffee (3).
2. It Helps Prevent Parkinson’s And Alzheimer’s
Two independent studies have discovered that coffee consumption can help cut down the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases among coffee drinkers.
The study from the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, USA, found that having 3 cups of coffee each day can reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s by 65% (4).
As for Parkinson’s, your chances of getting this disease can be cut by 20% if you have coffee, claims The Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil (5).
3. It Reduces Chances Of Developing Breast And Prostate Cancer
The Mario Negri Institute already proved that coffee plays a preventive role in liver cancer. As it turns out, it can reduce the chances of breast and prostate cancers too. A joint research conducted by the Department of Epidemiology at Mario Negri and the Department of Clinical Studies for Health at the University of Milan, showed that coffee can decrease the risk of these two deadly diseases (6).
4. It Is Good For Your Heart
Several news articles may point out that coffee adversely affects the cardiovascular system but scientists believe otherwise. Three separate studies carried out by The National University of Singapore, The Harvard School of Public Health, and the Brigham’s Women’s Hospital have come to the same conclusion that if you have 3 to 5 cups of coffee every day, you become thrice as less likely to develop heart diseases as compared to those who have other drinks (7).
5. It Helps Prevent Gallstones And Joint Diseases
The Brigham’s Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School have proved that you can keep your joints safe from gout by having coffee! Gout, a disease that leads to the inflammation of joints, is caused by poor metabolism. Coffee improves your metabolism, thereby preventing gout (8).
Moreover, the caffeine in your coffee can also prevent gallbladder stones (9). If you drink 4 cups of coffee, your chances are cut down by 4%. Drink 5 cups and they reduce by 45%.
6. It Reduces Your Chances Of Getting Type 2 Diabetes
In another joint study by the Odense University Hospital, the University of Aarhus, and the Aarhus University Hospital, scientists found out that drinking coffee doesn’t put you at risk of diabetes. In fact, it helps prevent it as it contains ‘cafestol,’ a substance that increases insulin production when there’s an excess of glucose. So, drink coffee to prevent diabetes (10).
7. It Rejuvenates Your Cells
Coffee is rich in antioxidants. And antioxidants are actually instrumental in rejuvenating the cells in your body. The fact that coffee can clear tiny wrinkles and stop collagen and fluid loss from taking place is exactly what the scientists from Seoul-based Ewha Women’s University proved (11). So, if you want to look younger, coffee should be in your cup!
8. It Improves Muscle Strength In Old Age
Not only can coffee prevent mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s among the elderly but it can also strengthen their muscles. Researchers at Coventry University discovered that caffeine content in coffee leads to improved muscle strength in old age, preventing injuries caused by falling, etc. (12).
9. It Increases Your Life Expectancy
As per findings of researchers Neil Murphy and Marc J. Gunter, coffee can bring about reduction in the risk of death due to multiple reasons (13). Their cohort study was carried out in several countries, coming to the conclusion that those who were regular drinkers of coffee experienced a lower mortality rate. And this holds true for smokers who drink coffee as well.
These health benefits are a major good news for coffee lovers and addicts! But remember, you can only derive these benefits if you have coffee in moderation.
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