Are you a coffee addict? Then you are contributing to the WHOPPING 70 million cups of coffee consumed each day in the United States. Don’t worry though, no one is judging you! Before you go trying to ditch your habit, you might be happy to know there are some upsides to it. Balance is key – too much of anything can be bad for you – but a cup (or two) isn’t going to kill you, and there are a few reasons it may actually help you out!
1. Mood Booster
Know anyone who can’t function as a normal human without their morning cup of joe? Well, there is scientific proof that coffee gives you an extra bit of pep in your step. In fact, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine states that coffee actually helps fight depression. According to the study, participants who drank 4 cups of coffee a day were 20% less likely to be clinically depressed versus those who only drank one.
2. Concentration
Coffee does more than make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, it is great for alertness and focus. According to nutritionist Lovisa Nilsson, “Not only does it make you more alert and therefore better able to take in new information, it improves your brain’s capability to form new short term memories.”
3. Metabolism Boost
According to Nilsson,”The caffeine in coffee can help to speed up your metabolism, making the rate at which your body burns fat faster. One or two cups a day have been shown to make a difference.” This is great, as it wards off obesity and keeps you feeling ready for activity. Black coffee is the best if being consumed for this purpose, as cream and sugar decreases its health benefits.
4. Makes Your Heart Happy
Plenty of studies suggest that coffee consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the journal Heart they discuss a study that observed more than 25,000 Koreans with average age of 41 with no signs of heart disease. The study found that those of the test group that drank 3-5 cups of coffee daily were less likely to to develop clogged arteries. Again, keep in mind those of you who like to enjoy caramel, whipped cream and chocolate sauce with a side of coffee you are not taking full advantage of these benefits.
5. Cancer
A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology discusses how a test group of colon cancer patients were observed and it was found that those who were regular coffee drinkers had a lower risk of death from cancer and a reduced risk that the cancer would return. Another study done at Rutgers University found that individuals who are both regular coffee drinkers and exercisers were 62% less likely to develop skin tumors.
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