Coffee is the second-most traded commodity on earth (after oil). However, given the health benefits of coffee, maybe it should be the MOST-traded commodity? Let’s take a look at the ten benefits of coffee.
1. It’s a super-antioxidant
Scientists have found that coffee is very high in antioxidants. You’ll get more antioxidants out of one cup than you will out of a bowl full of fruit and veg.
2. It makes your brain better…
Comic book superheroes have fast reaction times, excellent memory, laser-sharp focus and are generally smart, right? Well, then coffee must be the drink of superheroes because it gives you all that. Scientists have found that it truly does improve brain function. It blocks adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This makes it easier for other neurotransmitters to work, literally making your neurons fire better.
3. Which means Alzheimers and Parkinsons are less likely
Yip. When your brain functions better, it also wards off diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons.
4. It burns fat and speeds up your metabolism
Scientists have found evidence that the caffeine in coffee helps to increase the rate at which you burn fat. Plus, it boosts your metabolic rate. So if you’re trying to lose weight, drinking this miracle drink can help (as long as you don’t stir in any sugar and cream!).
5. It’s nutritious
Coffee isn’t just a warm cup of caffeine. The coffee bean carries various nutrients, including vitamins B2 and B5, as well as potassium (among others).
6. It fights cancer
Your cuppa java does you more good than you think… it’s been shown to fight certain types of cancer.
7. It helps your body perform better
This is why experts recommend you drink a cup before a workout as it stimulates your nervous system and, specifically, it causes your fat cells to release and break down fatty acids. This gives you a boost of energy. Plus, it stimulates the levels of epinephrine (an adrenaline) in the body, giving you more juice, as it were.
8. It keeps diabetes at bay
Scientists are finding that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Type II diabetes. Drink up!
9. It protects your liver
Liver damage, or cirrhosis, is often the result of liver diseases. People who drink coffee regularly are less likely to suffer from cirrhosis, though experts aren’t certain why yet.
10. It makes you happy. Really
Most of say that the smell of coffee makes us happy (and thirsty for a cup!). However, there’s evidence that this is truer than we think. People who drink java suffer less from depression.
Here is the caveat to all this wonderfulness. You must be drinking the real deal (i.e. the one ground from roasted beans), rather than instant drinks that are flavoured like coffee. Also, if you drink your coffee with lots of sugar in it, you’re not doing much for your health.
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