6 Science-Backed Reasons to Enjoy Your Coffee
“I like to think of myself as a “coffee achiever”. The smell of coffee, to me, promises a connection with a friend. I want to feel good about my health when I enjoy my morning coffee and afternoon coffee dates. There seems to be conflicting information about drinking coffee...is it good or bad? ”
Dear Justice for Java,
The answer to your question is that it depends on the person. While coffee certainly does cause negative side effects (jitters, anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate, restlessness) for those who are especially sensitive to caffeine, if you do not experience these symptoms there are many incredible benefits of drinking black coffee!
6 Researched-Backed Health Benefits of Coffee:
1. May Protect You from Alzheimer’s Disease
In a 21-year follow up, the CAIDE (Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia) Study found that drinking 3-5 cups of coffee a day at midlife was tied to a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s later in life, compared to those who drank little coffee.
Other studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers have up to a 65% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Coffee drinkers have a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Those who drink the most coffee in studies had a 23%-50% lower risk, and another study showed a reduction as high as 67%! You can view the studies below:
3. Lowers Risk of Certain Forms of Cancer
Drinking coffee reduces the risk of liver cancer by up to 40%.
In another study conducted with almost 500,000 participants, those who drank 4-5 cups of coffee a day had a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer.
There is probable evidence that coffee reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.
4. Wards Off Depression and Boosts Your Mood
A 2011 study published by Harvard University found that women who drank 4 or more cups of coffee each day had a 20% lower risk of depression.
A meta-analysis of observational studies with over 330,000 participants found a 24% reduced risk of depression when comparing the highest coffee drinkers to the lowest coffee drinkers.
A study with over 200,000 participants found that those who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day were 53% less likely to die by suicide.
5. Helps Burn Off Fat
The caffeine in coffee can boost your metabolic rate by 3%-11%.
Studies reveal that coffee can increase fat-burning by as much as 29% in lean individuals, and 10% in obese individuals.
The caffeine in coffee makes fat cells break down body fat by stimulating the nervous system.
6. May Reduce Parkinson’s Disease Risk
Multiple studies indicate that coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk (32%-60%) of Parkinson’s disease. See studies below:
A study on coffee intake and PD followed a large cohort of both men and women for 10 and 16 years respectively, and found an association between men who drank the most coffee (6+ cups) and a 58% lower risk of PD. For women, the lowest risk was associated with a moderate intake of coffee (1-3 cups).
A final note on whether coffee is good or bad for you:
If you tend to be sensitive to caffeine or if your doctor has advised against you drinking coffee (consuming caffeine) for any reason, I would still advise against you drinking coffee. However, if you tolerate caffeine well, go ahead and enjoy a few cups of coffee with the joy of knowing that it offers many protective benefits! Be careful what you add to your coffee. Make sure what you add is just as healthy for your body as the coffee itself. All of these studies were based on a cup of black coffee. Here’s to “coffee achievers” everywhere! I must admit that I am one and I happily add coconut or almond milk so I can also enjoy lattes and cappuccinos!