Coffee is a well-liked beverage that can sharpen your focus and increase your energy levels.
In fact, many people rely on their morning cup of joy to get their day off to a good start.
Coffee has been linked to a long list of potential health benefits in addition to its energizing effects, giving you even more reason to start brewing.
The top evidence-based benefits of coffee are examined in depth in this article.
Could be Beneficial to Brain Health
Although studies have yielded mixed results, some evidence suggests that coffee may help protect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
People who consumed caffeine on a regular basis had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a review of 13 studies. Caffeine consumption has also been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease over time.
Another meta-analysis of 11 observational studies involving over 29,000 people found that the more coffee people drank, the lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Furthermore, several studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption is linked to a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Increases Energy Level
Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, is known for its ability to alleviate fatigue and boost energy levels.
Caffeine works by blocking the receptors of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which raises the levels of other neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate your energy levels, such as dopamine.
Caffeine consumption increased time to exhaustion during a cycling exercise by 12% and significantly reduced subjective levels of fatigue in participants, according to a small study.
Caffeine consumption before and during a round of golf improved performance, increased subjective energy levels, and reduced feelings of fatigue, according to another study.
It Might Help You Lose Weight
Coffee, according to some studies, may affect fat storage and support gut health, both of which may be beneficial for weight loss.
For example, a meta-analysis of 12 studies found that increased coffee consumption was linked to lower body fat, particularly in men.
Increased coffee consumption was linked to lower body fat in women in another study.
Furthermore, people who drank one to two cups of coffee per day were 17 percent more likely than those who drank less than one cup per day to meet recommended physical activity levels, according to one study.
Physical activity at higher levels may aid in weight management.
Sports Performance May Improve
Athletes who want to improve their performance and energy levels frequently use coffee as an ergogenic aid.
A performance enhancer is another term for an ergogenic aid.
When compared to a control group, drinking coffee before exercise improved people’s endurance and decreased their perceived exertion, according to a review of nine studies.
Even after the researchers adjusted for factors like age, belly fat, and physical activity levels, a study of 126 older adults found that drinking coffee was associated with improved physical performance and faster gait speed.
In addition, a large study found that moderate caffeine consumption could improve power output and time-trial completion time by a small amount. However, because the results were mixed, the researchers concluded that caffeine may have different effects on different people.
Heart Health is Improved
According to some studies, coffee consumption may be beneficial to heart health.
In fact, one study found that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day reduced the risk of heart disease by 15%.
Another review of 21 studies found that drinking three to four cups of coffee per day reduced the risk of stroke by 21%.
Furthermore, a study involving over 21,000 people found that increasing coffee consumption was linked to a lower risk of heart failure.
Caffeine, on the other hand, may affect blood pressure levels. Caffeine consumption may need to be limited or moderated in people with uncontrolled blood pressure.
Lower Risk of Depression
Coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of depression in some studies.
Each cup of coffee consumed per day was linked to an 8% lower risk of depression, according to a review of seven studies.
Another study discovered that drinking at least four cups of coffee per day was linked to a lower risk of depression than drinking just one cup per day.
Furthermore, a study involving over 200,000 people found that drinking coffee was linked to a lower risk of suicide death.