Ever feel guilty about your morning cup of Joe? Mounting evidence supports that there is more to this ‘feel good’ beverage than initially thought possible.
Your Cup of Joe is a Nutritional Powersource!
While we can all attest to the jump-start coffee gives us each morning, and an ah… moment of satisfaction it provides, could there be more significant benefit to this brown bean? More to our overall health then we’ve previously considered? Yes, according to medical experts at Harvard University.
Let’s take a deeper dive into coffee, and consider the many significant health benefits it may have to offer. Listed below is a compilation of a number of its nutritional advantages according to Dr. Frank Hu, Department of Nutrition Chair at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in an April 5, 2021 Discover article where he states that “about 2-5 cups of coffee a day – is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. It’s even possible that people who drink coffee can reduce their risk of early death.”
Core Health Benefits of Coffee:
1. LONGER LIFE SPAN
Recent studies have shown that coffee drinkers are less likely to die of several life threatening illnesses, including: coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease.
2. PRESERVATION OF DNA
Dark Roast Coffee prohibits the breakdown of your DNA Strands, which can occur naturally and contribute to tumors and cancer without cell repair.
3. GUARD AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S
Two cups of coffee each day may reduce the risk of developing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. PREVENTION FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES
People who drink more coffee are less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes, as the studies show these people have better blood sugar regulation.
5. PROHIBITS HEART FAILURE
When a person’s heart is weak, it has difficulty pumping blood to all parts of the body. Moderate coffee drinking may indeed ward off heart failure by stimulating blood flow.
6. PARKINSON’S DISEASE INHIBITOR
Not only has coffee been shown to help those with Parkinson’s control their movements, but it may also inhibit onset of the disease itself.
7. GREAT FOR YOUR LIVER
Studies indicate that coffee drinkers seem to have higher liver enzyme activity in the healthy range, than their non-coffee drinking counterparts.
8. GOOD FOR YOUR COLON
Studies suggest that both regular and decaf coffees provide benefits which deter colorectal cancer.
9. BE LESS PRONE TO STROKE
A cup of coffee a day may keep the stroke away! Research indicates that drinking at least one cup of coffee lessens the likelihood of having a stroke.
10. LOWER INCIDENCE OF DEPRESSION/ANXIETY
Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. These acids can reduce brain nerve cell inflammation which is associated with depression and anxiety.
Coffee Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – reduces oxidative stress and nerve inflammation.
- Magnesium – aids muscle movements, and is a nervous system regulator.
- Plant chemical knowns as polyphenols – are antioxidants, and they protect against certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
While there are obvious reasons to enjoy the many pleasures associated with coffee drinking, it’s beyond comforting to now learn that coffee comes packed with numerous longevity producing health benefits as well. Of course, ‘all things in moderation,’ right? While one or two cups a day seems reasonable, going beyond this level of caffeine intake might be considered detrimental.
Too Much of A Good Thing
Excessive use of caffeine, and therefore coffee, can have numerous detrimental effects, such as:
- Anxiety
- Raised Blood Pressure
- Increased Heart Rate
- Trouble Falling Asleep
Caffeine tolerance is different for everyone. Obviously, if coffee gives you the jitters, take care not to overdo it, and self-regulate. Some people find eliminating caffeine consumption after the hour of 3 pm to be the key in preventing any negative side effects associated with coffee drinking. Additionally, decaffeinated coffee provides many of the same health incentives as regular coffee, should you find your caffeine tolerance level to be extremely low. Finally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your obstetrician with any questions regarding your diet, including the amount of coffee or caffeine in your diet.
Don’t Overload
It should also go without saying that for coffee to remain a healthy habit, it should not be loaded down with sugar and fat. These culprits of poor health can lethal-ize an otherwise wonderful cup of joe. Espresso based beverages that resemble more of a desert than a coffee, should really come with an accompanying “buyer beware” disclaimer.
If you want a little something in your brew, there are loads of cream/milk alternatives. These alternatives can also provide a significant boost of nutritional content when added to coffee. Consequently, you’ll be able to enjoy your java with a much lighter conscience. Also, natural sweeteners which have a much lower glycemic index than sugar will assist in your pursuit of life long health.
MILK ALTERNATIVES
- Cashew Milk
- Oat Milk
- Coconut Milk
- Almond Milk
LOW-GLYCEMIC NATURAL SWEETENERS
- Stevia
- Agave
- Maple Syrup
ADD ‘THE SPICE of LIFE’
- Cinnamon
– antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, lipid-lowering, and antimicrobial
- Cardamom
– lowers blood sugar and blood pressure, and aids digestion
- Cocoa Powder
– improves blood flow to the brain and heart
- Vanilla
– antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, supports brain health
*These are not exhaustive lists, simply suggestions.
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