Coffee is one of the most popular drinks, and it is no wonder that it won its own day in our calendar: May 24 – National Coffee Day. We love taking a break from work for a coffee and feeling that relaxing smell. But there are some doubts in the air: does coffee really do health good? What are its benefits when combined with healthy eating?

#1 Helps to Lose Weight

Caffeine is one of the elements found in almost all dietary supplements aiding weight loss. This is because caffeine speeds up metabolism, burning more fat in less time. However, drinking coffee alone will not make you thin. It will only help you reach your goal faster if you allied with regular exercise.

#2 Aids concentration and gives energy

Caffeine is also a potent psychoactive stimulant. When you drink coffee, some of it goes into your brain and generates a series of chemical reactions that make it work faster, improving your mood, energy, memory, response times, and overall cognitive functioning.

#3 Prevents cirrhosis

Very few people know, but drinking black coffee without exaggeration can help prevent cirrhosis.

According to researchers at an Italian institute, caffeine has beneficial properties that, if consumed in a proper dose, inhibit the action of enzymes that trigger cirrhosis.

In this study, 100 people were analysed for two months. From the collected data, it was possible to prove that those who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had a five times lower risk of cirrhosis than those who did not drink the same frequency.

#4 Great sources of antioxidants

Coffee is a natural antioxidant that protects the skin from the effect of free radicals that cause premature aging. The human body absorbs more nutrients from coffee than from other popular sources of antioxidants like fruits and vegetables; seems hard to believe but it’s true, good old coffee comes out in front of it!

#5 Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes

It is found that anyone who drinks up to six cups of coffee a day is better protected against type-2 diabetes. The hypothesis is that the various antioxidants and other components of the beverage favour glycaemic control. But beware! To achieve this effect, the coffee must be taken without sugar or with almost no sugar.

#6 Reduces risk and effects of Parkinson’s disease

The caffeine present in the coffee can make the person agitated, but it seems that the opposite effect occurs in people who have Parkinson’s. Instead of making the person more agitated, it helps to ease the tremors and recover the movements.

Parkinson’s disease is associated with falling dopamine levels in the body. According to the research, caffeine has the effect of increasing dopamine levels in the brain, thereby reducing the intensity of tremors and increasing overall mobility. It is estimated that those who drink coffee regularly decrease the possibility of developing the disease from 32% to 60%.

#7  Fight depression and make you happier too

Dopamine does not only prevent Parkinson’s disease, it is a neurotransmitter strongly linked to the feeling of pleasure and happiness. This explains why people who drink four or more cups of coffee a day are 20% less likely to have depression and 50% less likely to commit suicide.

#8  Reduces risks of various cancers

In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, coffee also reduces chances of developing cancer in various parts of the body. This is because coffee is a substance very rich in antioxidants and minerals, which help prevent cell degradation and alteration.

People who drink at least 3 to 4 cups of ground or roasted coffee a day have the risk of developing cancer. Although the benefits of coffee are not related to caffeine, decaffeinated coffee does not have such a protective power. Researchers believe this is due to the fact that when extracting caffeine, coffee loses antioxidants and essential vitamins.

At Coffeelifious  you can find more tips for coffee.

If you are a Coffee lover then this infographic is for you