The Top 9 Unique Benefits of Coffee

How does coffee affect your health? It turns out, the health benefits of coffee are many and varied, so you’re better off consuming it regularly than not at all! If you want to know more about some of the best benefits of coffee, read on to discover what your morning cup of joe can do for you!

1) Boost Brain Function

A cup of coffee can actually boost brain function, thanks to caffeine’s effects on norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a key role in our feelings of alertness and well-being. Dopamine is involved in positive reinforcement and regulating reward centers in our brains. Norepinephrine impacts our fight-or-flight response, as well as arousal.

2) Prevent Heart Disease

Research shows that coffee drinkers are 30% less likely to develop coronary heart disease and are 50% less likely to die from any form of cardiovascular disease. Drinking two cups per day reduces your risk by over 20%. There’s more antioxidants in one cup than in a single serving of blueberries, spinach, or tomatoes—and you can even make it at home for pennies.

3) Help with Weight Loss

Having a cup of coffee in the morning helps people lose weight faster, according to a study at Laval University. Published in 2010, it found that overweight women who drank four cups per day lost an average of 11 pounds more than those on a placebo over 16 weeks. The reason: Caffeine is proven to increase metabolism and feelings of satiety. Women burned about 183 extra calories daily when they had four cups instead of two, according to researchers.

4) Improve Mood

A cup of coffee in hand can have numerous benefits on your mood. Caffeine, an ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant that increases dopamine production. This brain chemical—or neurotransmitter—is responsible for making you feel good. Too much caffeine may lead to a crash and leave you with negative emotions later on, but just one or two cups of coffee each day can help keep your moods elevated and stress at bay.

5) Lower Cancer Risk

Researchers have discovered that coffee can help decrease your risk for developing liver cancer. While research has yet to establish a causal relationship between coffee consumption and lower cancer risk, several studies have found that coffee drinkers have a lower risk for liver cancer than people who don’t drink coffee. According to one study conducted by Dr. Elina Hyppönen of Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland, There is an inverse association between coffee drinking and subsequent development of hepatocellular carcinoma. More research needs to be done on the subject, but there could be some truth to it—just another reason why we love our morning brew!

6) Increase Physical Performance

While it might seem strange to suggest that drinking coffee can improve your physical performance, it’s actually common knowledge in athletics circles. Since caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and speeds up your muscle movements, you will be able to react faster on the field or court. Caffeine also improves blood flow to your muscles by reducing inflammation, which means you’ll recover faster after an intense workout. While it may not seem like much, every little bit helps!

7) Keep Bones Strong

Studies show that coffee and caffeine can boost calcium absorption by as much as 20 percent, helping you build and maintain strong bones. (1) Not only does coffee help to guard against osteoporosis, but it’s also associated with a lower risk of developing broken bones. (2) Plus, coffee is a source of plant-based antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been shown to be beneficial for health.

8) Lower Diabetes Risk

A recent study found that people who drink more than 3 cups a day of regular coffee have a lower risk for type 2 diabetes than non-coffee drinkers. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which makes it more difficult for your body to process sugar and carbohydrates. While regular coffee consumption has been linked to reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes, experts aren’t exactly sure why or how it protects against developing that disease. However, they suspect antioxidants in coffee may play a role.

9) Reduce the Effects of Alzheimer's Disease

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, there are many different factors to consider as you go through treatment. One key element: caffeine. Recent studies suggest that caffeine can help reduce symptoms and slow down (or even reverse) progression of Alzheimer’s in your brain, meaning you may be able to live a fuller life for longer. The National Institute on Aging recommends consuming about 200 mg of caffeine daily for optimal effects.