When people think of coffee, they often think of its ability to provide an energy boost. However, according to some research, it may also offer other important health benefits. These benefits include a reduced risk of liver cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart failure, among others that we will look at in this article.
Additional data
A cup of black coffee without cream or sugar provides approximately 2 kcal/100g of calories, 0.1 g of protein, 0 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat.
A cup of black coffee also provides 2 milligrams of calcium, 80 milligrams of magnesium, 7 milligrams of phosphorus, 115 milligrams of potassium and 0.05 milligrams of zinc, micronutrients that our body also needs in other quantities.
Health benefits of coffee consumption
Some of the potential health benefits associated with coffee consumption include protection against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver disease and liver cancer. Coffee consumption may also contribute to cardiovascular health as we will see below:
Increases energy levels
Coffee contains caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant known for its ability to combat fatigue and increase energy levels. This is due to the fact that caffeine blocks receptors for a neurotransmitter called adenosine, and this increases levels of other neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate energy levels, including dopamine.
Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
Some research suggests that regular coffee consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long term.
This is thought to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It is also rich in antioxidants and may affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation and metabolism, all of which are implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Improving brain health
Although studies have yielded mixed results, some research suggests that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Some have shown that moderate coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Reduced risk of depression
Some studies have found that drinking coffee may be associated with a lower risk of depression. According to a review of seven studies, each cup of coffee consumed during the day was associated with an 8% lower risk of depression..
Protects against liver diseases
Interestingly, several studies suggest that coffee may promote liver health and protect against disease. For example, one study found that drinking more than two cups of coffee a day was linked to lower rates of liver scarring and liver cancer in people with liver disease. Another shows that the more coffee people drank, the lower their risk of death from chronic liver disease.
Finally, recent studies have found that coffee consumption was associated with a decrease in liver stiffness, which is a measure that health professionals use to assess fibrosis, the formation of scar tissue in the liver.
Why is it good to drink coffee?
Coffee is a popular beverage that researchers have studied extensively for its many health benefits, such as its ability to increase energy levels, promote weight control, improve athletic performance and protect against chronic diseases.
It should be noted that some people may need to limit their consumption, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and adolescents, and people with certain health conditions. However, coffee consumption in moderation – three to four cups a day – has been associated with several health benefits and is generally considered safe for most adults.