07 Dec 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee Beans
The coffee plant is a woody evergreen with fruit that resembles cherries. One cup of regular coffee without milk or sugar contains only 2 calories, so you can have a little bit and feel great!
Coffee beans contain antioxidants and can boost the metabolism. Research shows that people who drink four cups of coffee per day are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
1. Reduces Risk of Cancer
Coffee is rich in antioxidants and other compounds that reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to heart disease and cancer. It contains chlorogenic acids, which may hinder the expression of certain enzymes that can cause melanoma.
Unlike cigarette smoke, which increases cancer risk twentyfold, regular coffee consumption does not. In fact, the World Health Organization removed coffee from its list of possible carcinogens in 2016. However, adding sugary syrups and fat to your cup of joe turns it into dessert and raises your cancer risk.
Researchers have found that women who drink coffee or tea with less than 40% added sugar have lower mortality rates. This is likely because the drinks help keep your body lean and healthy, reducing your risk for heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Drinking coffee may also reduce your risk of multiple sclerosis, a disabling neurological disorder.
2. Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Coffee beans contain many powerful disease-fighting antioxidants. They’re also high in chlorogenic acid, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that people who drink coffee tend to have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, even when taking into account other factors like weight and exercise.
Coffee may help prevent type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, and decreasing systemic inflammation. Additionally, it has been shown that a cup of coffee can reduce blood sugar levels after a meal and delay the absorption of glucose.
In one study, people who drank a cup of coffee before driving performed better than those who didn’t. It’s believed that caffeine helps keep drivers alert and prevents drowsiness behind the wheel. This is due to its ability to stimulate the central nervous system and reduce feelings of drowsiness.
3. Boosts Metabolism
Coffee beans are packed with antioxidants, and you can eat them raw. But, if you do, be careful not to consume too many since they contain caffeine and acidity. Too much of either can lead to stomach issues.
Caffeine’s stimulating effects increase the activity of neurotransmitters that promote an excitable mood. It also helps boost the release of adrenaline and increases energy levels.
Besides boosting energy, drinking a cup of coffee may help improve your exercise performance. Researchers found that people who consumed caffeine and carbohydrates after a workout had 66% more glycogen in their muscles than those who did not. This is likely because of coffee’s chlorogenic acids, which can enhance anti-inflammatory responses in the body. Drinking coffee also lowers your risk of developing multiple sclerosis, which is a neurological disorder. In fact, a study found that consuming four cups of coffee per day can reduce your risk by 33 percent.
4. Boosts Brain Health
The caffeine in coffee boosts your mood, increases brain activity and strengthens the connections between nerve cells. One study found that students who drank caffeine after studying were better at remembering pictures than those who didn’t. This is because the serotonin and acetylcholine in caffeine help transmit stronger messages between your brain and bloodstream.
Researchers also discovered that caffeine affects the structure of your brain’s gray matter. They scanned participants’ brains before and after they consumed either coffee or placebo, and found that the neural networks in coffee drinkers were more efficient.
The phenolic compounds in coffee called phenylindanes appear to inhibit the amalgamation of the proteins tau and beta-amyloid, which are involved in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. To reap the most benefits, consume your coffee in moderation and choose shade-grown beans that contain less caffeine.
5. Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Coffee’s caffeine gives you a quick burst of energy, but it also contains other ingredients that provide health benefits. From vitamin B3 to chlorogenic acids, these nutrients support the brain and manage blood sugars.
Researchers found that drinking two to three cups a day can help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition marked by the loss of memory and other mental functions. This benefit is due to the phenylindanes, compounds that form when coffee beans are roasted. The compounds prevent tau proteins from clumping together, which is a primary cause of both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Other studies have linked coffee to a decreased risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes. It may even help fight depression and ward off dementia. It’s important to note that the research was observational, meaning it documented associations but couldn’t establish causation.
6. Lowers Risk of Cirrhosis
Researchers believe that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of cirrhosis by limiting damage to liver cells caused by a combination of factors, including obesity, drinking too much alcohol and high cholesterol. The chlorogenic acid in coffee beans helps prevent this oxidative stress and may also reduce fatty liver disease.
Studies have linked coffee consumption to a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as improved brain health. While more research is needed, coffee drinkers seem to have a lower chance of depression and a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
While these benefits are great news for coffee lovers, it’s important to remember that moderation is key! Stick to a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Find a good coffee supply for cafe business in order to make customers come back at your place!
7. Boosts Immune System
Coffee beans contain many antioxidants that can boost your immune system and protect against diseases. These nutrients include caffeine, chlorogenic acid, kahweol and cafestol. Moreover, the coffee beans are rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium and Vitamins B1, B2, and B3.
Several studies have linked coffee intake with reduced risk of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and type 2 diabetes. It is believed that these chemicals in the coffee beans suppress the activation of T-cells and inhibit the release of cytokines, which could reduce the inflammation associated with these autoimmune disorders.
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Moreover, coffee is also known to improve liver function and stimulate hair growth. It may even lower the risk of cirrhosis, which is caused by the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver.
8. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Coffee beans contain caffeine, which is a powerful antioxidant. When consumed in moderation, this can boost energy levels and lower the risk of certain diseases like type 2 diabetes. The seeds are also safe to eat, though it’s important to avoid chocolate-covered beans because they have extra sugar, calories and fat.
In a recent study, researchers found that people who drink two to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day have a lower risk of heart failure than those who don’t. The benefits weren’t seen in those who drank decaf or flavored coffee, however.
This finding is good news for coffee lovers who may have been hesitant to enjoy their morning cup of joe due to heart disease concerns. But, it’s important to pair drinking coffee with a heart-healthy diet full of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, avocados and lean protein.
9. Lowers Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
While the jolt of caffeine in a cup of coffee might help us focus and stay alert, the beans themselves have even more health-promoting properties. That’s because the phenolic compounds in coffee—like chlorogenic acids and antioxidants—are good for your heart, liver and brain.
Roasting coffee beans produces a unique class of molecules called Phenylindanes that prevent—or rather inhibit—the clumping of tau and beta amyloid proteins. These are two of the biggest culprits behind dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
In fact, studies show that people who drink a moderate amount of coffee—never more than three to five cups per day—have a lower risk of cognitive decline as they age. Of course, loading your coffee with sugary flavored syrups and creamers will work against your cardiovascular health, so go easy on the java!
10. Lowers Risk of Osteoporosis
Coffee may have a positive impact on bone health. Several studies suggest that people who drink coffee are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis, which can result in compression fractures and cause an accelerated loss of height.
A few cups a day might also reduce your risk of cirrhosis, which is caused by hepatitis C. It was recently found that those who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were at lower risk for the disease than those who didn’t drink coffee.
Just be sure to avoid sugary, fatty coffee drinks. They can have empty calories and a lot of saturated fat. If you’re going to brew some, ask for no-sugar syrups and low-fat milk to keep the sugar content down. Moderate amounts of caffeine aren’t dehydrating, but beware that too much can lead to water retention and insomnia.