Coffee is one of the most versatile food and drink products to ever exist. It can be enjoyed as a beverage or in some cases eaten in the form of chocolate covered coffee beans. In this article, I am actually going to cover some of the health benefits of coffee for those of you wishing to know more about the healthier side of drinking coffee.
Longer lifespan/Reduced risk of death
Drinking an average of three to four cups of coffee a day has been linked to a longer lifespan. A 2015 study published in Circulation actually noted that there was an 8%-15% decrease in the risk of death of people who consume coffee, with that percentage being higher with more coffee that was consumed.
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Researchers in Korea conducted a study in which participants who drank 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day were less prone to showing symptoms of heart disease. It should be noted however, that the Eastern diet is much different than a Western diet, so there could be other dietary factor to include in that study. Another recent study in Brazil showed that drinking a minimum of three cups of coffee a day see a significantly smaller amount of calcification in the coronary arteries.
Cut down on post-workout pain
An excerpt from the Journal of Pain, 2007 states that drinking up to two cups of coffee after working out can cut that post-workout pain by up to 48%! I can personally vouch for this effect. There have been countless times where my aches and pains from a workout have not been as severe after having just a cup or two of hot coffee.
Prevent cavities
This one is beneficial for anyone who loves caffeine but need a healthier alternative to drinking caffeinated soda. Drinking black coffee can actually kill the bacteria on teeth that would cause cavities. This benefit is nullified if one were to add cream and sugar to their coffee. This is another benefit I can personally vouch for. I used to drink coffee with cream and sugar on a daily basis, but once I started drinking just black coffee, my teeth have been much healthier.
Reduced heart attack mortality risk
A popular topic of study found that people who drink at least two cups of coffee a day after suffering from a heart attack have a significantly smaller risk of dying from said heart attack as opposed to those who do not drink coffee afterwards.
Antioxidants
One of the reasons why coffee is such a healthy drink is that a normal serving of coffee contains a higher amount of antioxidants than a serving of grape juice, blueberries, and even oranges. These antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation which subsequently would reduce risk in diseases and disorders related to it. I will leave a link at the end of the article that will lead you to a study from Monash University which further showcases the benefits of a cup of hot coffee.
Conclusion
Overall, coffee can serve as a healthy part of any diet, as long as it is consumed in moderation. An average of 2-3 cups a day is considered to be a healthy amount to drink, as long as one could keep their intake under control. Those who have certain heart conditions or a sensitivity to caffeine would need to tailor their coffee consumption accordingly, but there are still some benefits even for a lighter consumption rate or switching to decaf coffee or tea. If you can keep your coffee intake at a moderate level, the health benefits definitely will outweigh any harm that could come from coffee consumption.
Monash University Study on Brewed Coffee
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122834
