Beyond the sweet flavour, drinking coffee provides numerous health benefits. A myriad of nutritious ingredients, which include vitamins and minerals, are found in coffee. With exception to caffeine and antioxidants, studies reveal that a single cup of coffee contains Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin (vitamin B3), Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), manganese, magnesium and potassium. All these nutrients are vital in maintain a functioning human body in many aspects.
Of the many health benefits of coffee, it reduces the risks of heart diseases. Recent studies show that people who drink coffee regularly have less risk of heart diseases and abnormal growth. A large study that involved tens of thousands of people found that who drank coffee, between two and four cups daily, actually had lower risk of stroke. According to heart experts, the benefits are linked to the effect of coffee on blood vessels; keeps the vessels very flexible and healthy which reduce the risk of atherosclerosis— the condition that causes heart attack. Though a slight increase in blood pressure of 3-4 mm/Hg is associated with drinking coffee, the effect is small and usually dissipates if you drink coffee regularly. However for people with elevated blood pressure, it is vital to be cautious. Nevertheless, studies don’t support the idea that drinking coffee raises the risk of heart disease.
Caffeine, which is in very high amounts in coffee, is very beneficial to the human body. In fact, caffeine is the most consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Immediately coffee is drunk, caffeine is absorbed into the blood and improves various aspects of brain function such as boosting the memory, mood, vigilance and energy levels. To a greater extent, caffeine is linked to reduced body fatigue which keeps coffee drinkers very active and productive. Other studies show that caffeine can increase as much as 10 parts in 100 the burning of fat in obese people and 29 parts in 100 in very lean people. The decrease in fat associated with coffee is a beneficial reiteration of its role in reducing heart related diseases.
Furthermore, drinking coffee is very helpful in lowering the risk of cancer. Cancer is one of world’s leading causes of mortality characterized by abnormal body cell growth. However, coffee is found to be protective against liver and colorectal cancer. Several studies on the relationship between coffee and liver cancer found that coffee drinkers have up to 40 parts in 100 lower risks. Interestingly, people who drink 4 or more cups a day have a lower risk of liver damage accounting to 80 parts in 100 chances.
Similarly, one study involving 489,706 people reported a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer among people who drank 4-5 cups of coffee per day. Health personnel explain that the antioxidants in coffee play a vital role in fighting oxidative damage that causes cancer.
Importantly, studies show that coffee is very good at reducing the risk of type 2diabetes, which is a major health problem worldwide since it affects many people. People who drink have lower risk of 50 in 100 of getting this disease. One study in which 457,922 people were involved revealed that every cup of coffee a day was associated with a lower risk of 7 parts in 100 chances of getting type 2 diabetes. Therefore the more coffee one drinks, the less their chance of getting the disease.
Surprisingly, several studies indicate that coffee is good in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer and Parkinson. Alzheimer is a condition that usually affects people over 65 years of age, with no known cure. The disease is a leading cause of dementia worldwide. However, drinking coffee is among the recommended preventive measures. Several studies show that people who drink coffee have 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, Parkinson’s disease is second to Alzheimer in causing dementia. Like Alzheimer condition, Parkinson’s disease has no cure. However, health researchers reveal that low risk ranging from 32-60 parts in 100 is common among people who drink coffee. However it appears convincible that the caffeine in coffee is the most beneficial since no lower risk of Parkinson’s disease is associated with drinking decaffeinated coffee.
In conclusion, sipping coffee could help you live longer because of the reduced likelihood of getting many diseases. Several observational studies show a lower risk of death in people who drink coffee than those who don’t. For instance, two very large studies showed that in 100 parts, a reduced risk of death of 20 and 26 parts was linked to men and women respectively, over 18-24 years. In another 20 year study, individuals with diabetes who drank coffee had 30 parts in 100 lower risk of death. Convincingly, it appears that drinking coffee adds on one’s lifespan.
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