“I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
There is some good news for all coffee drinkers out there. Actually, there is a lot of good news. If it seems that you are forever defending your morning cup or two of Joe, here is a little ammunition for you which may send your decaf friends scrambling.
It seems that there is more and more evidence supporting consumption of high quality organic coffee. We decided, because we too, like a little coffee from time to time, (especially with butter and coconut oil), to share with you what our research has uncovered.
Coffee Boosts Metabolism
Caffeine has a stimulant effect on the central nervous system which raises metabolism and increases the oxidation of fatty acids. It also mobilizes fatty acids from fat tissues and there is good evidence that it increases athletic performance.
Coffee May Reduce Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Type ll diabetes in our country is skyrocketing in America and now afflicts almost 1 in 8 people.. Coffee appears to do a good job regulating blood sugar. Numerous studies demonstrate that coffee has been associated with a 23% to 67% lower risk of diabetes.
A review of 18 studies involving almost 460,000 participants found that each additional cup of coffee per day lowered the risk of diabetes by 7%. Interestingly enough, the more coffee that study participants drank the lower their risk. Researchers claim that people who drink several cups of coffee per day are less likely to develop diabetes.
Coffee Improves Mood and Brain Power
Everyone knows that if you want to stay awake you drink coffee, right? Well, we bet you did not know that drinking coffee can also boost your brain power and your mood. Caffeine blocks the effects that the neurotransmitter adenosine has on the brain. By doing so, the caffeine increases brain activity and the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Controlled trials have examined the effects that caffeine has on the brain and have found that it improves mood, reaction time, memory and overall cognitive function.
Coffee Improves Liver Health
Optimal liver function is vital to health. The results of our modern life, such as a poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption, cause the liver to work at less than full speed. Numerous studies have indicated that coffee can lower the risk of cirrhosis by up to 80% in people who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day. Coffee may also reduce the risk of liver cancer by 40%.
Coffee Has Nutrients and Antioxidants
Coffee beats fruits and vegetables as the best source of antioxidants in the American diet. Many people think that coffee is nothing but black water. Well, you can now tell them that they are wrong. One cup of coffee contains:
- 6% RDA for vitamin B5
- 11% RDA for vitamin B2
- 2% RDA for B3 and B1
- 3% RDA for potassium and manganese
Drink a few cups and you will have consumed quite a few essential vitamins and minerals for the day!
Note: If you put sugar in your coffee you are significantly reducing the health benefits, because sugar suppresses your immune system. In addition, we are definitely not saying that this research applies to the highly caffeinated, sugary drinks world. Always stay away from those!
-The Alternative Daily
