Coffee — 10 reasons this brew is healthier than you thought!

Never listen to what others say about coffee. It's you to decide based on its numerous health benefits.

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Updated: March 23, 2015 6:53 pm

Coffee lovers, we give you ten reasons why you should start (or continue) with your normal routine of coffee. Contrary to the popular belief that a warm cup of tea is healthier than coffee, kick-starting your day with coffee is good for your health. Here’s why! Also Read - Black raisins: Just a handful every day will keep the doctor away this winter

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#1 Refreshes your mood Also Read - Have a pinch of hing or asafetida daily to keep many diseases away

If you are tired or feeling sleepy, drink this brew to rejuvenate your senses. The presence of caffeine, a psychoactive compound, in coffee is readily absorbed in the blood and acts on the brain. This in turn blocks the release of an inhibitory neurotransmitter, a brain chemical, thereby improving your brain function and making you happy.

#2 Aids in shedding that extra flab!

Although caffeine present is coffee is known to aid in the fat burning process, green coffee beans are the best to lose weight. They contain chlorogenic acid, which boosts your metabolism by inhibiting the release of glucose in the body and not increasing your heart rate like roasted coffee extract. So, if you are battling with your weight loss goals, try supplementing your workouts with green coffee to get fit from flab.

#3 Lowers your risk of dementia and Alzheimer s disease

Did you know drinking coffee can lower your risk of dementia, Alzheimer s disease and Parkinson s disease? Well, antioxidants in coffee prevent brain cells from damage (by nullifying the effects of free radicals in the body). In addition to this, daily intake of this drink improves your cognitive function by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.

#4 Controls and prevents diabetes

If you drink 4 cups of coffee a day, you are at a lowered risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to research studies. The antioxidant property of chlorogenic acid and quinides increases sensitivity to insulin which in turn causes better control of your blood sugar levels.

#5 Keeps your heart healthy

A cup of coffee a day helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. This brew alleviates the anti-inflammatory effects on arteries due to the presence of antioxidants. In addition to this, coffee boosts the production of nitric oxide, a compound, which lowers your blood pressure levels by widening the arteries. However, moderation is the key in reaping the heart-healthy benefits of coffee. You may also like to read about Black coffee VS Regular Coffee which is better for your health?

#6 Improves physical performance

Drinking a strong cup of coffee every day before hitting the gym can give your stamina a magical boost. The caffeine present in coffee stimulates the nervous system to send impulses to your fat cells to breakdown. This in turn also causes the release of epinephrine, a hormone that prepares your body for intense physical workout.

#7 Protects against various types of cancer

Coffee exerts a positive effect on your body by shielding you from various types of cancers, namely, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, womb cancer and skin cancer. The anticancer property of coffee is attributed to antioxidants that lower the toxic load in your body by eliminating free radicals (potential cancer causing compounds). However, when taken in excess (more than 4 drinks per day), coffee can increase the growth of cancerous cells.

#8 Prevents liver disease

As the liver plays a key role in eliminating harmful toxins from the body, this organ is at an increased risk of infections. This is why it is important to keep your liver healthy and lower your risk of liver disease. To achieve this, all you need to do is drink 2-3 cups of coffee every day (especially alcoholics) to prevent liver cirrhosis. This will also protect you from fatty liver disease, hepatitis and autoimmune liver disease (primary sclerosing cholangitis).

#9 Helps you live longer

Yes, you read it right. Intake of coffee on a daily basis makes you less susceptible to various diseases, which in turn increase your life expectancy by 25%. Additionally, coffee makes you more energetic, increases your memory, lowers your risk of heart disease and makes you happy.

#10 Aids against depression

A cup of coffee a day can keep you away from depression. According to recent research studies, women who drank 4 cups of coffee a day were at a lower risk of suffering from depression. This in turn, lowered the rate of suicides by 50% thereby, improving the quality of life. Coffee acts as a mild antidepressant agent which in turn stimulates the production of neurotransmitters that play a key role in lowering your risk of depression.

Few facts about coffee you should be aware of!

Your favourite coffee is also packed with amazing beauty benefits. Here are the common beauty secrets of coffee that you didn t know.
If you drink coffee from a WHITE mug, replace it with a blue or clear mug. This is because, drinking coffee from a white cup tastes less sweet and more bitter.
Do you want to enjoy the best flavour from your favourite beverage? If yes, then just gulp down the coffee instead of sipping the brew.
The worst time to drink coffee is six hours prior bedtime, as it might lead to sleep deprivation.

Image Source: Getty Images

Published : March 23, 2015 2:12 pm | Updated:March 23, 2015 6:53 pm

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