10 Hidden Health Benefits of Coffee

Coffee is probably the most favoured beverage of all time. Some consider this as fuel for their body. Although there are many popular myths spread around, coffee-lovers ignore them. Studies have shown that there are numerous health benefits of coffee. Along with providing the adrenaline rush, the right amount of caffeine intake can reduce the risks of several diseases.

While having coffee, people generally presume they are only consuming caffeine. However, this is a common misconception. A cup of coffee contains antioxidants and other essential elements that can protect you from certain diseases.

Top Health Benefits of Coffee

The fact of defining “a healthy coffee” is very subjective. For example, if someone regularly consumes coffee with cream, milk, sugar, and sometimes chocolate, it cannot be regarded as healthy. Therefore, to get the appropriate health benefits of drinking coffee, it is better to avoid such ingredients that contain fats.

Here is a list of well-known benefits of coffee.

1. Increases Adrenaline Levels

Adrenaline is the energy-enhancing hormone in humans. So, a cup of espresso in the morning will give you the needed rush and prepare you for the day ahead.

2. Helps Staying Focused

Caffeine enhances alertness and helps stay in focus. However, this only applies if it is consumed in a moderate amount, for instance, a maximum of 5-6 cups a day.

3. Aids in Weight Loss

Coffee contains micro amounts of magnesium and potassium, which use insulin from our bodies to regulate blood sugars. Therefore, reducing continuous cravings motivates weight loss.

4. Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Regular caffeine intake decreases the sensitivity of the body toward insulin. Moreover, it impairs glucose tolerance. As both of these attributes impact blood sugar levels, it lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

5. Fights Against Depression

Coffee can act as an antidepressant. This is because the natural polyphenols are present in both caffeinated as well as decaffeinated coffee. Also, these help in reducing stress and inflammation in cells, resulting in neurological benefits for some.

6. Caffeine Prevents Gallstone

There are certain components in caffeine that help to control cholesterol. Cholesterol usually plays a vital role in the formation of gallstones. Thus, by preventing cholesterol from forming crystals in the gallbladder, caffeine reduces the emergence of gallstones.

7. Reduces Risk of Cancer

Studies have shown that coffee can impact the risk of cancer at any stage. For instance, coffee promotes bile acids production and speeds up the colon's digestion process. This, in turn, lowers the number of carcinogens exposed to colon tissue.

8. Eliminates Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Various studies have shown that caffeine helps protect brain cells that produce dopamine. This, in turn, lowers the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

9. Improves DNA

It is popularly believed that dark roasted coffee decreases the breakage of DNA threads. However, when this breakage happens naturally, it causes tumours that can even turn cancerous if not cured by the cells themselves.

10. Protects Liver

Scholars have conducted research and concluded that any kind of coffee lowers the risk of chronic liver diseases. However, coffees from roasted grounds are better than instant ones.

What Are the Nutritional Values of Coffee?

Only a single serving of coffee contains several micro-nutrients. The tables below will help understand which elements are present in two major types of coffee - black and milk coffee.

Black Coffee

One cup of black coffee brewed and served with no cream or added sweetener provides these elements to our body.

Elements	Nutritional Value
Caffeine	96 mg
Sodium	4.8 mg
Total Fat	0 g
Calories	2.4 mg
Carbohydrates	0 g
Sugars	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Protein	0.3 g
Magnesium	7.2 mg
Potassium	118 mg

Milk Coffee

Elements	Nutritional Value
Caffeine	71.2 mg
Total Fat	1.2 g
Cholesterol	4.9 mg
Calories	2.4 Cal
Sodium	35 mg
Sugars	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Protein	2.3 g
Vitamin D	1 mcg
Calcium	82 mg
Iron	0 g
Potassium	186 mg

Some might believe that consuming higher quantities of caffeine might not be good for their health and choose milk coffee over black. Nevertheless, there are more health benefits of black coffee. These are some of the common benefits of black coffee over milk coffee.

Lower calorie intake
Richer caffeine thus promotes more adrenaline
Helps improving metabolism
Interferes with the pure coffee flavour

How to Include Coffee in Your Daily Diet?

Here are some unique ways of including coffee in your daily diet.

Add instant coffee to your morning smoothie.
Coffee also tastes good with ice cream.

Moderate consumption of coffee on a daily basis is healthy. However, it is equally essential to remember how to maintain its intake as a healthy habit.

Try to avoid coffee after 2 pm.
Research and choose the brand wisely.
Refrain from adding sugar to your beverage.
Never make yourself an addict.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance its taste.
It is better to avoid artificial creamers.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Coffee?

Although having coffee is helpful for some, others might not feel the same way. People with certain diseases or health conditions must avoid the consumption of caffeine.

According to professionals, these people should avoid coffee or any product rich in caffeine.

Patients who have chronic IBS
Individuals with Glaucoma
Someone with heart issues like arrhythmia
Pregnant women
Individuals who have overactive bladder
People suffering from insomnia
Someone prone to anxiety
Individuals suffering from diarrhoea
People with severe GERD
Kids under 12 years

Globally, caffeine is among the most consumed substances. If consumed in a controlled amount, it can be extremely healthy. However, some do not focus on the health benefits of coffee and become addicted to it. Doctors have confirmed the fact that becoming a coffee addict can be severely harmful to our bodies.