What Are The Health Benefits Of Coffee
Over the years, several studies on the health benefits of coffee, together with the detrimental effects as well have been conducted. The coffee bean contains a number of compounds namely phsychotrophics, antioxidants, caffeine, and other chemical compounds.
The research studies mainly focus on the effects of these compounds on the body and the differences in susceptibility to common diseases. According to the results so far, the benefits far outweigh the demerits.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Solid evidence, based on about 15 published articles, has shown a connection between coffee consumption and prevention of type 2 diabetes. The reviews conducted by Harvard professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology Dr. Frank Hu, indicated that of the 193,000 people studied those who admitted drinking six to seven cups on a daily basis were 35% less likely to develop type 2 Diabetes than those who took less than two cups of the brew per day. The odds dropped to 28% for those who took three to four cups. These finding are attributed to:
- Presence of strong antioxidants in coffee that prevented tissue damage by radicals.
- Magnesium and chromium elements in coffee that aids the body maintain and use insulin.
- Improved Intellectual Performance
Many consumers of coffee will tell you that one of the most noticeable health benefits of coffee is an improved short-term memory. A University of Arizona study in 2002 showed that caffeine, which is one of the constituent chemicals of coffee, aids in the improvement of memory.
Usually, most people are more alert in the morning after a night’s rest. However, their concentration drops as the day progresses due to fatigue. This study however showed that those who took coffee during the day experienced the least lapse in concentration under the same conditions. So, as you reach for your steaming cup from your Tassimo T65 brewer know that you are essentially giving your short-term memory a much needed boost as well as your productivity.
Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Over the years, many studies have been conducted on the health benefits of coffee on the cardiovascular system. A study published in 2006, which was conducted by researchers from Harvard University on 128,000 people, was not able to show proof of a connection between consumption of coffee and elevated risks of coronary heart disease. In contrast, an Iowa study showed that women who took coffee regularly were actually less susceptible to cardiovascular disease and those who took six or more cups a day were at an even lower risk.
Prevention of Endometrial Cancer
A study which was carried out on 67,000 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health study focused on the connection between consumption of coffee and occurrence of endometrial cancer showed that those who took coffee, more than 4 cups daily, over a period of 26 years, were 25 % less likely to be diagnosed with cancer. Those who took less than 4 cups a day showed no reduced risk to the disease.
Most of these studies are however quick to point out that coffee is not the sole preventer of the diseases, but rather focuses on highlighting the connection between coffee consumption and low susceptibility to these diseases.
Have you seen any health benefits from drinking coffee? Share your story with the Save A Ranch readers by using the contact us form.
