What is one drink you look forward to drinking every morning? We can almost hear the resounding shouts in unison: coffee! But – deep breath – is drinking coffee good for you? 

Our experts have some good news: the case for coffee is stronger than ever. Yes, that’s correct; coffee gives you benefits beyond a morning energy boost! Here are the top ways your brew can positively impact your health:

1. Increase longevity

Coffee is a good source of nutrients, including vitamin B, potassium, and riboflavin (Johns). Additionally, coffee beans are one of the most significant sources of antioxidants in the American diet and help protect cells against damage.

Along with antioxidants, coffee has other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation, protect against disease, and serve as a nervous system stimulant. Recent studies even found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from "leading causes of death: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease" (Napoli).

2. Support brain health

Coffee gets its kick from caffeine, but the caffeine in coffee doesn’t just wake you up. It works with your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function (Johns). Some studies suggest that coffee can help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 

The caffeine in two cups of coffee provides significant protection against developing a cognitive disease but also could be associated with a lower risk of dementia, cognitive decline, and movement control to slow the progression of diseases over time (Link).

3. Lower risk of Type 2 diabetes

Data proves that regular coffee consumption lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This link stems from its ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels (Link).

Additionally, high antioxidant levels impact insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism – all of which are involved in the development of Type 2 diabetes (Link).

4. Support heart health

Drinking one to two cups of coffee per day may help ward off heart failure and dangerous heart rhythms. These trends remain true for people with and without cardiovascular disease (Napoli).

 Because the caffeine in coffee can increase heart rate, some worry that drinking it frequently could harm heart health; the opposite is true! Data suggests that daily coffee intake shouldn’t be discouraged but instead included in a healthy diet for people with and without heart disease (Napoli).

5. Protect against liver conditions

Coffee consumption could be linked to a decreased risk of death from chronic liver disease and other conditions, like liver scarring and cancer. Daily coffee intake can be beneficial for those at high risk for liver illnesses, such as those with "alcohol use disorder or fatty liver disease" (Johns).

Altogether, the ingredients in coffee add up to produce a drink that is greater than the sum of its parts. Rest assured that enjoying a moderate amount of coffee each day complements your mind, body, and overall happiness.

Sources:

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2022). 9 Reasons Why (the Right Amount of) Coffee Is Good for You. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-reasons-why-the-right-amount-of-coffee-is-good-for-you.

Link, Rachael, MS, RD. (2022, January 11). 9 Unique Benefits of Coffee. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee.

Napoli, Nicole. (2022, March 24). Good News for Coffee Lovers: Daily Coffee May Benefits the Heart. American College of Cardiology. https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2022/03/23/17/55/Good-News-for-Coffee-Lovers-Daily-Coffee-May-Benefit-the-Heart#:~:text=These%20substances%20can%20help%20reduce,abnormal%20heart%20rhythms%2C%20Kistler%20said.