While coffee lovers have been made to feel guilty for years thinking that their love for a golden crema was bad for their health science now says otherwise.
A panel of experts from the World Health Organisation have confirmed that coffee may prevent some forms of cancer (specifically liver and uterine cancers).
No longer do you need to hide your coffee loving antics for fear of being told it will give you cancer. To further back up this claim another study from the University of Southern California also found that coffee consumption decreases the risk of colorectal cancer.
They found a further 50% decrease of colorectal cancer for those who drink more than 2.5 servings per day. They suggest that caffeine and polyphenol act as antioxidants which limit the growth of potential cancer cells. Melanoidins generated during roasting was also thought to encourage colon mobility.
That’s not all, there is a long list of health benefits related to drinking a moderate amount of coffee.
Health benefits of coffee:
1. Decrease risk of type 2 diabetes
A study conducted from Harvard has found that the chance of developing type 2 diabetes decreases by 9% for each cup of coffee consumed.
If you love the taste but not the caffeine the same benefit still applies with a 6% decrease for each cup of decaf coffee.
2. Decrease risk of alzheimers
Some studies have suggested that drinking coffee in mid-life may decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s in late-life.
Specifically, one study found that drinking 3-5 cups per day in mid-life resulted in a decrease of risk by 65% at late-life.
3. Reduce depression
Caffeine is the most frequently ingested psychoactive substance in the world and until recently it’s effect on depression was poorly understood.
It has been discovered that the risk of depression decreases by 8% for each cup of coffee. It was shown to decrease faster when the caffeine consumption was above 68 mg/day but lower than 509 mg/day. That translates to at least one espresso shot and no more than 7 (which let’s be honest is a lot).
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand recommend no more than 210 mg of caffeine per day, approximately 3 espresso shots.
4. Good for your heart health
Not only does it warm your heart on a cool winter morning but coffee is good for your heart health too.
A Dutch study found that moderate coffee drinkers had a 20% lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t drink coffee, or those who drink it heavily or lightly.
5. Boosts brain power and productivity
Can’t function without your morning coffee? Turns out this is not a myth. Coffee has an impact on your mood, reaction time, memory, vigilance, and general cognitive functioning.
6. Helps burn fat
Looking for an excuse to not include coffee in your calorie count? Drinking coffee raises your metabolism and can help increase the oxidation of fatty acids. So, not only does it help burn fat it also helps increase your physical performance.
7. Wonderful source of antioxidants
Coffee is also packed full of antioxidants which help fight inflammation linked to arthritis, some cancers, and cardiovascular disease.
While these health benefits of coffee are enough to convince some to order a second cup it should be noted that coffee still should be consumed in moderation.
Too much caffeine can have a negative effect on your health and a recent study suggests healthy adults can have up to 400mg per day. Equivalent to around 4 – 6 espresso shots depending on the beans used.
