There’s great news for people who get a java jolt every day: coffee is good for you!
Yes, coffee—even if decaffeinated—delivers real health benefits. While this doesn’t mean you should drink a pot of joe every day, coffee in moderation can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Here are some of the reasons why you may want to drink coffee regularly.
1. Coffee contain antioxidants
Coffee is a great source of antioxidants, the natural food substance that helps fight free radicals. Free radicals are those rascal molecules that may contribute towards developing diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
In particular, coffee contains high levels of polyphenols, the same natural chemical found in red wine, berries, and dark chocolate. Regular coffee drinkers get a healthy dose of polyphenols even if they’re not consuming those other foods every day.
Drinking coffee may help lower your risk of developing heart disease and other health conditions thanks to its antioxidants.
2. Coffee helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s
Regular coffee consumption may fight dementia and Alzheimer’s. A study found that drinking three to five cups of coffee a day is associated with a 65% decreased risk of developing cognitive decline later in life.
The coffee in the study was caffeinated, which suggests that its stimulating effects support memory and brain function.
3. Coffee drinkers may live longer
A British study found that adults who drank up to eight cups of coffee daily lowered their risk of death over a ten year period.
More research will be needed to determine exactly why coffee extends a lifespan, but it could be because of its antioxidant content.
4. Black coffee may reduce cavities
If you want to keep your smile healthy and the dentist’s drill away, drink black coffee. It’s been linked to a decreased risk of getting cavities. Strong black coffee neutralizes bacteria on the teeth that can cause decay.
However, the key word here is black. Coffee with added sweeteners and dairy products can contribute to tooth decay. Coffee in any form can also stain your teeth.
5. Coffee protects against colorectal cancer
Drinking coffee has been linked to a decreased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The news gets even better: the more coffee consumed, the more the risk drops.
Still even better is the fact that the study found that all types of coffee, including instant, brewed, decaffeinated, and caffeinated fight against the disease. Whatever your idea of what goes into the perfect cup of coffee, it can lower your risk.
6. Coffee lowers your suicide risk
A ten-year study that followed female nurses found that those who drank two to three cups of coffee each day lowered their suicide risk. Coffee has also been linked to a decrease in depression, suggesting that the beverage may help people feel happier and more confident.
