What would the world be without our Lattes, Decafs and Mochas - coffee is undoubtedly the elixir of life for millions of people worldwide. Though in the recent years it has garnered a bad reputation and has been associated with over-caffeination and insomnia. However coffee is much healthier than you thought, and can actually work wonders for your health if taken in moderation.
Here are some positive aspects of this drink:
Increases Alertness: Caffeine is a well-known stimulant and is known to increase alertness in individuals. This is because it stimulates the nervous system and regulates blood pressure and intestinal functions in the body.
Stimulating Breath - Caffeine dilates and opens up the airways, and is great for those who face breathing difficulties such as asthma/bronchitis. People who have recently undergone a surgery are sometimes treated with caffeine to help stimulate breathing.
Rich in Antioxidants - As you might already know, your cup of java is extremely rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect against the free radical damage in the body, prevent high blood pressure and pre-mature aging.
Weight Loss - Coffee can help burn extra calories by boosting your metabolism. A cup of Coffee in the morning can give you instant energy and help you workout and exercise for longer duration. It is also low in calories. Of course the extra cream and sugar have to be done away with!
Treating Migraines - Ever wondered how a cup of coffee can dissolve away your headache within minutes? Caffeine has analgesic properties, and is even a common ingredient used in over-the-counter painkillers.
Diuretic functions - Caffeine content in coffee causes the kidneys to produce more urine, which helps in flushing out the toxins from the body.
Improved Brain Function - People who consume 2-3 cups of coffee every day are more productive at work and remember things better. As per a recent study, coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in their golden years.
Type 2 Diabetes - Several studies have shown that Chlorgoenic acid found in coffee can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Caffeine is known to raise blood sugar levels and increase energy expenditure in the short-term. It also increases your body's insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Cancer - As per a study conducted by the Harvard Medical School, regular coffee drinkers are 50% less likely to suffer from breast, colon and prostate cancer. This can be attributed to the high antioxidant content in coffee.
Liver Cirrhosis - Cirrhosis of Liver refers to the scarring of Liver tissues and is a common ailment amongst alcoholics. A wide range of studies conducted under different settings, have all shown that those who drink 3-4 cups of coffee everyday are 80% less likely to suffer from Liver Cirrhosis.
While the list of health benefits of coffee seems pretty impressive, there are some adverse effects of this drink as well that you should be aware of.