Reasons why you can drink coffee

For those who know me, I love coffee, good quality coffee. Wherever I go, I will always look for the nice little neighbourhood cafe, so obviously I had to post about coffee and its benefits! Indeed, there is growing evidence suggesting that drinking coffee in moderation can have several health benefits.

Here are some of the science-based reasons for drinking coffee:

1. Reduces fatigue thanks to caffeine its primary active ingredient which stimulates the central nervous system.
2. Improves concentration & cognitive performance: caffeine is a stimulant that has been shown to improve mental alertness, attention, and mood. Some studies have also linked caffeine consumption to improved memory and reaction time.
3. Lowers blood sugar due to its ability to increase insulin sensitivity.
4. Increases fat burning by activating brown adipose tissue and increasing metabolic rate.
5. Boosts physical performance: caffeine has also been shown to increase physical performance, particularly during high-intensity exercise.
6. Impacts mood by acting on dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
7. Stimulates bowel movement by increasing muscle contractions in the colon and speeding up the passage of waste.
8. Rich in antioxidant: coffee contains around 200 polyphenols, which are protective molecules.
9. Low calorie content: Unlike other high-calorie beverages like soda or fruit juice, coffee contains very few calories, making it an excellent choice for people who are trying to manage their weight (without added sugar of course!)

It's important to note that the health benefits of coffee consumption depend on the type of coffee, the way it is prepared, and the amount consumed. For example, some types of coffee, such as espresso and Turkish coffee, can contain higher levels of caffeine compared to other coffee drinks. Similarly, adding high-calorie ingredients like sugar, cream, or syrups to coffee can quickly turn it into an unhealthy beverage.

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The recommended amount of coffee consumption varies depending on age, weight, and health status. Generally, moderate coffee consumption is defined as 3-4 cups per day, which is approximately 400-500 milligrams of caffeine. However, it's important to note that individual tolerance for caffeine can vary greatly, and some people may experience adverse effects such as anxiety, jitters, or disrupted sleep after consuming even moderate amounts of coffee.

My advice

Listen to your body and be mindful of how coffee affects you. If you experience any negative symptoms after drinking coffee, consider reducing your intake or switching to a lower-caffeine alternative.

Avoid coffee if pregnant, with reflux or gastritis issues, when on certain medication and if your doctor says so!

Please check the ingredient list on alternative milks that might be trendy but they are often loaded with sugar and other additives.

Try to drink fair trade coffee since it helps support small-scale farmers and their communities.

In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of coffee consumption, the growing body of evidence suggests that drinking coffee in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

FACT: Coffee originated in Ethiopia, mostly drunk by Arabs and was introduced in Europe in the 16th century by a pope!