In a recent blog post, we discussed some interesting tips on how to wake your body up without large amounts of caffeine--but hold up!
Caffeine sensitivity aside, does coffee actually have potential health benefits? The answer is yes--in moderation. Let’s discuss!
Benefit #1: Smarter?!
When coffee containing caffeine is consumed, it blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine, which in turn allows for increased neuro-firing. Dopamine and norepinephrine are released, and it is shown that brain activity, such as recall and performance on simple tasks, is increased.
Another cool fact? Caffeine is considered an adenosine receptor antagonist, and studies showthat these antagonists act as protection against neurological diseases. While it won’t cure or guarantee you won’t get a neurodegenerative disease, it certainly helps to know that caffeine does limit the release of adenosine when taken.
Benefit #2: Antioxidants!
Coffee in our cultural diet is one of the largest sources of antioxidants out there. As in our blog post about cacao, coffee contains antioxidants that fight against cardiovascular disease. This is due to antioxidants promoting healthy cell regeneration in arterial walls.
Yes, coffee takes the cake when it comes to the bioavailability of antioxidants in a serving size. In fact, even when up against fruits and vegetables, coffee is the winner of contributing these powerful anti-inflammatory agents upon consumption!
Benefit #3: Anti-Grump
Coffee is a mood booster! Yup, if you’re a grouchy bedhead in the morning, conscientious drinking of this beverage can actually trigger neurotransmitters to release feel-good hormones and chemicals such as dopamine, talked about earlier.
Although it should be noted that caffeine is in fact a stimulant drug and you can experience the harsh side effects of a caffeine crash (ie: more irritation) if you drink too much coffee. As we like to say, everything in moderation!
Benefit #4: Liver Health
Alcohol consumption is a pervasive part of our culture, and often it leads to alcohol abuse, even cirrhosis of the liver.
Cirrhosis, especially cirrhosis due to alcohol overconsumption, is more common than we’d like to think, and it is a serious issue that can lead to liver failure. In addition to maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle, drinking coffee statistically has been found to lower the risk of cirrhosis.
What is more interesting--no other beverages or foods containing caffeine were found to have the same potential to protect against cirrhosis!
And it might not be limited to just this disease--coffee has been found to also have more properties that fight off the chance of hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as slow down the rate of fibrotic disease development.
Benefit #5: Nutritious Bean
As we wrap up, we thought we would leave you with some takeaways on the vitamins and minerals found in a 8oz serving of Joe: Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium and Niacin.
These nutrients are essential to function and wellbeing, and all found in a serving of coffee. Supplementing any other healthy habit with a cup of coffee might prove to benefit your nutrition*!
Don’t Overdo It
As we mentioned previously, caffeine found in coffee is a stimulant, meaning it is a drug and you can easily become addicted to it.
Need an extra boost of energy and don’t want the caffeine crash? Check out our Zero Sugar, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO quick melting Energy, Memory & Mood Enhancer tablets in a customer-approved delicious flavor!
___
Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens