The health benefits of coffee are scientifically proven.
Coffee is famous for providing energy to people, but its natural antioxidants can also boost your health such as reducing the risk of cancer, protecting the liver...
Dr. - Traditional Medicine Practitioner Phung Tuan Giang, President of the Vietnam Institute for Research and Development of Traditional Medicine, said that worldwide, coffee is the second most consumed beverage after water in many countries and is the leading source of caffeine in the average person's diet.
There is still much disagreement about whether coffee is good or bad for your health. Coffee seems to be a double-edged sword. While it can make us feel more alert, productive, and motivated, for some people it has the opposite effect, leaving them feeling anxious, jittery, and unable to concentrate.
Coffee is not only rich in caffeine, but it is also rich in antioxidants and contains small amounts of several micronutrients that our bodies need.
"However, it is also associated with various side effects. Medical experts often advise that certain groups of people should limit their intake to avoid adverse health effects," noted Traditional Medicine Practitioner Giang.
There are many different types of coffee based on the type of bean used, the brand, and the method used to brew it. Photo: Getty
Similarly, Associate Professor Donald Hensrud, a nutrition and preventive medicine expert at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota (USA), said: "Coffee sometimes gets a bad reputation. But it can be exceptionally good for you."
Health benefits of coffee
Here's what you need to know about this popular beverage, including types of coffee, potential drawbacks, and six science-backed benefits that could be good for your health.
According to the authors of a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, coffee is rich in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress in the body caused by aging, exposure to pollution, chemicals, UV radiation, and poor quality food and alcohol.
Daily coffee consumption may provide the following health benefits:
May reduce risk of death from all causes
According to a large 2017 study in the British Medical Journal, coffee drinkers are less likely to die from any cause than non-coffee drinkers. As a general rule, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.
May reduce the risk of cancer
According to Forbes, findings suggest that coffee is linked to a reduced risk of prostate, endometrial and other cancers, and may also reduce the risk of certain neurological, metabolic and liver diseases.
May help fight type 2 diabetes
The study notes that drinking coffee may also help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The authors found no difference between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.
Another large review of 18 studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that each cup of coffee consumed was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Chlorogenic acid, one of the main antioxidants found in coffee, may also reduce the absorption of glucose from sugary or high-carbohydrate foods. This may slow the release of sugar into the blood after a meal and may be beneficial in preventing insulin resistance.
May reduce the risk of liver disease
According to the data, drinking any amount of coffee compared with no coffee was associated with a reduced risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis… There was also a significant association between coffee drinking and a lower risk of gallstones.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that increased coffee consumption was associated with a lower rate of liver disease progression in people with hepatitis C. In fact, alcoholic liver syndrome was reduced by 20% with a cup of coffee a day, says physician Giang.
Other research suggests that coffee may also protect against cirrhosis, including alcoholic cirrhosis.
May reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and depression
Research shows that coffee is linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Consumers are also less likely to suffer from depression and other cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's.
May boost heart health
The beverage also offers some cardiovascular benefits, according to a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Drinking two cups a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Limitations of coffee
Additionally, Dr. Hensrud adds, coffee has a high caffeine content, which makes it mildly addictive. Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure, especially if you are not a regular coffee drinker.
Pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant should also limit or avoid caffeine altogether. Dr. Hensrud says drinking too much can cause miscarriage or prevent conception.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, people may also experience the following negative side effects from consuming too much caffeine:
- Restless.
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache.
- Feeling dizzy.
- Tachycardia
- Dehydration.
- Worry.
More is needed to get the same effect
The best health benefits of coffee
Be mindful of how much caffeine is in each cup and how it affects you. Some people are more sensitive to coffee, Dr. Hensrud explains.
Also, be aware that some coffees from popular chains can have as many as 500 calories per serving or more, so it might be wise to cut back on other things like sugary sweeteners and consider replacing heavy creamers with almond or low-fat milk.
