There’s a lot to say for treating our bodies better this January. But don’t ditch the drip filter just yet, as we uncover 10 of the best health benefits of great coffee.
January has always traditionally been the month for kicking bad habits and starting a fresh health routine to rejuvenate and nurture our bodies. In 2019, the trend seems to have stepped further into the mainstream than ever before. But what’s any of this got to do with coffee? Aside from being simply delicious, good quality coffee can offer a host of healthy benefits too, as long as you’re willing to ditch the syrups and switch to healthier milk alternatives.
Let’s pour a brew and take a look at the first 5 epic health benefits now…
Health Perk 1: It’s a natural energy booster
Here’s the story of how coffee originated. Apparently a fellow was shepherding his flock of goats up in the hills of Ethiopia when he began to feel drowsy and tired. He needed something to keep him lively to spot any signs of danger to his flock.
He noticed that his goats were full of beans and was curious as to what made them so lively. Then he saw the plant from which the goats had been greedily enjoying the cherries, seeds and all. The plant was of course a coffee plant and the seeds within those cherries were full of caffeine.
The story goes that the shepherd helped himself to a few, mashed them up and brewed them into a rudimentary hot drink. Hey presto, coffee was born and the shepherd kept his wits about him to watch over his herd. So let’s raise brew to one of nature’s earliest energy boosters!
Health Perk 2: Feel the burn!
No we’re not talking about what happens when you just can’t wait to take a sip. There’s a reason why almost all fat-burning dietary supplements and energy drinks contain caffeine, it’s a fantastic fat burner. In fact, it’s one of the few natural substances proven to aid fat burning.
That’s also why most fitness professionals will recommend a cup of black coffee an hour before you workout to get your metabolism and your energy rocking. You could go further and push harder to improve your workouts by 11-12%.
Perk 3: It helps you umm… make.
Studies have shown that a cup of coffee can supply around 1-2g of fibre. Which can equate to around 6% of your recommended daily fibre intake. Most coffee lovers enjoy 2-3 cups a day which means that they’re contributing up to 18% toward their recommended allowance.
There is one major thing that fibre is obviously good for and let’s face it, it’s a crucial bodily function for good health. But aside from that, fibre is pretty amazing for other stuff too.
It can help to lower bad cholesterol levels in your body which means happy veins and arteries. Fibre can also help to maintain consistent blood sugar levels, which will help you curb your cravings and feel fuller for longer. So reach for your favourite coffee cup instead of sweets next time you feel a craving coming on.
Perk 4: Coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and more than one in every 10 adults who are 20 years or older has it. Perhaps what’s more troubling is that 1 out of 3 adults has what’s called prediabetes, with nearly all of that group without knowing it.
The good news it studies have shown that people who drink the most coffee have a much lower risk of developing the disease. One study even showed a reduction as high as 67%. The average results were closer to 50%, which still shows a remarkable reduction in risk.
Mine’s a black filter with no sugar please!
Perk 5: Nutrients galore!
Analysis from Nutritional Data shows that good quality coffee is packed with essential minerals and vitamins.
Just one cup contains as much as:
- 11% of your daily intake of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), which is good for growth and overall health
- 6% of your daily intake of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), which is essential for making healthy blood cells
- 3% of your daily intake of Manganese and Potassium, which help to regulate your blood and your hormones
Final thoughts
As if you didn’t already love coffee enough, now you have the perfect reasoning to backup that extra cup in the afternoon. We hope you enjoyed the first five epic health benefits of good coffee. We’ll be back next week with five more to round up our top ten.
Remember to consult with a health professional before you make any major dietary decisions.