Health Benefits of Coffee - Why A Cup of Coffee Is Good For You

Coffee: The Morning Eye Opener and Health Booster

Cancer is a disease that strikes fear into the hearts of many, and with good reason: Most of us know someone who has fought the disease in some fashion, and been there to provide whatever support and comfort we can. However, what if you could cut the risk of getting cancer by drinking coffee? Moreover, what if you could significantly reduce the likelihood of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease by drinking a couple of cups a day? Unlikely as it may seem, new research reveals that coffee can have serious benefits for your health.

Nearly eight million people around the world die from cancer each year and the figure is on the rise. Everyone is keen to reduce their risk of developing any form of cancer and Alzheimer, but you may already be using a disease-fighting agent, every day: In your coffee cup.

Over the past few years, several research articles have been published, showing a link between the reduced risks of cancer and drinking coffee. A study in America of over 40,000 men over a 20-year period found that those who drank six cups of coffee or more per day were 20% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who did not drink any coffee. A similar study of women found that those who regularly drank coffee were less likely to develop cancer of the womb or breast cancer. Whilst there is still a lot more research to be done to ascertain how caffeine reduces the risk of cancer, it is good to know that a cup of coffee may be doing us more good than just waking us up with a caffeine jolt every day.

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects not only the sufferer but also those around them. There can be few worse things in life than to watch the person you love become a shell of their former self, unable to recognize you and unable to remember their life. This is why a recent study by the scientists at the University of South Florida is so exciting. The study, which was carried out on mice that had been bred to develop Alzheimer’s, showed that those who were given a caffeinated drink retained their mental skills long after the group who were given water to drink. The findings build on research done several years earlier that revealed that people who drank two cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop the disease than those who did not drink the beverage. Researchers believe that caffeine suppresses the buildup of a specific protein in the brain that clumps, causing the memory loss and other symptoms of the disease.

There are many other proven benefits of drinking coffee including:

A reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes: A study by the Harvard School of Health discovered that drinking three to four of coffee a day could reduce the risk of diabetes by 50% in men and 30% in women. Further studies reveal that the benefits come from the coffee itself. Yes! Decaffeinated coffee can now reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

An increase in metabolism: A higher metabolism can help you lose weight. The stimulant effect of coffee gives you more energy and increases your metabolism that in turn burns more calories, meaning you should (theoretically) lose the extra weight.

A reduced likelihood of developing gout: A 12-year long study of 45,000 men over the age of 40 found that the men who drank less, or no coffee developed gout. Coffee drinkers seem less likely to develop the condition.

Whichever way you look at it, coffee can benefit your health. Obviously many of coffee’s benefits can be offset if you drink too many cups. The best advice is to drink in moderation. So, the next time you head to the coffee shop for your caffeine fix, just remember the benefits that a cup is doing to your body.