What can be the health benefits of coffee?
Overall research has been quite controversial in considering drinking coffee as a healthy or not healthy habit. With all research, however, it’s important to keep in mind that correlation does not equal causation; it’s possible that coffee drinkers may have many healthy habits that contribute to their overall well-being.
So, what can be the health benefits of coffee?
1. Improves microbiome diversity due to the presence of soluble fiber and prebiotic properties.
2. Improves cognitive function
3. Reduces risk of gallstone diseases. However, if you are currently experiencing gallstones, you may want to avoid coffee due to the stimulating effect it has on the gallbladder.
4. Decreases cancer risk. Researchers recently showed that two coffee compounds, kahweol and cafestol, stopped the growth of prostate and kidney cancer cells in a laboratory study.
5. Being a good source of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, it can repair damage to cells and genetic material around your body.
6. Improves bowel regularity
7. Increases physical activity levels due to the energy boost it provides.
8. Helps maintain weight loss (as long as you don’t load up your coffee with sweeteners). The weight loss effects of coffee might be attributed to caffeine’s role as an appetite suppressant.
9. It is associated with a protective effect against chronic liver disease.
10. Lowers risk of depression
Health considerations
With coffee, the risk for some people is in the dose and in the lack of enzymes that should metabolize your caffeine fix. Prof. Tim Spector agrees: “Caffeine tolerance is highly personal, and there are some factors that you can’t control — such as your genes.” People who metabolize coffee slowly tend to experience jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruptions. Those who metabolize coffee quickly, however, tend to have very few side effects. If you notice your anxiety, mood, or sleep worsens when drinking coffee, you might want to reduce your coffee consumption. Pregnant women should also limit to 1 and a half cups per day. Listen to your body’s symptoms and reduce your coffee consumption if you aren’t tolerating it well, otherwise green light!