Everybody knows that coffee tastes great and gives you that extra boost to get through your day, but did you know that these tasty little beans also harbor some serious health benefits?
A recent study shows that men and women who reported drinking two to three cups of coffee had a ten to thirteen percent less chance of dying during the study. Other studies on coffee drinkers also show a decrease in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and many of the most common types of cancer, including skin, oral, prostrate, and breast cancer. Coffee drinking has even been correlated with lower rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life and may actually alter the way the brain functions.
While researchers aren’t exactly sure how it triggers these health benefits, coffee contains high levels of antioxidants, especially flavonoids. These compounds help protect cells from free radical damage from air, moisture, sunlight, aging, and environmental toxins. Coffee is actually considered the primary source of antioxidants in the American diet.
Not only does this potent brew contain antioxidants, but coffee is also a known mood booster. According to Harvard researchers, women who drink coffee also experience lower rates of depression. That’s because coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that acts on the brain and central nervous system, causing alertness and motivation. No doubt this side effect explains the long lines at Starbucks in the early morning, and the waning hours of the afternoon.
So, the next time you’re feeling guilty about reaching for that second cup, remember that coffee boosts your mood and improves your health. Now that’s a reason to enjoy a cup.
