I am a coffee lover through and through. I need at least my one cup of coffee every morning to function on the same level as other humans. I love reading reviews and recommendations on The Full Moon Cafe, they really help me decide what I should buy next!
I typically have another cup in the afternoon as well, sometimes there is even a third cup in there somewhere….but who’s counting?
My parents and grandparents have several cups of coffee throughout the day as well, and always have. So I think that my addiction is truly because caffeine runs through my veins 😉 .
I had a feeling that many of you may be dragging on this fine Monday morning as you start your work week, so I thought I would share with you an awesome list of 6 health benefits of drinking coffee that I found.
I thought it would be a great way to lose the guilt and drink that cup of joe worry-free today!
6 health benefits of drinking coffee:
1. Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
A study led by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health found that increasing coffee consumption may reduce type 2 diabetes.
The researchers found that the participants who increased their coffee intake by more than one cup a day (on average, an increase of 1.69 cups per day) over a 4-year period had an 11% lower type 2 diabetes risk over the subsequent 4 years, compared with people who did not change their intake (source).
Type 1 diabetes runs in my family (my Dad is a diabetic), and I’ve actually seen several studies that have reported an increased frequency of type 2 diabetes in families where there is already a presence of type 1. I thought this was pretty interesting, and makes me feel better about my coffee habit too. I’m pretty freaked about the possibility of developing diabetes myself, so I’ll do anything to help keep it at bay!
2. Decreased risk of heart disease and stroke
Type 2 diabetes alone makes heart disease and stroke more likely, and coffee has also been linked to lower risks for heart rhythm disturbances (another heart attack and stroke risk factor) in men and women, and lower risk for strokes in women.
A study of 83,700 nurses enrolled in the long-term Nurses’ Health Study found a 20% lower risk of stroke in those who reported drinking two or more cups of coffee daily compared to women who drank less coffee or none at all. That pattern held regardless of whether the women had high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes (source).
3. Less likely to develop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
If you’re an older adult, those extra cups of coffee you drink on a daily basis appear to definitely have an extra perk beyond keeping you alert.
A study monitoring the memory and thinking processes of people older than 65 found that all those with higher blood caffeine levels avoided the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in the two-to-four years of study follow-up. Moreover, coffee appeared to be the major or only source of caffeine for these individuals (source).
Coffee consumption has also been shown to not only reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, but to also help with movement symptoms for people who already have the disease (source).
4. Source of antioxidants
A study done by researchers at the University of Scranton found that coffee is the #1 source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet. “Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source. Nothing else comes close,” says study leader Joe Vinson, Ph.D., a chemistry professor at the university.
Although fruits and vegetables are generally promoted as good sources of antioxidants, the new finding is surprising because it represents the first time that coffee has been shown to be the primary source from which most Americans get their antioxidants, Vinson says. Both caffeinated and decaf versions appear to provide similar antioxidant levels, he adds (source).
While this finding doesn’t really say good things about Americans and our diets in general, I did find it fascinating that coffee is the primary source of antioxidants in our overall diets.
5. Decreased depression risk
A study led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that, among women, drinking coffee may reduce the risk of depression.
The researchers found the risk of depression to be 20% lower among women who drank four or more cups of caffeinated coffee than those who drank little or none. Those who drank decaf, tea, soft drinks, chocolate and other beverages containing less caffeine did not appear to be protected against depression (source).
Sounds to me like coffee is a great way to be happier! 🙂
6. Increased brain power
CNN reported that although caffeine cannot actually make you smarter, it does allow you to use the brain power you already have in a much more efficient and focused way (source).
I’ve definitely found this to be true for myself. When I’ve been properly caffeinated, I feel like I have a better ability to focus on the task at hand. This is especially true if I am running on little sleep and need an extra boost to help me work more efficiently.
Potential downsides of drinking coffee:
As with anything good in life, there are always potential downsides to be aware of.
1. Caffeine consumption should be limited during pregnancy
While I was pregnant with Little Miss, I managed to keep my coffee habit somewhat subdued and consumed under 200 mg of caffeine per day, as recommended by my midwife. This is about the equivalent of a 12 oz. cup of coffee, depending on how strong you make your own brew.
I always had my morning cup of coffee while pregnant (about 6 oz.) and then it wasn’t until the very end of my pregnancy, after all the vital development was complete, that I allowed myself to have an afternoon cup as well on my more tired days.
The effects of caffeine consumption while pregnant aren’t completely known, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and not overindulge while you have a bun in the oven!
2. Those with anxiety disorders shouldn’t partake
It’s been shown that those who already have anxiety disorders may experience increased anxiety symptoms if they consume caffeine. It’s probably best to stay away from coffee if you are someone who deals with anxiety on a regular basis.
More fun facts about coffee:
Are you a coffee lover like me? If so, how do you take your cup of joe? I’ll take mine with cream and a dash of raw sugar, please! 🙂
There was also a study a few years back about benefits for the gall bladder. Clearly, I join you in the love for the beverage. I drink several cups a day – and no, I don’t count 😉
Glad to know I’m in good company Kirsten 🙂
Caffeine, in general, has had way more negative effects than positive for me. I’m glad some people are able to enjoy it without bad effects. I definitely could do a verrrrry long post about the negative effects it has had on me and others I’ve known. Every time I had a problem, from TMJ to breast lumps, the recommendation from doctors was to quit caffeine. Miraculously, the symptoms would disappear within a few weeks to a few months time. I’m glad you and others don’t have problems with it. Just because some people are affected badly by some things, doesn’t mean everyone is. 🙂
Ugh that’s so unfortunate that you had so many complications from caffeine consumption Kay! At least you were able to give it up so you could find relief!
An additional health benefit is that it keeps me sane 🙂 My mom and I always text each other pictures of coffee lauding the health benefits.
I take my coffee black from my coffee maker, or with cream and sugar for a cold press.
Haha add that one to my list too Hannah 🙂
I am not a huge coffee drinker, but I love black tea. Maybe it has the same benefit .. ? 🙂
I think it’s mostly the caffeine, so I’m sure it has very similar benefits 🙂
My coffee habit ebbs and flows. I’m currently in a “DRINK ALL THE COFFEE”phase. My son is still nursing and allergic to dairy, so I have to take mine either black with a dash of sugar or with coconut milk.
Haha that’s my current phase too Kristi! Mmm coconut milk, sounds delish!
So awesome to read all these benefits! I turned into a big coffee drinker the past few years, so it’s great to hear there are so many benefits to drinking it.
With managing all that you do on a daily basis, I can imagine that you might need some coffee in your life! hah you seriously impress me with all that you have on your plate.
This is a great post Christina. I thought coffee was bad for you until about a month ago. I had no idea what wonderful benefits come from drink 1 cup of coffee a day. Love this! #eachoneteachone 🙂
I’m always looking for benefits to make myself feel better about my coffee habit, so I’m happy to share them 🙂 haha!
I will have to send this one to my hubby, the coffee addict! I am more of a tea girl myself but do have an iced coffee from time to time. 🙂
I love iced coffee too, particularly in the summer. Just had one this afternoon…deliciousness!
I love coffee and have for years, so it’s great that there are some health benefits. I usually stick to one cup a day; if I drink more than two cups, I can get too wired. We have a Nespresso machine, and I make coffee drinks like cafe au lait and caramel latte macchiato at home. I tried a caramel macchiato at a Starbucks once on a trip and fell in love, and this is much cheaper!
I’m so jealous that you have a Nespresso machine, that is awesome!! Your coffee drinks officially trump mine haha too bad we don’t live closer, or I would probably bring some baked goods and invite myself over for a coffee date 🙂
Another benefit: Happiness!
It is fun to read a great list of benefits to consuming coffee. I really enjoy specialty coffees so I try to limit my intake because I think they have a lot of sugar added. I should really try to just drink straight coffee!
Yes! I feel a lot happier when I drink coffee 🙂 I have tried drinking it straight, but just can’t do it. I need at least a little bit of cream or milk, preferably a ton of cream and some raw sugar though!
I love this! <3 I've been drinking coffee (usually with a generous serving of cream and sugar) since I was 9! I've never had any negative side effects from drink coffee almost all of my life and I love settling into a blanket with a good book and a cup of coffee (or tea my other hot drink addiction) and getting lost in the aroma and the words <3
Haha love it Rebecca! Everyone says it stunts your growth…I’ve been drinking it since probably 8 or 9 too and I’m 6’0 tall….so I’m calling bluff on that!
Oh yes, Christina, I share your love for a great cup of joe! For me, it’s really like a miniature getaway. It feels so luxurious to slowly sip a hot espresso (as the kids are running around like monkeys). We purchased an inexpensive bar pump espresso machine when my second son was born and it is phenomenal. We mix up a batch of half-caff for the week and I will typically pull myself a single shot 3 times throughout the day. I’ve found that the strong espresso doesn’t give me the same jitters that drip coffee does and I seem to remember seeing somewhere that it’s the result of the water moving quickly through the grounds vs slowly. Hope you have a great (caffeinated) day!
I second that Janeen! Oh that espresso machine sounds amazing…I just have a plain old coffee maker but might have to splurge for something a bit fancier down the road. That really sounds delightful.
Um, yes please! I limit myself to two cups a day (usually) but I love the taste of coffee so much! 🙂
I *try* to limit to 2 a day too Daisy! Coffee is just too delicious to have any less than that!
This is some great information. I definitely agree with #6 and feel like coffee can help a lot of people focus. I don’t drink it often though and have no idea how I’m able to get up at 5:30 each morning without it but it’s really a guilty pleasure for me (not so guilty after reading this 🙂 )
Haha happy to help with the guilt factor Chonce! I have no idea how you’re able to get up at 5:30 without it either….I commend you girlfriend!
I drink a cup or two of coffee on occasion. We have both diabetes and Alzheimer’s in my family so maybe I should consider drinking it more often. :o)
Those are the two that run rampant in my family as well Tennille! It makes me feel better about my coffee habit 🙂
My aunt is looking for a way to stay energized throughout the day, and she was wondering if coffee was a good option. It is good to know that if you are an older adult, coffee can have an extra perk beyond keeping you alert. It is good to know that coffee consumption has also been shown to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. It looks like my aunt could benefit in many ways from drinking coffee, I will share this information with her.
Oh yes I’m a coffee drinker and proud of it! Lowering risks for these types of diseases only encourages me to keep on my intake! I do about 3-4 cups per day – dark with 2 sugars… Just a small drop of cream on occasion. I’m experimenting with a few recipes right now though – yummy.
That’s cool that coffee will let you focus better and be more efficient. I’d really like to start being faster and more useful when I work. I’ll have to find a local coffee roaster and starting drinking more.
Hi Chiristina,
i read a cup has about 120-250mg coffein. I have a supplement that claims to have 1000mg per pill.
Whats your thought on that? Is that dosage per intake ok? Could one take several (per day)?
And what about cardiac dysrhythmia with this dosage?
Thanks, Julia
Thanks for sharing this information on health benefits of drinking coffee.
That is really cool that among the women who drink coffee, depression is a 20% lower risk. That is something that I am sure my wife would want to have so that she doesn’t get depressed throughout the day. Maybe she should start drinking coffee each day to feel happy.
I really appreciate your tip on how both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee provides you with a lot of antioxidants. My wife and I have been thinking of getting a new house, and the whole process of the move is making us stay up really late. I will be sure to tell my wife that it will be beneficial for us to drink coffee, even if it is decaffeinated!
That’s cool that coffee will let you focus better and be more efficient.