9 Health Benefits of Coffee That Will Surprise You

What health benefits does coffee offer? Coffee isn't just a favorite beverage for many, providing energy and alertness in the mornings. It also brings unexpected benefits. Discover these effects of coffee right here in this blog with Chus!

9 Health benefits of coffee:

Prolonging Lifespan:

Consuming coffee in moderation can prevent certain diseases like heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. These are conditions that can significantly affect human health in the long term. Therefore, by reducing the risk of disease, coffee contributes to prolonging lifespan.

Reducing Risks of Diabetes:

Some studies suggest that people who regularly drink black coffee have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to non-drinkers. The antioxidants and minerals in coffee help increase insulin and glucose metabolism, thus reducing the risk of diabetes.

Good for Cardiovascular and reducing Risks of stroke:

Daily consumption of black coffee is believed to be beneficial for heart health. Several studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers have a lower incidence of heart disease. A comprehensive report also indicated a 20% lower stroke risk among coffee drinkers compared to non-drinkers.Reducing the Risk of Neurological Diseases

Neurological conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are often associated with aging. The health-protective effects of coffee are believed to potentially prevent such brain-related diseases.

Coffee Benefits for Liver Health

Black coffee is said to have the ability to safeguard the liver. Whether it's pure coffee or decaf, both types help promote liver health by reducing liver enzymes. People already suffering from liver diseases are also at risk of disease progression.

Decreasing Risks of Gallstones

Gallstones are solid crystals formed from digestive fluids residue. They can adversely affect the gallbladder and liver. Coffee contains substances that help prevent the formation of gallstones. A study involving over 46,000 men showed that moderate coffee drinkers have fewer gallstones than non-drinkers.

Cancer Prevention

Pure coffee contains antioxidants believed to protect cells and DNA strands, ensuring healthy cells and preventing them from turning into cancer cells. A meta-analysis revealed a lower incidence of melanoma among coffee drinkers compared to non-coffee drinkers. Here, coffee refers to freshly ground coffee, not packaged or brewed coffee (such as instant coffee).

Weight Loss Effects of Black Coffee

In addition to the overall health benefits mentioned above, coffee also aids in weight loss. Drinking coffee boosts metabolism, helping the body burn fat more quickly.

Coffee Reduces Risks of Depression

Polyphenols, antioxidants found in both regular and decaf coffee, have the ability to protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress. Consuming coffee in moderation, less than about 6 cups per day, enhances mood, concentration, and reduces the risk of depression. However, depending on individual physiology and lifestyle, coffee may cause adverse reactions such as increased anxiety, tension, or insomnia due to caffeine intake. Therefore, it's important not to consume too much and adjust coffee intake according to one's body.

Related article: Tips to quickly get away from coffee drunk

Best times to drink Coffee

Can you indulge in your favorite brew every single day?

Indeed, sipping on coffee each day can help you maintain that sharp focus needed for a productive day at work. However, it's essential to be mindful of your intake. Drinking excessive coffee over a prolonged period might lead to what some call a "coffee addiction," where you find yourself relying on that caffeine kick to stay alert. Abruptly cutting down on coffee can leave you feeling sluggish, uninspired, and downright exhausted.

So, when should you reach for your coffee mug?

Morning and Noon Coffee Breaks

Picture this: you wake up feeling a tad groggy, your eyelids still heavy with sleep. That's precisely the moment for a gentle, comforting cup of coffee. Opt for an Americano or a brew made from Arabica beans, boasting a lower caffeine content. You'll find yourself perking up without that jarring caffeine rush.

As the day inches towards early afternoon, another opportunity presents itself for a delightful coffee break. After refueling your body with a hearty lunch or, perhaps, a short power nap, a cup of coffee can work wonders. It'll reinvigorate your senses and gear you up for a productive afternoon ahead.

When to Skip the Coffee?

Despite its myriad benefits, there are moments when it might be wise to give coffee a pass:

Feeling peckish? Hold off on that cup of joe. Coffee on an empty stomach can sometimes leave you feeling queasy. Your body is more susceptible to coffee's effects when it's running low on energy due to hunger.

Keep evenings coffee-free. Late-night coffee sessions can disrupt your sleep, affecting its quality. This advice particularly applies to those working regular office hours. Generally, aim to steer clear of coffee about six hours before bedtime to ensure a restful night's sleep.

Feeling stressed or tense? Coffee might not be your best companion. While it amps up your concentration levels, it also quickens your heartbeat, potentially exacerbating feelings of anxiety. During these moments, consider switching to caffeine-free alternatives like herbal teas for a calming effect.

Experiencing tummy troubles? Coffee's known to have a laxative effect. If you're dealing with a stomachache or bloating, you might want to think twice before reaching for that coffee pot.

Exhausted from lack of sleep? While coffee can help combat mild drowsiness, it's not a miracle worker for severe sleep deprivation. When you're utterly drained from burning the night with deadline tasks, your body's energy reserves are depleted. In such instances, nothing beats a power nap to recharge your energy level..

Who Should Avoid Drinking Coffee?

Understanding who should steer clear of coffee is a question many ponder. Here are the individuals who should consider avoiding coffee:

Those prone to coffee jitters: Consider opting for teas that offer alertness with lower caffeine content than coffee.

Individuals experiencing anxiety or stress: Switching to teas with lower caffeine content or herbal teas with refreshing aromas can help promote alertness while reducing tension.

Those susceptible to stomach discomfort: Refrain from coffee consumption when access to restroom facilities or time for bathroom breaks is limited. Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should also limit coffee intake to avoid unwanted stomach pains.

Those experiencing severe insomnia or lack of sleep: Coffee won't be effective and may only disrupt sleep while leaving you fatigued and unable to concentrate. In such cases, a short nap to recharge may be more effective.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Caffeine and other compounds in coffee can adversely affect pregnancy and babies during this sensitive period. Therefore, it's best to consume very little or no coffee to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Where to Buy Quality Freshly Ground Coffee?

Hopefully, through this article, you've gained insight into the health benefits of coffee. Drinking coffee in moderation and at the right frequency can be highly beneficial for your body.

At Chus, we offer a diverse range of coffee products sourced from all corners of Vietnam. From Arabica coffee grown in the Northern mountainous regions to robust Robusta coffee from the Central Highlands, we have it all. Whether you prefer freshly ground coffee or freshly brewed coffee made to order, we have it all here for you to choose from without worrying about quality. So, why not try your hand at making a delicious espresso or a sweet Vietnamese iced ca phe sua da with Chus Coffee selection!

Reference: Johns Hopkins Hospital, HSPH (Harvard University), Cleveland Clinic