Scientists have studied the health benefits of coffee, both caffeinated and decaf, for decades now. For a while, coffee had a bad rap because it appeared to have negative effects on our health.
Recently, however, scientists have found new evidence that suggests that we may be doing ourselves a favor by drinking coffee regularly—though in moderation.
Coffee is believed to help lower the risk of the following issues:
- Type-2 diabetes
- Colon cancer
- Liver cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Stress hormone cortisol levels
The main attribute that makes coffee so good for our health is that it’s rich in antioxidants. We’ve all heard about antioxidants and how good they are for us, but what exactly do they do?
Antioxidants help protect our cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which results from pollution, harmful UV rays, cigarette smoke, and many other detrimental factors. This type of stress causes the formation of free radicals, which are molecules that scavenge the body looking for electrons.
That’s where antioxidants come in. They help to neutralize free radicals so they’re unable to harm healthy cells. The free radicals are then turned into harmless substances that are flushed out of the body.
Antioxidants benefit the body in the following ways:
- Decrease the risk of cancer
- Reduce oxidative stress that causes premature and accelerated aging
- Help alleviate the harmful effects of UV rays on skin cells
- Slow down the signs of premature aging
- Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, as well as other types of dementia
Below are the 6 known antioxidants found in coffee:
1 – Quinine
Coffee is especially rich in one potent type of antioxidant called quinine, which is known for its ability to kill off diseases. The magical thing about the way quinine works in coffee is that the antioxidant becomes more potent after coffee has been roasted.
When quinine combines with magnesium, another element found naturally in coffee, the two have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and on athletic performance.
2 – Cafestol
Cafestol is found in both caffeinated and decaf coffee. It acts as a modulator for bile acid in the intestines. It also acts an anti-inflammatory substance in the brain, which may mean that it slows down the mental and cognitive decline that results from aging.
3 – Plant Phenols
Another type of antioxidant found in coffee is plant phenols. Plant phenols are similar to the antioxidants found in berries. They protect the body from the cellular damage that occurs in certain types of cancer and in cardiovascular diseases.
They are also known for breaking down lipids and carbohydrates in the body, a process that helps with weight loss.
4 – Trigonelline
Trigonelline is the bitter alkaloid found in coffee. It is responsible for coffee’s unique aroma. It has antibacterial properties that can help reduce dental cavities.
5 – Chlorogenic Acid
Chlorogenic acid plays an integral role in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities in the body. It can also enhance insulin function in the body, which means it’s able to fight diabetes.
6 – Melanoidins
Melanoidins are formed during the roasting process and are responsible for coffee’s enticing aroma. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
We can safely conclude that coffee has many health benefits we can take advantage of when we drink it in moderation—two to four cups a day is considered moderation.
More than seven cups of coffee per day is too much for the body and can lead to a slew of health problems, including increased LDL levels in the blood, diabetes, muscle tremors, and weight gain.
Also, beware that the caffeine in coffee is an addictive stimulant that your body will crave relentlessly when taken in such high doses.
