What happens to my body when I drink coffee?
It’s no secret that coffee is the most consumed product on the planet, with an estimated 30% of the world population having a cup of coffee per day. That translates into thousands of cups of coffee being served, while hundreds of people search for "coffee shops near me" — all while reading this sentence!
But what is the reality behind it? Turns out that coffee awakens our senses, as it activates our mind, body, and souls to start the day. Its core substances, like cafestol and kahweol , contribute to a good source of antioxidant properties such as glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.
Despite it being so popular, it’s also a very controversial product. Some people love it, some hate it, and others say that coffee is just not good for your health, so we've narrowed it down for you in this blog. That way, you can learn more about your body when you drink a cup of coffee.
It is an energy booster!
Caffeine is a nervous stimulant that fights fatigue and keeps you from feeling drowsy. No wonder it is the perfect companion for a late-night project or an early-morning meeting, right?
It enhances your metabolic rate, helps release adrenaline, and temporarily impairs the action of adenosine , increasing other neurotransmitters like dopamine (your brain’s feel-good chemical). So yes, the side effects of drinking coffee may include an increased risk of happiness and productivity.
No diabetes for coffee lovers?
We can’t assure you that you'll be diabetes-free just by ordering takeout coffee every morning. However, some studies suggest that consuming coffee regularly could be associated with a lower risk of having long-term type 2 diabetes .
This is thought to be a benefit of its ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. However, others attribute it to its huge amount of antioxidants which positively affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism .
Healthy brain!
Some studies suggest that coffee may protect your brain from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease . According to some of these studies, people who consumed caffeine regularly had a significantly lower risk of developing these neurodegenerative disorders.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, recent research correlates caffeine with a slower progression of these diseases over time while also allegedly lowering the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Weight watcher?
In a 2019 study, doctors found that coffee could alter fat storage and support gut health , both of which may be beneficial for weight control.
Furthermore, one study suggested that patients who drank up to two cups of coffee per day were 17% more likely to take on a workout session, in comparison to those who drank less than one cup per day.
Say “goodbye” to feeling blue
Coffee is not only great at boosting your energy, but it’s also amazing at improving your mood. Some studies even suggest that for one cup of coffee consumed per day, there’s an 8% lower risk of depression .
Plus, coffee often brings people together, as sharing a hot cup with friends is a common ritual for many. Being a simple gateway to socialization makes coffee a worthy option when you have “the blues,” so remember to ask a friend out for coffee.
Live-r longer!
Both regular and decaf coffee seem to have a very positive effect on your liver, according to a study conducted in 2017, which suggested that a daily cup of coffee could reduce the risk of chronic liver disease by 15% .
And if that’s only with one cup, we’re glad to let coffee lovers know that, with over four cups per day, it’s 71% lower risk!
Our heart beats for coffee
Considering that heart conditions are the leading cause of death worldwide, it’s great news that coffee is assumed to prevent heart disease and improve heart health.
In fact, one review suggested that drinking from three to five cups of coffee per day was tied to a 15% lower risk of developing heart conditions. And that’s why we say that our heart beats for coffee!
Knock it out of the park!
It might be a little too obvious, but aside from the energy boost you get from consuming coffee, it also boosts your athletic performance, and it has even been used as an ergogenic (performance enhancer) for professional athletes.
There are even more studies about how it improved people’s endurance and decreased their perceived exertion. The perfect beverage for running those 5-mile runs!
Coffee runs on my DNA
And we mean it literally! Because, according to studies and investigators, dark roasted coffee reduces the breakage in DNA strands , which is a natural process done by our bodies.
This can actually lead to tumors and even cancer, if not repaired by our cells. By simply having coffee, you’re even making your cells happy and healthy!
Coffee forever?
We know it's a lot of factual talk based on research, but we've also discovered more astonishing conclusions about consuming coffee! Apparently, thanks to its huge amount of potential benefits, it could extend longevity.
Also, another study found that these benefits seem to vary depending on how you take your coffee. The researchers found that ground, decaffeinated, and instant coffee lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 27%, 14%, and 11%, respectively.
Your skin is coffee-glowing!
Incredible but true! Coffee also has amazing benefits for your skin, thanks to the chlorogenic acids (CGA) that caffeine includes, which may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Besides that, it may protect you from photoaging. So, next time you’re on your skincare routine, be sure to add your best coffee to the list!
And, now that you know how your body can benefit from enjoying your favorite drink, we want you to visit our coffee shops nationwide and enjoy a space for work, study, relaxation, fun, and why not, a healthy boost to your day!
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-reasons-why-the-right-amount-of-coffee-is-good-for-you
- https://scielo.conicyt.cl/pdf/rchnut/v37n4/art13.pdf
- https://www.singlecare.com/blog/coffee-benefits/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30137774/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132598/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17004850/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29590460/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33807132/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24984989/
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-coffee-may-help-prevent-alzheimers-parkinsons
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7353179/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26339067/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440772/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29276945/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/ergogenic-aid
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26568580/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31055709/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7765085/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220926200838.htm
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25041334/