Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and for good reason. Not only does it taste great and provide an energy boost, but it also has a number of health benefits.
Approximately 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day according to data from the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and other sources. The United States is also a major consumer, with Americans drinking about 400 million cups of coffee per day, making it the leading consumer of coffee in the world per capita.
Here are five benefits of drinking coffee that have been backed by scientific research:
Improved Brain Function — Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant that can help improve brain function, including increased alertness, concentration, and memory. One study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience found that caffeine can also improve mood and reduce feelings of fatigue.
Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes — Multiple studies have shown that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. One study published in the journal Diabetologia found that each additional cup of coffee consumed per day was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Protection Against Liver Disease — Coffee consumption has been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of liver disease, including liver cancer. One study published in the journal Hepatology found that coffee consumption was associated with a 43% reduced risk of liver cancer.
Lower Risk of Parkinson's Disease — Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurological disorder that affects movement. Studies have shown that coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease. One study published in the journal Annals of Neurology found that men who drank at least 4 cups of coffee per day had a 60% lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
Longevity — A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that followed 400,000 participants over a period of 16 years found that men who drank two or more cups of coffee per day had a 10% lower risk of death than men who drank no coffee.
It's always recommended to consume coffee in moderation, and also consider the source of coffee, organic or non-organic, and the method of brewing.
Ready for a cup?