Coffee – we love it, can’t live without it! It gives us energy, helps start our day, and for many of us, even the smell of it just makes us feel better. It is ranked as one of the top three beverages consumed worldwide along with water and tea – but does it provide any benefits to our health? Fortunately, yes! This dark, bitter beverage provides numerous amounts of benefits that give us a reason to keep it as a staple as part of our morning routine.
Benefits of Coffee:
Energy Boost
Caffeine from coffee increases energy and helps us feel less tired in the morning – and even get over that mid-day slump. It also provides the ideal boost before exercise. Coffee helps amplify reaction times and physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels.1
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Coffee offers an impressive amount of powerful antioxidants.2 Antioxidants help protect cells and fight free radicals that may be associated with certain health conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Essential Nutrients
Besides its prominent source of antioxidants, coffee also contains several essential nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, manganese, and several B-vitamins.
Are there any health risks?
Like everything else, it is best to consume coffee in moderation. Excessive amounts can lead to increased nervousness, stomach upset, headaches, and impact sleep. Sometimes we may be able to fall asleep, but the quality of sleep may be poor. Additionally, what we add to our coffee may counteract the benefits. Instead of adding loads of cream and sugar, try adding milk, cinnamon, or vanilla to increase flavor.
