6 Health Benefits of Coffee

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

September 1, 2021
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Coffee is more than just a drink you use to power your day. It has numerous health benefits including better gut health and lower blood pressure.

Aside from water, coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It comes from Arabica cultivars and is grown around the world, including Colombia. This popular beverage is touted to be one of the healthiest drinks on the planet. Colombian coffee beans are chock-full of polyphenolic antioxidants that have many health benefits, including:

  • Fat loss
  • Protection from cancer
  • Lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Improved brain function

There may be even more potential health benefits. So what are you waiting for? Whether you prefer a drip system, an espresso machine, or a traditional coffee percolator, it’s time to get brewing. We’ve rounded up six of the most popular health benefits of coffee you should know.

Coffee Has Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants are known for their health benefits. Consuming more antioxidants can fight free radicals and remove damaged cells from the body. This can ultimately reduce the risk of chronic disease. Chlorogenic acid, a chemical found abundantly in coffee, has been linked to reduced inflammation and may play a role in preventing chronic diseases, including obesity.

Coffee Can Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

There are indications that coffee can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 2018 review of 30 studies found an inverse relationship between coffee consumption and type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that each cup per day decreased the chance of developing the disease by 6%.

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Coffee is said to have significant health benefits.

Although the jury is still out on why coffee is effective in reducing the chances of developing type 2 diabetes, possible reasons include its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, the ability to burn more calories, and improving the diversity of healthy microbes in the gut.

Coffee Can Help With Weight Loss

It is a widely known fact that healthy coffee can help with weight loss. This is because it contains nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and niacin, which can improve muscle function, support digestive health, and lead to better health outcomes. Coffee also contains caffeine, of course, which can improve energy, boost metabolism, and aid in weight loss.

CBD Coffee

Create fun ways to experiment with making coffee drinks at home. Photo by samer daboul via Pexels

The best part is that coffee is a low-calorie beverage in itself. Introducing coffee into your diet can help you live in a calorie deficit when you consume fewer calories than you burn. Note that this only applies to black coffee, which typically has fewer than five calories per serving.

Coffee can also reduce ghrelin levels in the body, a hormone that makes you feel hungry. Studies have found that drinking coffee can reduce a person’s food intake by regulating their ghrelin levels within four weeks.

Coffee Helps You Stay Alert

Coffee is a popular stimulant that helps the body stay awake. It’s a good idea to chug a few cups of coffee when you’re staying up to work on assignments. Some studies also hypothesize that coffee can improve your memory.

vienna coffee houses

A cappuccino is a universal coffee you’ll find served throughout the world. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

This benefit is a double-edged sword because coffee can cause an energy crash after its effects wear off. If this happens to you too often, we recommend swapping coffee for alternatives like green or black tea (both have lower amounts of caffeine and are relatively effective at helping you stay awake).

Coffee is Good for Your Liver

Coffee has over a thousand chemicals that scientists are still learning about. One such chemical is paraxanthine, which can slow the growth of scar tissue associated with fibrosis. This can allow coffee to help fight against liver cancer and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Some doctors think coffee may be essential in fighting liver disease. However, doctors don’t know enough about coffee to recommend a specific amount.

Coffee Can Help You with Your Workout

Need an extra boost of energy during a workout?

Most pre-workout beverages can be hard to prepare and may be too costly. Coffee is high in caffeine and relatively affordable, making it an effective beverage to improve your performance at the gym. Studies have shown that caffeine found in coffee can increase muscular strength, improve jumping performance, and improve alertness.

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Better Buzz Nitro Cold Brew and coffee will keep you going all day! Photo by: Lauren Sublett-Fromm

Athletes often use coffee to improve their overall performance. It’s worth noting that coffee can redirect energy away from the digestive system, slowing digestion and leading to stomach upset. This is why we recommend exercising on an empty stomach.

Also, you can avoid these effects by drinking coffee at least one hour before your workout, giving your body enough time to metabolize it.

Related Articles about Coffee

How Does Coffee Affect You?

It’s worth mentioning that if you check out this dentist in Decatur, TX, they’ll tell you to drink coffee in moderation. It is an acidic beverage and can negatively impact your dental health in the long run.

Coffee impacts everyone differently. The effect it has on your friend may differ from what it has on you. We always recommend contacting your healthcare provider to improve your best outcome.

Aside from water, coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It comes from Arabica cultivars and is grown around the world, including Colombia. This popular beverage is touted to be one of the healthiest drinks on the planet. Colombian coffee beans are chock full of polyphenolic oxidants that have many health benefits. We've rounded up six of the most popular health benefits of coffee you should know.

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

Founder and publisher Susan Lanier-Graham is an award-winning travel writer and author of more than 75 books. For more than three decades, she has explored the world in search of unforgettable “wow moments,” from the jungles of Thailand and the temples of Egypt to wine regions, coastlines, and hidden gems closer to home. Her work blends immersive storytelling with practical insight, helping readers experience destinations more deeply. Based in Spearfish, South Dakota, Susan covers travel, food, and wine with a focus on meaningful experiences. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS).

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