Many people, from adults with full-time jobs, or college kids with packed schedules, rely on coffee as a source of energy. People not only depend on the effects from the caffeine, but genuinely enjoy the flavor. Coffee can be comforting, especially during the cooler months, when it feels even better to sip on something warm. According to an analysis by the European Journal of Epidemiology and a study conducted by the McGill University Health Centre, coffee’s benefits outweigh its risks.
- Coffee consumption helps prevent against cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Smoking decreases the benefits that coffee has for your body.- Despite popular belief, there is no correlation between coffee and its link to the probably of getting gastric cancer.
- Can help prevent diabetes by increasing plasma levels and boosting your metabolism.
- Can aid/prevent damage in the liver.
- Drinking coffee can help stimulate the central nervous system which can protect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
- A single cup of coffee also contains many nutrients such as Riboflavin, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and niacin.
- According to a 2011 study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health, women who drank at least four cups of coffee per day, were 20% less likely to become depressed.
When coffee might not be the right call for you…
- There is a very small link between coffee and miscarriage, so if you’re expecting, coffee might not be your #1 go to beverage.
- Caffeine can raise LDL cholesterol, however proper filtration of the coffee grounds can help eliminate most of the risk.
- If you have trouble sleeping at night, or suffer from anxiety, coffee might not be the right drink for you.
In conclusion, although coffee has a multitude of benefits, those benefits can also be overshadowed by how you drink it. Many of the pros that are related to coffee are not included in high-calorie options from popular coffee shops. When drinks contain more milk, than coffee, it is likely that you are just getting more sugar and fats than any real health advantages. Be wary of flavored creams and artificial sugars, instead, opt for a splash of milk, or even some honey or agave nectar for added sweetness.
Akron is full of wonderful coffee shops and cafes. Near colleges, like Kent State University in Kent you can find local, one of a kind places to get a fresh cup.
