Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Drinking coffee often gets a bad rap. People complain about the amount of caffeine present in the beverage and talk about the ill effects of consuming too much in a short period of time. In the middle of all the complaints and warnings, it is often overlooked that this traditional morning beverage also provides a number of benefits. When consumed in moderation, it is possible to make the most of these advantages and not have to be overly concerned about the possible drawbacks.
Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Enjoying three or so cups each day can actually help to reduce the possibility of death due to stroke or heart disease. This moderate amount of intake can be spaced out over the course of the day. For example, it is possible to enjoy a cup with breakfast the sip on another cup while you work. A third cup can be enjoyed after lunch and provide a little support during that mid-afternoon slump. While there are different ideas about why coffee has the ability to help prevent the development of heart disease, ongoing research indicates that the beverage does help to minimize the buildup of plaque in the arteries, making it easier for the heart to function properly.
Fights the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease
Another benefit of moderate consumption is that the nutrients in the beverage seem to help minimize the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. This includes the dementia that is one of the more common signs of the condition. Even if the patient is in the early stages, a carefully monitored intake of the beverage can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer
A more recent discovery about consuming this beverage is that it can help discourage the development of skin cancer. While you still need to be mindful of limiting exposure to UV rays and other activities that increase the chances of this form of cancer, having two or three cups each day will provide some of the nutrients your body needs to stave off the development of cancer cells. While there is currently no evidence that consumption helps to retard the development of all types of cancer, there are studies underway to see if the beverage can aid in reducing the risk of other forms of the disease.
Ease the Afternoon Slump
Many people notice that as the morning turns into afternoon, they experience a decrease in energy. Enjoying a hot cup or two can provide enough caffeine to reverse the trend and make it possible to get on with whatever work is left to be done before closing time. Along with increasing your energy, a quick cup can also help to clear your thoughts and make it much easier to concentrate on the task at hand. As a result, you are a little more productive and can move at a faster pace.
Enjoy a Cup
The next time you are tempted to pass on a cup of coffee, keep in mind that there are plenty of reasons to enjoy this beverage. Doing so gives your body reasonable amounts of caffeine and can bring about a number of positive effects. Keep the consumption within reason and you can enjoy all those advantages without experiencing the jittery nerves and other drawbacks that come with too much of a good thing.