Many of us rely on our morning cup of coffee to wake us up each day – but a up-to-date study has found that the benefits of coffee may go much further. The study, published in BMC Public Health suggests that regular coffee consumption may aid offset some of the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle, which is linked to many chronic diseases. And that’s not the only benefit: Coffee has been linked to a whole host of health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Up-to-date study suggests coffee could aid you live longer
Because so many of us now have office jobs, the reality of contemporary life is that most people spend too much time sitting. Of course, we should all be trying to move more, but up-to-date research suggests that drinking coffee could aid counteract some of the effects of inactivity. Scientists from Soochow University in China have published a report claiming that sitting for more than eight hours a day may boost the risk of mortality – but coffee drinkers appeared to have a lower risk of mortality compared to non-coffee drinkers.
“Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world… and growing evidence also suggests that regular coffee consumption can reduce chronic disease morbidity and mortality due to the powerful antioxidant properties of coffee components,” said Bingyan Li, a professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene at the School of Public Health at Soochow University. “Therefore, even if coffee has a tiny effect on improving health, it may have a significant impact on public health.”
She adds: ‘The benefits of coffee consumption in improving overall survival in adults compared with a sedentary lifestyle are manifold. Coffee consumption reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, which increases inflammation. Many studies have found an inverse association between coffee consumption and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in adults.’
It’s clear that the study doesn’t suggest that drinking coffee will keep you sitting all day – the NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, with some form of physical activity every day. HHowever, research confirms that moderate coffee consumption can be beneficial to our health.
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Other Health Benefits of Coffee
Improves brain health
Moderate caffeine consumption has been linked to improved memory function and mood, and some studies have shown that it may also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease such as dementia.
May aid protect your heart
For decades, coffee has been linked to impoverished heart health. However, latest research suggests it may actually protect our most precious organ: A University of Colorado study found that coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of heart failure.
Improves gut health
Drinking coffee can have a positive impact on our gut bacteria. As the Zoe website explains, “Caffeine activates contractions in the digestive tract, while other compounds in coffee stimulate stomach acid production, which helps both move food through the gut and keep you regular.”
It can improve your mood
Everyone reacts to caffeine differently, and for some people it can make them feel nervous (especially when consumed on an empty stomach). But for those who tolerate it well, coffee can aid them feel more alert and energized—and even improve their mood. One review from China Coffee drinkers have been shown to have a lower risk of developing depression, which is likely due to the fact that caffeine increases the expression of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine.
What are the dangers of drinking coffee?
It is significant to note that coffee has also been linked to health problems due to its high caffeine content. It can temporarily raise blood pressure, and when boiled, unfiltered coffee can raise the level of “bad” cholesterol horizontal. The amount we drink matters: up to 400mg of caffeine seems to be safe and sound for most hearty adults, which is roughly the equivalent of four cups a day. Excessive consumption can cause headaches, insomnia and irritability. If you are pregnant, the NHS recommends no more than 200mg a day.
