According to recent research, coffee not only provides an energy boost in the morning, but also a number of potential health benefits, including improved gut health, improved memory, and even mental well-being.
Coffee is the most popular drink in the world, and millions of us start our day with a cup of this delicious beverage. However, studies show that drinking our beloved beverage can be associated with measurable health benefits.
Packed with vitamins and minerals that can have powerful benefits, including gut health and improved memory, coffee beans release this goodness when brewed in scorching water, making a cup of black coffee a great robust option. Modern research from ZOE PREDICT has found that it has a range of positive effects on the body, including cognitive function, gut regulation and even mental health.
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers tend to have greater diversity in their gut microbiomes — the collection of bacteria found in the digestive system — which is likely due to coffee’s soluble fiber and prebiotic properties, which feed a type of beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion and gut health. In addition, novel research suggests that coffee may promote long-term cognitive health by improving memory and attention, and potentially sluggish cognitive decline, reducing the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s later in life, reports WalesOnline.
Recent scientific studies have also identified two compounds in coffee, kahweol and cafestol, that have been shown in laboratory experiments to stop the growth of prostate and kidney cancer cells. In addition, coffee is well-known for its laxative properties, with almost a third of coffee drinkers reporting a need to utilize the bathroom within half an hour of drinking a cup. Therefore, in some cases, it can be used to regulate bowel movements if you have a problem with this.
Unless you’re adding a ton of sugar or sweeteners to your cup of coffee, coffee does contribute to weight loss. One study found that coffee drinkers were more likely to keep their weight off in the long term than non-coffee drinkers. It’s thought that these effects may be due to coffee’s appetite-suppressing properties, as well as its positive effects on metabolism.
But beyond your physical health, coffee can also support your mental health. Researchers found in a study that people who drink at least four cups of coffee a day have a significantly lower risk of developing depression than those who drink less than one cup a day. Although, according to ZOE experts, it’s all about moderation and finding what works for you. Some people metabolize the caffeine in coffee better than others, so experimenting can support you figure out how much, if any, coffee a day is right for you.
However, if you tend to feel jittery, anxious, or have trouble sleeping after drinking coffee, decaf may be a great alternative for you. ZOE says the benefits of drinking this slightly modified form of the brew are essentially the same, because the nutritional power of coffee comes from the plant compounds found in the beans. These robust compounds, known as polyphenols, remain intact even after manufacturers remove the caffeine.
There is no “healthiest” way to drink coffee, and it varies from person to person. It can depend on your caffeine sensitivity, your personal health goals, and other factors in your life, such as how well you sleep naturally and whether you suffer from anxiety. Official guidelines say that if you’re over 18, the unthreatening daily limit for caffeine is up to 400mg per day (about four or five cups of coffee), but if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, that drops to 200mg.
Other variables include how long you roast your favorite coffee beans, how much milk you add, and whether you drink your coffee scorching or icy. Each of these things can affect the nutritional value of your coffee, and therefore how beneficial it may be for you. Overall, it’s all about preference—so don’t force yourself to drink a massive cup if you simply don’t feel like it.
