There’s a silent habit that keeps many of us trapped in the modern world. It’s so ingrained in our culture that many of us don’t give it a second thought each day. But the reality is that a lot of people can’t do without their morning “pick-me-up.”
Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. But the question has stood with me; is coffee beneficial to our health? I have heard some news that coffee was on the list of possible carcinogens, but recently the World Health Organization has removed coffee from that list and seems to have concluded otherwise. In fact, the organization went on to designate coffee as potentially protective against cancer of the uterus and liver. They aren’t the only organization that thinks this either; the World Cancer Research Fund International also has come out with the fact that coffee consumption was linked with a lower risk of several types of cancer. It’s unusual that a food on the “cancer risk list” comes off of it — and it’s even more so unusual that coffee has now become considered a healthy choice.
Coffee in fact seems to be quite healthy for us thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. In fact, doctors are beginning to recommend drinking a cup or two a day. Of course we should avoid all of the added sugar and cream. We’re talking black coffee here.
A commonly overlooked fact – coffee is a potent herb. You might not think of coffee as a medicinal plant, but it certainly is. The stiffest sources of caffeine that we brew in the morning belong to a family of herbs known as nervines. They got this name because they contain substances that interact with your nervous system – and can help you or hurt you, depending on which and how much you use.
Over the last several decades, coffee has been widely studied and the news is mostly good. Studies have shown that moderate coffee drinkers (three to four cups a day) show a link to a longer life span and a much lower risk of forming several diseases.
Studies have found that those who drink coffee may have a reduced risk of:
- Cardiovascular Disease (including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Cirrhosis
- Cancer
- Gout
Not only does coffee help reduce the risk of many diseases, it actually has a load of healthy benefits.
Coffee can improve energy levels and increase brain performance- As many of you know coffee contains a stimulant called caffeine, which is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world! As you drink coffee the caffeine is absorbed into your blood stream and from there travels to your brain. Studies have shown coffee can increase the functionality of your body including memory, vigilance, mood, energy levels, reaction times and general mental function.
Coffee enemas can fight cancer and help detoxify- Coffee enemas are known to help flush out bacteria, heavy metals, fungus and yeast from the digestive tract, including the liver and colon, while also lowering inflammation — therefore helping people restore bowel function, increase their energy levels and heal from disorders that have caused them trouble for years.
Could protect your liver- The liver is a vital organ that carries out hundreds of important functions. Several common diseases affect the liver. Intriguingly coffee may protect your liver. In fact studies have shown that people that moderately drink coffee have up to an 80% lower risk of forming liver disease.
May reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease- This condition usually affects older people and there is no known cure. However there are several things you can do to prevent the disease from occurring and coffee seems to be incredibly effective (as well as eating healthy and exercise). Several studies have shown that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s.
Can help you burn fat- Caffeine is in almost every fat burning supplement, and for good reason. Studies have shown that the caffeine can boost your metabolic rate from anywhere from 3-11%.
May lower the risk of type 2 diabetes- Type 2 diabetes is currently a major health problem affecting millions of people from around the world. Coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, showing a reduction as high as 67%.
Can help fight depression and make you happier- Depression is very common. Coffee has proven to help mood boosts because of the production of dopamine in your brain. You can lower your risk of depression by 20% if you have a few cups of coffee in the morning.
My lower risks of certain types of cancer- Cancer is the second leading cause of death today. Cancer is an uncontrolled cell growth in the body. Liver and colorectal cancer are the third and fourth leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of both.
May help you live longer- Several studies show that coffee drinkers live longer and have a lower risk of premature death. Given that coffee is loaded with antioxidants and can lower your risk for many types of disease, it makes sense that drinking a cup a day could increase your life span!
So, should you start drinking coffee? Not necessarily, many people are sensitive to caffeine and isn’t right for everyone. But with the wealth of benefits, you coffee drinkers can rejoice and enjoy your cup of joe that much more in the morning.
