Posted on July 1, 2021
Five hidden health benefits of coffee
Morning fuel or mid-afternoon pick-me-up, many of us rely on coffee to give us a boost. While too much caffeine can have negative side-effects, in moderation coffee does have some health benefits. Let’s explore five of the often-overlooked advantages of enjoying your favourite americano, cappuccino or latte. Caffeine is also hidden in other drinks and food including tea, green tea, energy drinks, cola and chocolate.
It boosts your energy
While it’s no secret that caffeine is a stimulant that can boost energy levels, studies have shown that low to moderate caffeine consumption can also improve cognitive function, mood, physical performance and adds to your daily hydration.(1) Low to moderate consumption is defined as the equivalent to 0.3 to four cups of coffee per day.
It burns fat
Most supplements designed to help shed the pounds contain caffeine. That is because caffeine can increase your metabolic rate – i.e. speed up your metabolism – helping you burn fat faster.(2) To keep your calorie intake down when you are trying to lose weight, stick to black coffee and skip the sugar.
It improves physical performance
Caffeine increases adrenaline levels in the blood and can improve physical performance by 11-12%(3). So a coffee en route to the gym or in the morning before you run could help you enjoy an easier workout.
It’s packed with antioxidants
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent or slow down damage to cells. In fact, studies have shown that we get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruit and vegetables – making your morning coffee a healthier option than you might think.(4)
It may help you live longer
A study has shown that drinking coffee was associated with a 20% reduced risk of death in men and a 26% decreased risk of death in women.(5) All the more reason to pop the kettle on.
Those people with high blood pressure, heart conditions or are sensitive to caffeine should avoid or minimise the intake of caffeine.
References
- Ruxton, C.H.S. (2008). The impact of caffeine on mood, cognitive function, performance and hydration: a review of benefits and risks. British Nutrition Foundation . 33 (1), 15-25. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00665.x
- Dulloo, A.G., Geissler, C, A., Horton, T., Collins, A. and Miller, D.S. (1989). Normal caffeine consumption: influence on thermogenesis and daily energy expenditure in lean and postobese human volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr . 49 (1), 44-50. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2912010/
- Doherty, M. and Smith, P.M.(2004). Effects of caffeine ingestion on exercise testing: a meta-analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 14 (6), 626-46. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15657469/
- Svilaas, A., Sakhi, A,K. and Andersen, L. F. et al. (2004). Intakes of antioxidants in coffee, wine, and vegetables are correlated with plasma carotenoids in humans. J Nutr. 134 (3), 562-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14988447/
- Lopez-Garcia, E., van Dam, R.M. and Li, T.Y. et al.(2008). The relationship of coffee consumption with mortality. Ann Intern Med. 148 (12), 904-914. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18559841/