The Health Benefits of Your Daily Cup of Coffee
Did you know that coffee does a lot more than simply give you a boost in the morning? There are a number of pretty awesome health benefits to drinking coffee regularly, so before you make the switch to some Hollywood-hyped herbal tea, we’d like to share some of the amazing things that coffee can do for you and your body.
Reduced Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Studies published by the University of South Florida have shown that individuals who drank about several cups of caffeinated coffee per day were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than individuals who drank no coffee or a small to moderate amount.
Reduced Gallstones
The Harvard School of Public Health recently published a study indicating that drinking caffeinated coffee on a regular basis can dramatically decrease the incidence of gallbladder disease and gallstones in both women and men.
Reduced Risk for Parkinson's Disease
Canada’s own McGill University released a study showing that the amount of caffeine consumed could be inversely related to an individual's likelihood of contracting Parkinson's disease. This means the more coffee you drink, the lower your chances are for developing the disease.
Coffee Antioxidants and Cancer-Fighting Properties
Coffee is a powerful source of antioxidants - agents that combat cancer-causing free radicals. Coffee is chock full of the compound methylpyridinium, which can't be found in many other food items and not at the level available in coffee. You can get antioxidants from both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee as long as the beans are sufficiently roasted.
Increased Cognitive Ability
Studies have also shown that regular coffee drinkers frequently score significantly higher on cognitive ability tests, spatial awareness exams, IQ tests, and short term memory studies.
*The effects of coffee on an individual's cognitive ability appeared to be more pronounced in elderly study participants and women.
Finally, the good feelings we associate with a nice hot cup of coffee around friends and family count for a lot. Remember, everything should be practiced in moderation, and health concerns should always be discussed with a medical professional. Enjoy!