Coffee is a beloved morning ritual, but its benefits extend beyond just waking you up. Recent studies show that drinking black coffee can contribute to a range of health benefits. Though earlier research raised concerns about coffee’s effect on heart disease and asthma, experts now suggest that moderate coffee consumption may have positive effects on our health.
Professor Clare Collins, a nutrition expert at the University of Newcastle, notes that while early studies raised concerns, the latest research shows drinking more coffee might be beneficial, especially when consumed in the morning. New studies even suggest limiting coffee to the morning could benefit heart health.
In the UK, about a third of the population drinks multiple cups of coffee daily, while others limit themselves to one cup, or just two to three cups each week.
“For those seeking health benefits, continuing to drink coffee is one of the best habits to maintain,” says Professor Collins.
Health Benefits of Black Coffee
1. Heart Protection
Once linked to poor heart health, coffee now appears to protect the heart. A study by the University of Colorado, involving over 15,000 participants, found that drinking an extra cup of coffee per week lowered the risk of heart failure by 7% and stroke by 8%.
The secret lies in coffee’s active compounds, especially polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors that damage the heart.
Additionally, research from Tulane University showed that coffee drinkers who consumed their coffee before midday had a 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to non-coffee drinkers. Spreading coffee consumption throughout the day, however, showed no such benefit, possibly due to its disruption of sleep and hormones in the afternoon and evening.
While these studies are observational and cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, they strongly suggest that coffee has heart-protective properties.
2. Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Maintaining a healthy weight and diet is critical to avoiding Type 2 diabetes, but studies suggest that coffee can also play a role in preventing the condition. A 2014 Harvard University review found that people who drank one cup of coffee daily had an 8% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. This risk dropped even further, by 33%, among those who drank six cups a day.
Coffee’s acids, such as caffeic and chlorogenic acid, may improve blood sugar regulation and enhance glucose absorption by muscles. These compounds, along with magnesium, are believed to contribute to coffee’s protective effect.
3. Potential to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Coffee might offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Research from Canada suggests that compounds called phenylindanes, produced during the roasting of coffee beans, may prevent the accumulation of toxic brain proteins like amyloid and tau. These proteins are known to damage brain cells, and reducing their buildup could help protect cognitive function.
4. Cancer Prevention
Several studies suggest coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of developing certain cancers, particularly liver and womb cancer. Coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties are believed to be responsible for this effect, with two key compounds, cafestol and kahweol, playing a direct role in cancer protection.
These phytonutrients work by neutralizing cancer-causing compounds and preventing the development of harmful free radicals, which can contribute to the formation of cancer.
5. Mood Enhancement and Depression Relief
Beyond the immediate energy boost, coffee may have lasting effects on mental health. A study in China found that individuals who drank four and a half cups of coffee a day had a 24% lower risk of depression compared to those who consumed less than one cup daily.
This benefit is likely due to caffeine’s role in increasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which is often referred to as the “happy hormone.”
However, it’s important to note that caffeine tolerance varies among individuals. While some people may experience mood boosts, others may face side effects like anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
In conclusion, black coffee offers more than just a morning pick-me-up. Its heart-protective, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, and mood-boosting benefits make it a powerful addition to a healthy lifestyle. Just be mindful of how much you drink and when, as timing may be key to maximizing its positive effects.
Read more:
- Drinking Coffee Only In The Morning May Lower Health Risks, Research Finds
- The Timing Of Your Coffee Could Impact Heart Health, Study Reveals
- Coffee And Tea May Help Prevent Head And Neck Cancers, Research Reveals
