33 Amazing Benefits Of Coffee
Coffee is the second most widely consumed commodity in the world and is a beverage brewed from roasted coffee beans. It is available in many varieties such as espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, and Mocha, etc.
It is loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc, and provides many health and beauty benefits.
Health Benefits Of Coffee
Some major health benefits of coffee are as follows.
(1) Provide Antioxidant Benefits
Coffee beans are loaded with hundreds of antioxidants and relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, etc, that protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and reduces the risk of several cancers.
They also provide several other benefits like strengthening the g immune system, improving cognitive functions promoting cardiovascular health, etc.
“Chlorogenic acid” is a powerful antioxidant that prevents cardiovascular diseases.
(2) Reduces Stress
The aroma of fresh coffee beans helps in reducing stress caused by sleep deprivation.
Unmanaged stress is bad and may lead to poor physical, mental, and emotional health.
Coffee beans’ aroma makes us feel relaxed and less stressed.
Source-Pixabay.com(3) Lessen Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
As per a study by Ronald Postuma, MD in ScienceDaily (2012), caffeine in coffee reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease and lessens the symptoms of Parkinson’s in people already suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, flavonoids, etc, in coffee, protects our brain cells or neurons from free radical damage.
This reduces the risk of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and amnesia, etc.
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(4) Protects The Liver From Alcohol Damage
Alcohol damages our liver and increases the risk of liver cancer and liver cirrhosis.
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in coffee protect our liver from free radical damage.
As per a 2006 study involving 125,000 people over 22 years, people who drank at least one cup of coffee every day were 20 percent less likely to develop liver cirrhosis.
Coffee also reduces the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
As per another study, caffeine in coffee helps in controlling NAFLD progression.
(5) Natural Anti-Depressant
The abundance of antioxidants and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in coffee makes it a natural anti-depressant.
Caffeine in coffee enhances the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
(6) Reduces Risk of Suicide
Unmanaged stress is bad for our physical, mental, and, emotional health, and may even develop suicidal tendencies in a person.
Drinking coffee regularly provides relief from stress and depression, and enhances the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline.
It significantly reduces the risk of suicide.
(7) Reduces Risk of Cancer(s)
Coffee is loaded with hundreds of antioxidants and antioxidant compounds that have anti-carcinogenic properties as they protect our cells from free radical damage, and reduces the risk of several cancers.
Free radicals are unstabilized ions that stabilize electrons from neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
As per a study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard medical school, people who drank three or more cups of coffee per day were less likely to develop skin cancer in comparison to those who didn’t.
Another study found that coffee reduces the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.
As per research by the Harvard School of Public Health, women who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were 25 percent less likely to develop endometrial cancer compared to other women who drink less than one cup of coffee per day.
Coffee also reduces the risk of other types of cancers like colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
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(8) Increase Endurance And Provides Energy
Caffeine present in the coffee increases the number of fatty acids in our bloodstream, and allows our muscle to absorb and burn those fat cells for energy, and saves the body’s carbohydrates reserve for later use.
Consuming coffee moderately increases our body’s endurance, and allows our body to fight fatigue.
However, excessive consumption should be avoided as the dehydrating properties of caffeine may cause muscular pain, spasms, and a general feeling of tiredness.
(9) Reduces Risk Of Diabetes
As per a study by the American Chemical Society, drinking 3-4 coffee per day reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes by around 50 percent. Some of the reasons coffee work against type-2 diabetes are as follows.
(a ) Coffee enables effective regulation of blood sugar as they protect the insulin-producing cells.
(b) Coffee helps in fighting inflammation which is a major risk factor for type-2 diabetes. Coffee fights inflammation, which is a leading factor behind type-2 diabetes.
(c) Caffeic acid in coffee reduces the toxic accumulation of abnormal protein in people with type-2 diabetes and benefits them.
It is important to note that some evidence shows that drinking coffee can reduce the sensitivity of muscle cells to the insulin effect which damages the metabolism of our body and increases blood sugar levels.
However, some contradictory studies suggest that drinking coffee reduces the sensitivity of muscle cells to the insulin effect. It damages the metabolism of our body and increases blood sugar levels.
(10) Effective Against Alzheimer’s Disease
The caffeine present in the coffee prevents the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque around the nerve cells.
Beta-amyloid plaque is a leading factor that contributes to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
As per a study by the University of South Florida and the University of Miami, coffee delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by 4-5 years in people above 65 years of age ( who regularly drink coffee).
As per a Finnish study, people who drank 3-5 cups of coffee every day at midlife were 65 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Coffee is also effective against type-2 diabetes, a leading cause of dementia.
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(11) Keep Us Alert And Energetic
Caffeine in coffee keeps us alert and energetic.
It puts away the feeling of sleepiness and drowsiness and positively affects the brain.
It improves our reaction time, vigilance, attention, logical reasoning, and other complex functions associated with intelligence.
However, avoid drinking too much coffee as otherwise it may increase the risk of insomnia and lead to sleep deprivation.
In the long run, sleep deprivation may cause poor immune health, increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain, and cardiovascular issues.
(12) Provide Short Term Memory Boost
Caffeine present in coffee positively affects the areas of the brain associated with concentration and memory.
As per Austrian research, people who took a dose of 100 milligrams of caffeine (equivalent to caffeine in one cup of coffee) showed a certain upward movement in their brain activity while completing a memory task.
There was also a significant improvement in the memory skills and reaction time of volunteers who drank coffee in comparison to another group who didn’t take any caffeinated drink.
(13) Drinking Coffee Is Good For Heart & Cardiovascular Health
Coffee improves our cardiovascular health as the antioxidants and other relevant compounds in them protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
The anti-inflammatory properties of coffee protect the cardiovascular system from inflammation.
It prevents the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of many cardiovascular problems.
As per a Dutch study, people who drank a moderate amount of coffee every day were 20 percent less likely to develop heart problems in comparison to nondrinkers.
A Japanese study involving 76000 patients found that men who drink one or two cups of coffee every day were 38 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases in comparison to those who never had a coffee.
(14) Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Antioxidants and antioxidant compounds in coffee provide anti-inflammatory benefits and reduce pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, and gouts, etc.
Antioxidants in coffee reduce the concentration of uric acid responsible for the formation of gouts.
A study involving the analysis of health habits of 90,000 nurses found that long-term coffee consumption reduces the risk of gouts.
Drinking a cup of coffee reduces the risk of gouts in women by 23 percent, and drinking more than four cups of coffee reduces gout’s risk by 57 percent.
As per a study published in the Journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, men who drank four to five cups of coffee per day were 40 percent less likely to develop gouts.
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(15) Reduces The Risk Of Death
Drinking coffee reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
As per a study by the National Institute of Health- AARP Diet and Healthy, drinking four to five cups of coffee per day reduce the risk of death ( by stress) by around 12 percent.
(16) Reduces Pain
As per Norwegian research conducted on 48 people performing office work, it was found that people who consumed coffee had a pain intensity level of 41.
On the other hand, people who didn’t drink coffee had a pain intensity of 55, which shows how coffee is effective in providing relief from pain.
Coffee makes us feel relaxed and energetic because of its strong rejuvenating properties.
Drinking coffee reduces exhaustion and pain.
As per a Norweigan study, people who drink coffee had a pain intensity of 41 in comparison to the pain intensity of 55 for nondrinkers.
(17) Promotes Weight Loss
Drinking Coffee ( without added sugar or milk) promotes weight loss as the caffeine in it is a natural fat burner that increases our metabolism and encourages our body to burn more fat.
Green coffee extract is more beneficial for weight loss in comparison to regular coffee.
(18) Improve Blood Circulation
Drinking coffee relaxes our blood vessels, and improve blood circulation.
As per a Japanese study, drinking more than five ounces of coffee per day gives a 30 percent boost to capillary blood flow.
Healthy blood circulation allows our body cells to function at an optimal level.
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Beauty Benefits Of Coffee For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of coffee for skin are as follows.
(1) Wonderful Skin Exfoliator
Coffee is a wonderful skin exfoliator that scrubs out dead and dry skin cells. It smoothens our skin and prevents skin dryness.
For making coffee face scrub, mix half a cup coffee powder, half a cup brown sugar, and a quarter cup of olive oil to form a paste. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, and then massage it on the face in a circular motion.
After some time, wash off with clean water.
Regular use exfoliates the skin and keeps our skin healthy.
(2) As A Face Pack
Coffee can be used as a prime ingredient for face packs for keeping our skin soft, radiant, and healthy.
To make this face pack, mix two spoons of coffee powder, two spoons of cocoa powder, three spoons of milk, and one spoon of honey to form a paste.
If you have oily skin, replace milk with yogurt.
Apply this paste on your face, and wash off after 30 minutes.
Regular use softens our skin, nourishes it, and tightens our skin pores.
The aroma of this coffee-cocoa face pack gives a soothing effect to our senses.
(3) For Cellulite Reduction
Coffee helps with cellulite reduction as the caffeine in it dehydrates the fatty cells, minimizes their appearance, and smoothens our skin.
A study conducted at Sao Paulo University found that skin creams with caffeine as an ingredient were 17 percent more effective in decreasing the appearance of cellulite.
To use coffee for cellulite reduction, mix two tablespoons of coffee powder, one tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel, and one tablespoon of vitamin E to form a paste.
Use this paste a scrub on the affected areas.
Regular use not only helps in getting rid of cellulite but also improves skin smoothness and radiance.
(4) Treats Under Eye Dark Circle And Puffy Eyes
The caffeine and the anti-inflammatory properties of coffee help in treating under-eye dark circles and puffy eyes.
Caffeine reduces the amount of blood that accumulates under the eyes and contributes to dark circles and puffy eyes reduction.
Because of this benefit, caffeine is often added to cosmetic products meant for erasing dark circles.
(5) Helps In Reducing Rosaceae Severeness
Sunlight can trigger a flare in rosacea ( a skin infection), and make it worse by causing redness and irritation.
Coffee helps in reducing the severeness of rosacea as the antioxidants in it protect us from sun damage.
Caffeine in coffee also plays a significant role against Rosaceae.
(6) Protection From UV Rays
The right amount of sunlight helps in the production of vitamin D in our bodies.
However, prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays may damage the skin and give rise to wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.
Antioxidants and other antioxidant compounds in coffee protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and minimizes the risk of skin cancer.
As per a 2011 stubby published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, topical application of coffee protects the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun and reduces the risk of skin cancer by inhibiting a protein enzyme in the skin.
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(7) For Skin Tightening
The astringent property of caffeine in coffee helps with skin tightening and reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and puffiness of the skin.
For this reason, caffeine is often added as an ingredient in anti-aging creams meant for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness of the skin.
(8) Brightens Skin
Coffee exfoliates the dead skin cells and brings out the natural glow of the skin.
For this, take some warm water in a bowl and add some Epsom salt and coffee powder to it. Mix thoroughly and use this water for face rinse.
Regular use makes our skin soft, supple, and radiant.
The antimicrobial properties of coffee protect the skin from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Beauty Benefits Of Coffee For Hair
Following are the major beauty benefits of coffee for hair.
(1) Add Shine To Hair
Antioxidants and other nutrients in the coffee keep our hair healthy and add natural shine to them.
For this, make a hair mask by mixing two tablespoons of coffee powder, one tablespoon of olive oil, and one tablespoon of honey.
Apply this paste on hair, and rinse off with water after 15-30 minutes.
(2) For Hair Rinse
Rinsing hair with brewed coffee makes them soft, manageable, and lustrous.
For this, brew some coffee beans in boiling water for few minutes. Once it gets cooled, remove the coffee beans, and use the water for hair rinse.
(3) Promotes Hair Growth And Reduces Hair Fall
Coffee promotes hair growth and reduces the risk of hair fall.
Antioxidants and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, and flavonoids, etc in coffee protects our hair follicles from free radical damage and reduces the risk of premature greying of hair, hair fall, split ends, etc.
Caffeine present in the coffee stimulates hair roots of the scalp and promotes hair growth.
(4) Make Hair Manageable
Caffeine present in the coffee prompted hair growth and reduces the risk of hair fall.
Antioxidants and other nutrients in coffee nourish our hair follicles and make our hair strong, lustrous, and manageable.
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(5) For Hair Dye
Coffee can be used as a natural hair dye.
For this, mix some coffee powder with water to form a fine paste, and apply it to your shampooed hair.
The acidic nature of coffee smoothens the hair cuticles and gives extra shine to the hair.
(6) Fights Fighting Nose Fatigue
The aroma of coffee beans acts as a reset button for our noses.
Coffee beans are often kept at perfume shops as smelling coffee beans relaxes us, and prevents our nose from getting overwhelmed ( and confused) by the dozens of fragrances around us.
(7) For Scalp Exfoliation
Coffee scrub can be used for skin and scalp exfoliation as it helps in getting rid of dead and dry skin cells.
To exfoliate the scalp, take a ⅓ cup of ground coffee and massage it on the wet scalp in a circular motion for about a minute.
Let it dry for 5-10 minutes, and rinse off with water followed by shampoo and conditioner.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic and is not be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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