QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, July 31) – The day never seems to start completely until you drink your first cup of coffee. And with that cup comes the needed jolt that jumpstarts our system, giving us energy to face the day.
But coffee is more than just a hot morning brew. It is actually good for your health.
Coffee is a good source of antioxidants. Scientists actually identified 1, 000 antioxidants that can be found in unprocessed coffee beans. The main benefit of antioxidants is that they neutralize free radicals – products of the natural metabolic process that damages the cellular structure of our body.
The smell of coffee is proven to stimulate a type of protein in the brain that helps reduce stress.
It appears that caffeine affect particular areas of the brain responsible for memory and concentration, providing a short-term memory boost.
Caffeine prevents the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque that contributes to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. There are also studies that show that drinking coffee can lessen the effects of Parkinson’s disease.
Polyphenols, one of the antioxidant compounds found in coffee, can prevent the formation of tumors due to its anti-carcinogenic properties.
Coffee helps regulate insulin levels thus lessening the risks of developing type-2 diabetes.
Coffee is also good for the liver. An increase in coffee intake shows a concurrent decrease in the incident of liver cirrhosis.
Caffeine is also a performance enhancer and helps you to last further thus drinking coffee before your workout session will help you to exercise longer.
Caffeine activates neurotransmitters that control mood, including dopamine and serotonin, which helps stave off depression.
Coffee also helps lower uric acid which makes it ideal for fighting gout.
Of course, anything that is overdone could lead to harm so you should moderate your coffee intake. Also, to maximize the health benefits, health experts recommend that you drink basic, black coffee without cream or sugar.
So, coffee-lovers unite and share the good news! Preferably over a cup of coffee.
(ENS, written by Jay Paul Carlos, with additional research of Lovely Ann Cruz)
