If you’re worried about being addicted to coffee, you may want to take a deep breath and read the rest of this post. Coffee may be one of the healthiest addictions on the planet! A huge study out of the UK in 2018 showed that people who drink coffee are less likely to die than non-coffee drinkers. Are you breathing easier yet?
In fact, drinking coffee has many health benefits that you may or may not be aware of. Let’s go through them, shall we?
First, and most obviously, coffee can improve energy levels. We all know this to be true. As we struggle to wake up, and take that first sip, caffeine blocks a neurotransmitter called adenosine. This increases the amount of dopamine in your brain. As this happens you become more alert and energetic. This is a good start to letting go of your guilt.
Coffee can make you smarter. You read that right. That release of dopamine and other chemicals can Improve memory and mental function. You won’t become Einstein but you will find yourself more alert and mentally agile. This is starting to get good!
Let’s take a look at how coffee affects us physically. Coffee helps to burn fat by increasing your metabolism. Yes. It’s true. It can increase fat burning by as much as 30%. On the downside, this affect may lessen if you are have been drinking coffee for a long time.
Coffee improves physical performance by increasing the amount of adrenaline in your bloodstream. So, your workouts or any physical activity is enhanced by drinking coffee. The best way to take advantage of this is to drink a strong cup about 30 minutes before working out. Sounds even more interesting, huh?
Let’s keep adding to the benefits. Studies suggest that coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 Diabetes by as much as 50%! Individual studies vary greatly in the percent of the diminished risk but it has been shown consistently. Studies also show that coffee my help protect from both Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Coffee drinkers have up to a 65% less chance of developing Alzheimers than those who don’t drink it. For those who struggle with depression, coffee can help to fight off depression and even decrease the rate of suicide. Coffee is also a rich source of antioxidants, which makes it both healthy and delicious.
Yes, I am addicted to coffee. A bit too much can make me too jittery. But I’m putting my money on the benefits far outweighing any costs. That’s good enough for me to celebrate my coffee addiction!