The next time you brew your daily cup of coffee, don’t just gulp it down as your daily shot of caffeine. Research has shown that coffee has several health benefits. For instance, it is packed with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that are valuable for health. Coffee is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and an excellent source of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) that helps treat skin infections, acne, cardiovascular diseases, low blood pressure, respiratory diseases, various types of cancer and migraine headaches. Originating in Ethiopia and first used as a beverage in middle 15th century, it is unquestionably the most popular beverage of the world that drives us out of bed every morning and refuels us for the day.
10 Health Benefits of Coffee:
From time immemorial coffee has been used for its healing powers and it was considered a religious drink. Coffee has several health benefits. It is not just a drink. The nutritional value of this black drink makes it the ultimate one. A single cup of coffee contains vitamins such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin and minerals like potassium and magnesium and manganese.
Boosts Energy Level and Enhances Performance:
The strong stimulant caffeine present in coffee enhances energy level and charges up metabolism, thereby increasing both mental and physical energy. Caffeine boosts neurotransmitter Dopamine that has a positive impact on concentration. It pumps up the level of adrenaline that speeds up heart beat and enhances physical performance such a rigorous workouts.It makes you sharper by improving attention, logical reasoning and intelligence.
Helps Fight Depression and Reduces Risk of Suicide:
Earlier associated only to adults, depression it is becoming increasingly common among teenagers too. Depression is one of the most common ailments that haunt the majority of today’s population. Coffee works as an instant antidepressant. The high level of antioxidants in coffee has been shown to lift the mood and make you happy. Research shows that those who drink 3-4 cups of coffee a day lowered the risk of depression by 20%. In addition, it also reduces the tendency of suicide by 50%, an amazing find indeed.
Lowers the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes:
Research shows that daily consumption of 4-6 cups of coffee lowered the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 30% whether the coffee is decaf or not. Coffee contains a range of polyphenols and chlorogenic acid (CGA) that prevents diabetes and improves control of glucose in diabetic patients.
Lowers Risk of Certain Cancers:
In present times, cancer has become the leading cause of death around the world. But coffee appears to have a protective mechanism against two types of cancer- Liver and Colorectal Cancer. Research shows that drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day cuts out the risk of liver cancer by half and colorectal cancer by 15%. The high level of antioxidants present in coffee has the potential to shield the liver against cancer.
Helps Lose Weight:
Coffee works wonders as an appetite suppressant. Drinking a cup of coffee in the afternoon or post dinner helps cut the craving for a snack or a sweet treat. It works as a stimulant and supplies energy enabling us to be more active. In addition, coffee stimulates thermogenesis- the process of heat generation by the body for the purpose of digesting food that leads to calorie burn. But in order to reap the weight loss benefits of coffee, it has to be taken in the plain form without milk, sugar and our oh-so-favorite cream.
Shields from Alzheimer’s:
One of the most common form of Dementia that affects older adults, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s develop slowly but gets severe over time. Although, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, yet drinking a minimum of 3-4 cups of coffee every day can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 60%.
Protects against Parkinson’s:
Second in rank right after Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s too is incurable still now, but coffee can work as an effective prevention in reducing the risk of Parkinson’s by 60%. The high level of caffeine content in coffee has a protective mechanism against Dementia.
Protects the Liver:
Coffee is loaded with antioxidants that protect against inflammation and disease causing free radicals or toxins. Drinking 2-4 cups of coffee on a daily basis reduces the risk of liver ailments such as Liver Cirrhosis and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL).
Good for Heart:
The caffeine present in coffee can raise blood pressure, but the effects are temporary and go away gradually. Yet, it is good to keep this fact in mind for those who suffer from high blood pressure. Other than this, coffee is highly beneficial for the heart. A daily intake of four cups of coffee helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke by approximately 20%.
Fights the Wrinkles:
Coffee is not only great for your health; it is fabulous for your skin too. The high level of antioxidants and caffeine molecules in coffee has anti-inflammatory quality that fights the signs of aging and helps preserve the vitality and youthfulness of skin. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Most Popular Types of Coffee:
Although, by now you have gained a lot of helpful information about health benefits of this drink, but here are a few general pieces of information that will help you choose the right beans for your brew. Coffee bean is actually a cherry seed that grows on a shrub named Coffea. The seeds are roasted and brewed to make coffee. Although the most widely consumed varieties of coffee are Robusta and Arabica, but there are several other types as well.
Arabica: Arabica is considered the higher quality bean that has a mild aroma and flavor. It has a low level of caffeine and has a varying range of taste from sweet-soft to sharp-tangy. It consists of approximately 70% of the world production. It is grown in subtropical regions of Central and South America.
Robusta: This variety has a higher level of caffeine content with a strong taste and flavor. It is used mainly for blends and consists of about 30% of the world production. Robusta requires very little rainfall and is cultivated in South East Asia and parts of Central and West Africa.
Hope these are enough reasons to transform your perspective towards your Joe from just a caffeine supplier to a healthy beverage. But too much of anything is harmful, so have your coffee in moderation and enjoy its benefits to the fullest.
thanx for information, useful for me as coffee lovers
best regards, masade
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Hi bipasha..how r u..I m 51 yrs female n I had breast cancer in 2008 I took cemo n radiation during treatment I gain weight now I m 80 kg n want to reduse more thn 10kg..I want to follow ur diet plan ..can I continue this plan after 7days..pls suggest .thx
Hello Kanchan, I am doing fine, thanks for asking. Its best to follow the GM diet for 7 days and then get back to a normal, healthy diet. it can be resumed again after a gap of 30 days.
Thx bipasha for ur reply .I start GM diet plan from today..I ate watermelon .melon n chikoon black coffee …I want to ask can I add lil salt n black pepper in boil vegetables as tomorrow is vegetables day.thx a lot
Yes, you can surely season your vegetables with pepper, a pinch of salt and lemon juice.
Hi bipasha. .I complete 2nd day of gm diet..I ate 1smal potato with lil butter thn half boil sweetcorn in breakfast.thn I ate melon..at 11 am in lunch I ate 1cucumber n boil sweetpotato n half sweet corn..thn at 4pm I ate watermlon.at 5 I had green tea but I add lil sugar in it..in dinner I ate green vegetables with pinch of salt n black peper..I m feeling gud..wanted to ask u that can I have coffee with milk n sugar once in a day. Bcos I m feeling headache all the day .thx a lot
Its best to stay away from sugar, milk and also caffeine. The head is because of the changed diet which will go away pretty soon, so don’t worry. Also try to have the green tea with out sugar.
Ok mam..thank you.
Hello bipasha..I complete 3rd day of gm plan..today no headache at all so I m happy n feeling gud.. my fav fruit is bannana n I like milk..from 2morrow I wont drink coffee ..I wanted to ask that I dont feeling trusty I drink 4/5 glass water in whole day n 2/3 glass water in night..I feel womiting if I drink water..can I have boiled n grinded mung palak with lil salt n blac pepper with 2 chapati on day 5.6.7 for lunch or dinner. Thx a lot ..tc..godbless u 🙂
If you feel like vomiting by drinking plain water then flavor it with lemon juice, but you must have 8-10 glasses of water daily and make it 12 glasses on day 5. You can have ground mung palak with chapatis on days 5,6 and 7, but the chapatis should be oil free.
Gm bipasha..when I start GM diet my weight was 80.6kg n today its 78.5 kg..I m happy that I reduse almost 2 kg in 4days..hpoe I culd loose more..n ys I will try to drink lot of water from today. I do cleaning house myself n I have gym cyclie so I cycling daily for 30 min in evening .thx a lot for reply tc have a nice time 🙂
Mam I have question for day 5..u mentioned to eat 6 tomatoes n veg soup..I wanted to know that how many time soup should take on day 5th?
You can take it twice a day, also we have started a new column at the end of the article on GM diet stating the entire detail of day 5, please read it to get further information.
Hi bipasha..I lose more thn 2kg..but as I start my normsl diet its gaining again so I m to sad..I do cycling daily for 30 min in morning..n 45 min walk in evening..I m not eating sweet n fried food.I m eating sprouts n fruit n take 2chapati with veggie. Once a day..pls suggest me wat to do n how to lose weight..waiting for ur reply..thx n tc
GM diet is a detox diet that cleanses the body but real weight loss is a time taking process for which you must be patient and stick religiously to a healthy diet and regular exercise as you say you are doing.