10 Health Conditions Coffee Might Keep At Bay

What could be better than kicking off the day with a delicious, fresh-brewed cup of joe?

According to Gallup’s polling, “Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults report drinking at least one cup of coffee on an average day.” Even more than that? “A quarter say they’re addicted.”

This high number of coffee drinkers may not come as a surprise. But it might be surprising to hear that drinking coffee can actually be beneficial to your health!

As with anything, moderation is key, and there is definitely such a thing as drinking too much coffee. However, those who enjoy coffee in healthy quantities can rest assured that they are actually doing something good for their bodies.

Some of these health benefits truly shocked me — who knew that coffee could be helpful in fighting type 2 diabetes or even certain types of cancer?

Scroll through this exclusive list below to see how you can use coffee to benefit your health.

Are you a coffee drinker? Does this affect the way you think about coffee? Let us know in the comments!

1. Liver Cirrhosis

While coffee is not meant as a cure for liver cirrhosis or a way to counteract the overconsumption of alcohol, it can have positive effects on the liver and keep this terrible condition at bay.

According to CNN, “Drinking just two more cups of coffee every day may lower the risk of developing the liver condition by 44 percent.”

So for those worried about their livers, a cup of coffee instead of a drink of alcohol may be just what the doctor ordered!

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition that should always be addressed with the help of medical professionals. However, coffee may be one small way of preventing type 2 diabetes.

In fact, WebMD writes, “Several studies have found that coffee drinkers — especially those who drink a lot of coffee — have a lower risk of diabetes than do other people.”

And while some have said that caffeine is the key ingredient in battling diabetes, studies have shown that it is not caffeine, but coffee specifically that creates the positive effect.

3. Heart Disease

While the effects of caffeine on the heart are still being studied, and while you should always listen to your doctor when it comes to heart health, coffee may actually be helpful in staving off deadly heart disease.

In a Tech Times article entitled “Drinking Coffee Everyday Linked To Reduced Death Risk From Heart Disease,” they discuss a study in which researchers wrote, “Regular consumption of coffee was inversely associated with risk of… mortality due to CVD [cardiovascular disease].”

So those concerned about heart health just might want to turn to that extra cup of coffee.

4. Fat

The caffeine in coffee can actually be beneficial when it comes to weight loss, as it can increase metabolism, help with workouts, and suppress your appetite for unhealthy foods.

Dietitian Kathy Taylor tells fitness expert Jillian Michaels, “Some studies have shown that drinking coffee with caffeine may slightly increase weight loss or in actually prevent weight gain.”

However, one important thing to remember is that milk and sugar can actually create fat, so coffee needs to be served black in order to reap this benefit.

5. Brain Power

Recent studies have shown that coffee may actually help improve your critical thinking skills and your memory.

Harvard Medical School writes, “The caffeine in coffee might offer not just a momentary mental boost, but also longer-term effects on thinking skills.”

However, they also write that similarly to burning fat, “adding lots of sugar or cream, or getting caffeine via sugar-sweetened soda, may counter any benefits.”

6. Cancer

While studies are still ongoing, many have shown that coffee contains plenty of antioxidants that can be helpful in the fight against cancer.

In fact, the American Institute for Cancer Research writes, “Research has shown that certain foods — like coffee — can help fight cancer.”

Obviously, coffee should never be used as any kind of “cure.” However, those who drink coffee regularly may gain the added side effect of keeping certain types of cancer away.

7. Parkinson's And Alzheimer's

In addition to boosting normal brain power, coffee is said to also be helpful in potentially preventing Alzheimer’s disease and fighting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

According to CBS News, “New research shows drinking about three cups of coffee each day might stave off Alzheimer’s for older adults experiencing memory declines.”

They also report, “New research finds a daily caffeine boost may ease symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in sufferers.”

These studies may be very good news for those at risk of either disease!

8. Pain

For those suffering from chronic pain, coffee might be able to have a positive overall effect.

According to Reader’s Digest, coffee is an anti-inflammatory food that can help provide pain relief throughout the body.

They write, “One cup of black coffee can provide relief from headaches and provide more antioxidants than a serving of berries.”

9. Adrenaline

The caffeine in coffee may actually be having a positive effect on your adrenal system, which helps in staying active and physically fit.

Nutrition researcher Kris Gunnars writes, “Caffeine can increase adrenaline levels… It also leads to significant improvements in physical performance.”

10. Digestion

Most coffee drinkers know that a cup or two a day can help them to stay “regular.”

And while drinking too much coffee can lead to heartburn or possible dehydration, consuming coffee in moderation can have a healthy impact on your digestive system.

According to Livestrong, “Coffee can be beneficial for digestion, as it relieves constipation and minimizes sugar absorption.”

Being aware of what you put in your body is extremely important to maintaining your overall health. And with so many potential health benefits coming from coffee, it may be time to start including a cup or two in your diet!

As with everything, make sure to check with your doctor to see if coffee might be able to have a positive effect on your health.

Are you a coffee drinker? Have you experienced any of these positive effects before? Let us know in the comments.

Please SHARE this important health information with coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers alike!

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