Most of us love starting the day with a nice cup of coffee and with National Coffee Day approaching (Sept. 29!), we thought we’d look at a few reasons why coffee is good for more than just waking up. Research shows that there’s a lot more to coffee than caffeine, and this delightful drink has health benefits.
Black coffee averages in at just a few calories per cup and its high levels of antioxidants are one of the many reasons its a great way to start your day. Here’s what you need to know.
Heart Health
Some studies have suggested drinking around 16 ounces (or two cups) of coffee per day can result in an 11% lower risk of heart failure. This also depends on how much you drink, so be sure to limit consumption as too much caffeine can have the reverse effect.
Brain Booster
A cup of coffee can increase your energy, and it can also give your thinking capabilities a boost! When the caffeine from a cup of coffee is absorbed into your bloodstream, it travels to your brain and alters how it functions. Caffeine blocks a neurotransmitter called Adenosine, which causes other neurotransmitters including dopamine to fire instead. So not only does it improve your mood, but it also improves your reaction time, attention span, and logical reasoning skills. These all (temporarily) improve your thinking abilities and productivity, giving your brain a boost.
Fat Burner
The increased energy you enjoy from a cup of coffee affects more than how you think. It also causes your body to burn more calories. There have been many studies conducted on how caffeine affects the body. Some found that caffeine can boost the body’s metabolic rate from 3-11%, while others show that caffeine specifically increases the body’s fat-burning capabilities by up to 30%.
Physical Performance
Caffeine in coffee, when consumed moderately, can do wonders for the brain and body. Some research has found that caffeine stimulates the nervous system, triggering adrenaline which is the fight or flight” hormone in the body. Adrenaline preps the body for physical exertion, and a cup of coffee can improve physical performance by 10% or more. The benefits are most pronounced for endurance sports like biking, swimming, and running. So think about a cup of coffee before your next big workout!
If you’ve been following our blog, you know we are all about balance. You can surely enjoy your coffee as you like, but avoid consuming too much. Remember it is the coffee itself that has health benefits, so try to keep away from added sugar and creamer. For more health and nutrition tips, just ask during your next adjustment or contact us here.