Are you surprised to hear about the health benefits of coffee? Then you’ll be even more pleasantly surprised as you read through this article.
Let’s start by saying that the nutrients found in coffee make it a powerful antioxidant. What does this mean? That coffee, when consumed in the right amounts, helps neutralize free radicals and their harmful effects on the body, such as aging and diseases.
Coffee as an Energy Booster
One of the most noticeable benefits of caffeine is its ability to enhance energy, positivity, mood, and concentration, provided it is consumed in moderation.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the recommended daily intake for a healthy individual without cardiovascular diseases is 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, equivalent to 4-5 espresso shots.
What Happens in Your Body?
Caffeine stimulates two energizing neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, while inhibiting the effects of adenosine, the neurotransmitter responsible for tiredness.
Burning Fat with Coffee
Caffeine is a common ingredient in many weight loss supplements because it boosts metabolism and helps burn fat.
- Increases metabolism by 3-11%.
- Stimulates the nervous system, signaling fat cells to break down stored fat.
A cup of coffee is also packed with essential nutrients beneficial to the body:
- Vitamin B2 and B3, important for metabolism, the nervous system, skin, and eyesight.
- Vitamin B5 and manganese, which help convert food into energy.
- Potassium and magnesium, essential minerals for overall well-being.
Coffee vs. Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s
Caffeine has been linked to the prevention of several widespread diseases.
- Type II Diabetes: This condition is caused by excessive sugar levels in the bloodstream and poor insulin function. Studies suggest that each daily cup of coffee reduces the risk of developing Type II Diabetes by 7%.
- Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s: Coffee consumption has been associated with a 30-60% reduced risk of developing these neurodegenerative diseases, according to various scientific studies.
The Benefits of Coffee for Skin, Body, and Hair
Finally, we cannot overlook the positive effects of coffee on the skin, our body’s largest organ and a true reflection of our health.
Thanks to its phenols, powerful antioxidants, coffee helps fight free radicals and slows down skin aging.
How to Use Coffee for Skincare?
- Exfoliating scrub: Coffee grounds, when mixed with oil and a few drops of water, make an excellent natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin glowing.
- Reduces dark circles: Applying coffee to the under-eye area helps reduce puffiness and stimulate circulation.
- Nourishing and purifying masks: Coffee can be combined with other natural ingredients to hydrate, cleanse, and revitalize the skin.
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