More and more research is suggesting that there are more health benefits associated with drinking coffee than just much needed energy boost it provides.
Coffee is, actually, very healthy.
- It improves energy levels due to its caffeine and it is believed to improve mood, memory, reaction time, vigilance, and some other brain functions.
- Coffee contains large amounts of powerful antioxidants. Because many people drink several cups of coffee per day, it can be the biggest source of antioxidants in the diet.
- It can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health carried out a study and evaluated the diet of the participants in the study. They found that the participants who increased their coffee intake by more than one cup a day had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
- It is incredibly effective in protecting against Alzheimer’s disease.
- It may lower your risk of Parkinson’s disease. Not only a higher intake of coffee is associated with a lower incidence of this disease, but the caffeine in coffee may actually help control movement in patients suffering from this disease.
- Coffee has a protective effect on the liver. It reduces the inflammation of the liver and drinking more than 2 cups of coffee every day may protect against cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis.
- It may also lower your risk of some cancers, especially liver and colorectal cancer. Italian researchers have concluded that coffee consumption can lower the risk of cancer by 40%.
- Coffee contains important nutrients, such as Riboflavin, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium, and Niacin.
- It appears to lower the risk of developing depression and it can make you happier.
To make your coffee routine healthier and more positive, try to follow these tips:
Buy good quality, organic, and fair-trade coffee, preferably roasted locally. If you can, buy whole beans and grind them at home.
Eat something before you drink your coffee. Your body will thank you for it.
If you like it sweet, use honey or organic agave nectar. Avoid using sugar or any other artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. They change body chemistry and are associated with all sorts of health problems.
You can change and improve the taste of your coffee by adding clover, nutmeg, or cinnamon to it. Each of them can not only improve the flavor, but they provide surprising health benefits. Because cinnamon doesn’t dissolve well in coffee, you may want to add it to your coffee ground and brew it all together.
Use coconut oil, grass-fed butter, or almond or cashew milk, if you need a creamer. You should definitely avoid artificial creamers. They are highly processed and full of harmful ingredients.
Make your coffee even more tastier by adding some cocoa. It is full of antioxidants and has many health benefits, including a lower risk of cancer and health disease. Besides, it will bring back warm and delightful childhood memories of drinking hot chocolate on cold winter days.
Try to take time to savor your coffee. Focus on the warmth of your coffee mug and, as you bring the cup closer to your mouth notice the aroma radiating from the coffee. Take some time to inhale and savor the aroma. Take your first sip and enjoy the taste as if it were your first sip of coffee ever. Focus on its aroma, on how it makes you feel, and how much you enjoy it. Appreciate it. Taste it. Relax and give yourself time to do nothing but drink your coffee. Be aware of the moment and appreciate it with all your senses. Don’t think about your next meeting, don’t write your to-do list, and don’t check your phone. It’s just you and the best coffee you’ve ever had.
Coffee is a stimulant, so try not to drink it late in the day, otherwise, it will keep you awake when you need your sleep. Drinking too much coffee can have negative effects. It can raise the level of acidity in your stomach, cause anxiety, depression, or it can increase the risk of a heart attack in patients with high blood pressure.
Moderation is key here. Use your best judgment, and as long as you don’t overdo it, drinking coffee can be a healthy, positive experience.
How do you like your coffee? How do you make yours even healthier and tastier?
Let’s stay in touch! I would love if you’d follow me on Facebook, Pinterest,Twitter,Instagram, Google+ and Bloglovin.
I was just reading on another post about the benefits of coffee but they didn’t list half the things you have Ana. Yay, here’s to real coffee and taking the time to enjoy every sip.
I was amazed by so many coffee benefits too. Let’s have one more, Michelle! 🙂
Love this! To me, coffee is not just something I drink in the morning, but an experience. Thank you for sharing this!
I love coffee and have changed the way I drink it. Instead of all day long and not even tasting it, I now buy good coffee and brew it by the cup and usually 2 a day. I fill in with tea if I’m looking for warmth. Great post Ana. It’s nice to hear something I’m doing isn’t going to kill me!
Haha, this coffee is definitely not going to kill you, Julie! That’s exactly the way I like coffee, too – brew by the cup.
Hi Ana,
Oh I love this post- so informative! There’s just nothing like my morning coffee- steaming hot, with cinnamon in it!
Have you ever tried a French press? It is such a delicious way to enjoy coffee. Ana, since your post will likely be seen by many coffee-loving readers, why don’t you provide some
Amazon links to fresh organic coffee, and/or coffee accessories like a French press? Just a suggestion, that would be something many would click on (and you could earn some nice commission for your hard work) 🙂
I’ve never tried a French press – I’ve just heard the coffee is delicious. Thank you so much for suggesting the Amazon links. You’re so right! 🙂
Great way to point out how to make your coffee healthier. I am not and never have been a coffee drinker, but many people are. If you are going to drink it, at least get the benefits from it and avoid drinking it after 2 pm or so.
I love drinking a small, sweet coffee in the morning; now I’m just trying to cut back on sugar.
Yes it really is all the things we tend to add to the coffee that aren’t good for you. You can do it.
These are great tips for improving the quality of our coffee. Thanks for sharing.
Coffee is my BFF so I love this post. I’ll been wanting to try the butter in my coffee. Thanks for sharing.
Coffee gets a bad rep its very beneficial to your health and mental well being. I just loved reading this post! Brought me back to nursing school when this was brought to my attention I got so excited I jumped for joy haha
After all, coffee it’a not that bad – as long as you don’t over do it. 🙂
I am not a coffee drinker, but agree that there is health benefits to drinking it.
I usually have coffee first thing in the morning. I need to take your advice and eat something beforehand.
I love coffee…what a great post, here’s to savoring every sip! Thanks for sharing!
Coffee is life. I never realized how many health benefits there were! My favorite tips were adding cinnamon to coffee grounds and adding cocoa!
I love those tricks too. Thanks for stopping by, Darby and have a lovely weekend! 🙂
Coffee is the reason I get up in the morning! There’s just something about enjoying a cup in the peace and quiet before the craziness of the day begins. Love this post.
A tasty, flavorful reason to wake up early in the morning. Thank you, Suzanne; I’m glad you like my post.
I love coffee. I think about the next morning’s cup before I fall asleep at night! I only drink a cup, possibly 2 on some days, but I love the taste in the morning. Yeah Coffee!
I had no idea that it was good for you in so many ways. I have begun to add honey to my coffee instead of sugar. I know that it is better for me, so I am trying to get used to it. Once I am I’m sure that I will like it much better, and with the honey’s benefits along with the benefits of coffee it’s a Win!
Aww, that’s so sweet – going to bed thinking about your morning coffee! I too, love coffee and I’m trying to keep it as healthy as possible and only to max 2 small per day.
Wow! I didn’t know it coukld protect your liver? Now I hvae a good excuse to drink it! lol #happynowlinkup
We’re both big fans of coffee and this post is awesome. I didn’t know about the antioxidants and we’re glad that this enjoyable habit helps us stay healthy.
As long as we don’t overdo it, drinking coffee can be a tasty, positive, healthy experience.
Thanks for the health tips! I don’t think I can drink it without creamer.
I am a coffee lover, but I often wonder if this habit is healthy for me. Your post offered valuable insights and suggestions for making our coffee even healthier. Thanks for these wonderful tips! I’m pinning and sharing.
Thank you so much, Deborah! I’m glad you like my tips.
Loved this post almost as much as I love my coffee 🙂 One of my favorite things to do is add a cinnamon stick, yum!
Hi Ana, I do enjoy a black coffee first thing (it’s funny that before children I never drank coffee, full stop!). I have tried all sorts of coffee, but the only one I really enjoy is Nescafe instant, without milk. Which I am guessing is not as healthy as filtered.
I must try filtered coffee again but with a dash of cinnamon. I do love cinnamon!
Thank you for sharing what you know. And I will keep on enjoying y coffee.
#HappyNowLinkUp
xx
Thanks for stopping by! I used to drink Nescafe instant, but I find it just a little too strong for me. Now, let’s enjoy our black coffee. 🙂
Ana, what a great post, thank you. Coffee can sometimes be a migraine trigger for me, which is a shame because I love it so much! So I limit my intake and your wise words will help make those times when I do indulge even better! 🙂
Thank you, Liz. I love coffee, but I can’t drink too much due to a mild gastritis. So I too limit my intake and keep it as healthy as possible.
You just reminded me that I need to make coffee this morning! Thanks for all the fantastic info and for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Thank you so much for organizing the linkup. I’m glad you like my post. 🙂
I had no idea!