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What Are the Benefits of Drinking Coffee? Top 5 Health Benefits

Updated: May 12, 2023

There are multiple health-based benefits of drinking coffee. Read on to see what this morning drink can do for you.

image of coffee in coffee mugs with latte art on top of them

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Coffee?


According to the research, most Americans (7 out of 10) |*| drink coffee to aid in boosting energy. While this effect is typically the main focus of coffee consumption, there are additional benefits of drinking coffee. So, what are these coffee benefits for health? Continue reading for the top five benefits of consuming coffee.


Coffee has positive effects when consumed at a lower or moderate amount. According to the FDA, the following health benefits are beneficial only when fewer than four cups of coffee are consumed daily (less than 400 milligrams of caffeine intake). |*|



1. Higher Energy Levels


As noted, many coffee drinkers turn to this drink each morning to boost their energy levels. Coffee is filled with caffeine, a natural stimulant that typically occurs in the central nervous system. Caffeine consumption is known to aid in fighting lethargy and sleepiness. |*|


Caffeine binds to the same receptors that adenosine does. Thus, effectively blocking adenosine, a naturally occurring hormone in the body that decreases energy levels. This drink also increases other neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can alter the alertness in individuals. |*|

*Try one of these inspirational mugs to sip your next cup of brew!


2. Potential Decrease in Risk of Type 2 Diabetes


A study performed in New Brunswick depicts an increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes in adults, with a total 120% increase between the years 2001 and 2014. |*| With this rising number of adults affected by type 2 diabetes, it’s reassuring to know there may be a connection between consuming coffee and potentially lowering this risk.


According to this study from the American Diabetes Association, consuming six cups of coffee each day had a correlation with a 33% decrease in the risk of type 2 diabetes. |*| This could potentially be due to the antioxidants found in coffee beans. This summary of studies |*| notes that phenolic acids are present in coffee (like in many fruits and vegetables) which have been linked to a possible decrease in risk correlating with type 2 diabetes. |*|


Coffee can even positively affect those who already have type 2 diabetes. Polyphenols potentially aid in decreasing blood sugar levels. Thus, making it easier to control your diabetes. |*|


3. Possible Weight Management Effects


Drinking coffee can also potentially aid in managing weight in consumers. Coffee intake has potentially been linked with altering adipocyte functions, a cell connected to fat storage in the body. Suppressing this cell by drinking caffeinated coffee potentially reduces fat in the body. |*|


There is a large connection between being active and weight management. When energy levels are lower, it's more likely that a workout or similar activity will be skipped. This study notes a possible correlation between consuming coffee and meeting the recommended amount of weekly exercise based on increased energy. |*|


Image of a printable walking log page to add to your fitness journal

*Did you know that walking only 20 min/day can help you lose weight? Try this walking log for fitness motivation and accountability.


4. Positive Effect on Liver Health


There is a connection between consuming coffee and a positive effect on those at risk for liver disease from various causes. According to this study, those who consumed two cups of coffee daily were able to lower their risk of liver disease in connection with cirrhosis and fibrosis. |*|


Additionally, there is a correlation between drinking coffee and a lower risk of passing away from liver-related diseases. Research indicates that consuming one cup of coffee daily lowered the risk of dying from chronic liver disease by 15%. However, drinking four cups of coffee each day decreased the risk of mortality by an impressive 71%. |*|

Image of a Keurig K- Elite coffee maker

*The Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker was voted Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker by Good Housekeeping magazine.


5. Healthier Heart


Cardiovascular disease is one of the major diseases affecting the world, with almost 82.6 million individuals affected in the US alone. |*|


According to this review, drinking coffee habitually (3-5 cups per day) decreased the risk of heart disease by 15%. Additionally, those who had a CVD event and continued to consume 1-5 cups of coffee daily offered a lower risk of death.


As coffee can affect blood pressure levels, it's important to note that those without well-controlled blood pressure will potentially need to adhere to more moderate coffee consumption. |*|


Best Coffee Makers of 2022 [*]:

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Coffee


Based on studies and research, the potential benefits of coffee span beyond increased focus and energy. While the above are only a few of the potential health benefits, continued studies and information have led to additional benefits with the possibility for more to be uncovered in the future.


Consuming coffee along with nutritious foods is only a small part of wellness. For a better picture of your overall wellness, try using a Daily Wellness Planner.



Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your specific condition.

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