Top 11 Surprising Benefits of Coffee

Coffee not only acts as a diuretic but also helps cleanse the digestive system. However, people with stomach issues are advised to avoid coffee, or if consumed, it should be in small amounts to prevent unwanted effects. Health experts recommend drinking coffee without adding sugar or any other special additives for optimal results. Caffeine has diuretic properties, so drinking it at night can lead to sleep disturbances and waking up to urinate. It’s best to enjoy coffee during the day, particularly in the morning. A cup (about 200ml) per day is ideal, or 2-3 cups spread throughout the day.

The liver performs hundreds of vital functions in the body. Common liver conditions, such as hepatitis and fatty liver disease, can lead to cirrhosis. People who drink coffee regularly have an 80% lower risk of developing cirrhosis compared to those who don’t drink coffee. According to a study of 125,000 individuals, American scientists found that one cup of coffee per day reduced the risk of alcohol-related cirrhosis by 20%. The benefits of coffee were evident for both men and women. It’s recommended for people with liver disease to consume at least two cups of coffee per day to help reduce the incidence of cirrhosis and other liver-related issues. Coffee drinkers also showed a significantly lower risk of liver cancer compared to non-coffee drinkers.

There is no doubt that coffee boosts short-term memory and brain function. What many don’t realize, however, is that regular coffee consumption can also help prevent cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. In a large-scale study, experts found that drinking coffee daily could reduce the risk of memory loss by up to 65%. Several theories exist regarding how coffee may help protect cognitive health. One key factor is that the caffeine in coffee prevents the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques, which are linked to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

According to cancer treatment experts, men who drink coffee regularly have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who consume other beverages. Additionally, various researchers suggest that daily coffee consumption may lower the risk of endometrial cancer in women. Statistics show that women who drink four cups of coffee daily have a 25% reduced risk of developing this cancer compared to those who drink less than one cup a day. In the same study, a correlation was found between regular coffee consumption and lower rates of breast, colon, rectal, and liver cancer. Coffee contains antioxidants known as polyphenols, compounds that have demonstrated cancer-fighting properties in various studies and laboratory analyses conducted over the past decades. In the short term, these compounds act as a barrier, preventing tumor cells from rupturing when exposed to cancer-causing substances.

A team of health and nutrition experts from around the world has explored the connection between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of diabetes. Epidemiological studies also show that those who drink coffee regularly have a 50% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who rarely or never drink coffee. Research indicates that coffee drinkers have a 25% to 50% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, adding sugar to your coffee can increase your risk, so it's best to avoid it. Furthermore, a 20-year study found that diabetic patients who drink coffee have a 30% lower mortality rate from diabetes.

We've already discussed the many benefits of coffee, especially its ability to prevent serious health conditions, so it’s no surprise that it can help increase your lifespan. In a large-scale study, men who drank coffee had a 20% lower risk of death, while women showed a 26% lower risk. This study lasted 18-24 years, with the positive effects on the cardiovascular system being a key indicator of the longevity benefits. Research from Harvard School of Public Health, the National University of Singapore, and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that people who drink 3-5 cups of coffee daily have 3-5 times lower risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to those who consume sugary beverages. The study also showed that drinking 1 or 3 cups a day made little difference, as such small amounts do not have a significant impact on heart health.

Gout is caused by impaired metabolism, leading to the buildup of substances in the soft tissues around the joints. Drinking coffee helps enhance metabolism and may help prevent gout. This finding is supported by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital. According to a study by Scott Gottlieb, certain compounds in coffee, such as caffeine, can reduce the development of gallstones by 4% if you drink 2-3 cups daily, and by 45% with 4 cups. However, only caffeinated coffee provides this benefit—tea or soda containing caffeine does not show similar results.

Asthma sufferers often make wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing as they struggle to push air through narrowed airways. They may also cough in an effort to clear their breathing passages. Similarly, bronchitis shares symptoms with asthma, but it involves inflammation and swelling of the airways, usually caused by infection. At this point, immediate treatment is necessary to open the airways and make it easier for air to pass through, such as using bronchodilator medications. In addition, caffeine, found in both coffee and tea, can act like a bronchodilator. Caffeine is an ingredient in some asthma medications, so regular coffee consumption can help in preventing asthma attacks.

Many people believe that coffee negatively impacts health. However, when consumed correctly and at the right time, this drink can offer surprising benefits. One of the unexpected advantages of coffee is its antioxidant properties. In fact, Americans view coffee as a high-antioxidant beverage, containing vitamins that help protect cells and DNA. Scientific studies have shown that caffeine in coffee helps prevent UV rays from damaging skin cells, slowing down the aging process.

Caffeine found in coffee helps to convert fatty acids in the blood into energy, making it easier for the body to burn excess fat. In addition, coffee helps to detoxify the body. To lose weight, it is recommended to drink 4 cups of coffee each day, without sugar or milk, for effective results. Studies also show that caffeine can boost metabolism by 3-11% and increase fat-burning by 10% in overweight people and 29% in lean individuals. Furthermore, recent research indicates that moderate coffee consumption will not lead to dehydration that disrupts exercise routines. On the contrary, coffee helps combat physical fatigue, allowing for better endurance, especially during running or weightlifting exercises.

Alzheimer's disease is a leading neurodegenerative condition in the elderly, commonly causing memory loss. This disease usually affects those aged 65 and older and is considered one of the most prevalent conditions in older adults, with no cure available yet. However, drinking coffee daily may help reduce the risk of this condition. Some studies suggest that regular coffee consumption can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's by as much as 65%. Similarly, while there is no cure for Parkinson's disease (a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slow movements, stiffness, tremors, and balance issues), coffee drinkers show a 32% to 60% lower risk of developing this condition. This is believed to be due to the caffeine content, which may provide protection against such disorders.