Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world. From lighting up a morning pick me up to providing an afternoon refresher, coffee’s popularity is always delighted in. It can also provide a range of health benefits, too. If you’re an avid coffee drinker who wants to optimize your wellbeing, then you’re in luck. The following article provides an overview of the health benefits of coffee, as well as easy tips to make your cup even healthier.
What Are the Health Benefits of Coffee?
Coffee is packed with beneficial antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and free radicals that may harm your cells. Love your coffee, but love your health and wellness more? Let’s explore the range of benefits that a cup of joe can offer you.
Improved Cognitive Function
There’s something to be said about the idea that coffee gives you that kick start to your day. And, it turns out, science agrees. By drinking a cup of coffee, you can expect enhanced focus, alertness, and energy, so long as you don’t overdo it.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
The antioxidants found in coffee may protect you against certain chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancer types. The beneficial antioxidants have the potential to neutralize dangerous free radicals found in the body, helping you to live a healthier life.
Improved Mood
Coffee’s energizing properties don’t just help you to stay alert—they can also help to improve your overall mood. Coffee fights off feelings of drowsiness and fatigue thanks to its stimulant powers and can provide a natural boost of energy.
Easy Tips to Make Your Cup Of Joe Even Healthier
So you’re more aware of the potential health benefits that come with drinking coffee? Here are a few tips to help you to optimize your cup of joe, making it that much healthier.
Drink Up in Moderation
With any beverage, it’s important to ensure that you’re drinking in moderation. Too much of a good thing can soon become a bad thing, so it’s always key to drink responsibly and to pay attention to the number of cups that you’re having each day. Additionally, moderate your intake if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as excessive amounts may not be suitable.
Add a Splash of Milk
Love to add a splash of milk to your cup of coffee? Then you’re doing your body a favor. Milk is packed with minerals and vitamins that play a vital role in muscle maintenance, helping to make your muscles work more effectively. Skimmed milk is a great choice, as it has lower saturated fat levels.
Go Natural
Natural and organic is always the way to go when it comes to anything. When it comes to your cup of coffee, look for one that’s organic, non-GMO, and grown without the use of pesticides. These natural changes won’t just help your cup of joe be kinder to the environment, it also contains fewer potentially harmful properties.
Switch from Sugar to Honey
This tip is an especially beneficial one for all those who like their cup of coffee sweet. Rather than opting for refined white sugar, look to natural alternatives, such as honey. Honey is packed with antioxidants and additional vitamins and minerals that have been linked to numerous health benefits.
Go Decaf
Not a fan of caffeine? Or perhaps you don’t like how it makes you feel? If you’re looking to reap the same health benefits but don’t want the extra dose of caffeine, switch to decaf. Decaf coffees are a simple swap, still offering the same levels of antioxidants but very low in the stimulant itself.
Choose Coffee Beans Over Instant
Instant coffee packs a punch of convenience, however, coffee beans are the healthiest choice. Full coffee beans contain a slightly higher amount of beneficial antioxidants, and when you grind them yourself, you can also find out where exactly it came from or even how it was grown. This is an additional plus for those hoping to reduce their environmental footprint and buy consciously.
Coffee can offer a plethora of health benefits that may help promote a generally healthier lifestyle. The antioxidants in coffee can reduce the risk of certain chronic illnesses, improve cognitive function, and even lift your mood. If you’re an avid coffee drinker, remembering to make your cup of joe that much healthier by using some of the tips outlined here, such as swapping out refined white sugar for natural sweeteners, can help to make a positive difference.
