Besides water, coffee is the most-consumed drink in the United States and is the most popular hot beverage in the world. And the good news is that unlike some other beverages on that list (beer and soda, to name two), coffee can be a largely healthy drink.
In addition to providing that morning pick-me-up we crave, Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has five other positive effects of coffee.
- Makes Exercise More Effective
You might think about sports drinks when it comes to helping your exercise performance, but coffee has been found to increase epinephrine levels in your blood and help break-down fat, which your body can use as fuel during your workout.
- Lowered Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes
Polyphenols are found in coffee (along with other fruits, vegetables, and tea) and they are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even possibly colon cancer. But beware: if you load your coffee with cream and sugar, you’re probably doing more harm than good in this department.
- Social Benefits
There’s no better way to extend a friendly offer to someone (whether it’s a friend, coworker, or even a stranger) than meeting over a cup of coffee. In fact, one study found that when people held a hot cup of coffee, they judged the person they were interacting with more positive tones.
- Rich in Antioxidants
In addition to helping prevent heart disease and some cancers, antioxidants in coffee have been shown to lower bad cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar levels. Again, this is regarding black coffee!
- Promotes Brain Health
While more research is needed, it’s believed that due to the roasting process of the coffee beans, a set of compounds are produced that help prevents the buildup of proteins in the brain, which are linked to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
To learn more about Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://beth-abraham-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
