There must be a reason why most of the population wakes up to a hot steaming cup of java.

There’s something especially comforting about this brew that makes it the perfect elixir to energize you for the rest of the day. It is not surprising that coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, clocking in at 165.35 million 60kg bags of coffee expended in 2019. Apart from motivating you to get your day moving, your cup of coffee has many significant positive side efeccts. Here are 5 amazing health benefits of coffee.

1. Coffee can improve your energy levels

Coffeeholics credit this simple cup for giving them a burst of energy. This is the primary factor most adults drink an average of 3-10 cups of coffee per day. People usually start the morning with a cup, then take a mid-morning break with another. If there are meetings at work, you can rest assured that coffee is part of the line-up. If you need to pull an all-nighter because of pressing work issues, coffee will keep you awake and alert. You will feel less tired and more energetic with coffee because it contains a stimulant called caffeine. It is the most consumed and famed psychoactive substance!

When you drink coffee, your bloodstream absorbs the caffeine. As blood flows, it will travel to your brain, where it will block the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine. In layman’s terms, this is your body’s depressant or mood downer. As a result, other receptors become “alive” and alert, giving you an energy and mood boost. It also increases your metabolism, allowing you to burn more fat and calories, the perfect win-win situation!

2. Coffee can lower depression

Caffeine is a well-known stimulant for the nervous system. Because it impedes the adenosine receptors, you can expect improved brain activity and excitability. This is the reason why people who drink coffee feel more energetic and productive. A shot of espresso or even a cup of cappuccino has the power to energize you. Coffee even bridges cultural barriers - there is kape in Filipino, koffie in Dutch, or kopi in Singapore.

Coffee is an affordable treat that will excite anyone’s palate. No matter what kind of coffee concoction you go for, it is guaranteed to make you feel positive. With an optimistic mindset, you are able to handle stress better and get through your day no matter how tough things are. Your daily dose of coffee will certainly elevate your happiness quotient.

3. Coffee contains vital nutrients

As most coffee connoisseurs know, coffee is made from the coffee bean plant. Just like other herbs and botanicals, the coffee plant is packed with numerous nutrients. When you make a cup of coffee derived from the beans, the nutrients are part of the infusion. The aroma alone of a freshly brewed cup is enough to awaken your senses! When it tickles your olfactory nerves, that alone is a sign of how good it is. A single cup contains the following elements which address your Reference Daily Intake (RDI):

● Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin: 11% of your RDI

● Vitamin B3 or Niacin and Magnesium: 2% of your RDI

● Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid: 6% of your RDI

● Manganese and potassium: 3% of your RDI

To some, the numbers may seem small and insignificant. However, do note that most people enjoy several cups of coffee per day. When you add it all up, it will make a huge difference in your life.

4. Coffee helps your brain to function better

Because the caffeine in coffee makes such a huge impact on your nervous system, you can expect your brain to function better. When the adenosine is blocked, other neurotransmitters take center stage. You will see a spike in norepinephrine and dopamine.

These receptors are responsible for enhancing the activity of your neurons. You can expect improved overall brain activity, and you can remember things better, which is why coffee is a popular choice for the all-night study session. Apart from increased energy levels, it will boost your memory, improve reaction times, and amplify your general mental function.

5. Coffee can lower your risk of type 2 Diabetes

Coffee aficionados will be thrilled to hear that coffee has the power to lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, a disease that usually crops up with old age. Unfortunately, diabetes is not merely an issue of being unable to control your sugar or glucose levels. It can also affect your organ system with complications such as nerve damage, eye problems, liver or kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, inability to heal, and more.

Fortunately, it has been scientifically proven that coffee drinkers have a 23% to 50% lower risk of acquiring diabetes. One research even revealed an astounding 67% reduction. The reason for this exceptional benefit is that scientists have found that the cafestol in coffee works wonders. This is a bioactive compound in coffee that promotes reduced fasting glucose levels, increased secretion of insulin, and improved insulin sensitivity. With other words, this means your body can process sugar better, allowing your body to stave off type 2 diabetes.

Now when you reach for your daily cup of java, you won’t take it for granted anymore. After finding out it has so many positive side effects, you’ll certainly relish every glorious drop. Happy sipping!