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In a nation that cherishes a good cuppa, coffee holds its ground as a beloved daily ritual for many. But beyond its comforting warmth and invigorating aroma, how does this brewed favourite fare in the health stakes?
At Brown Bear, we've delved into the rich tapestry of coffee's health narrative and discovered that those petite, dark beans are brimming with benefits. Of course, moderation is key – a mantra that applies to all of life's indulgences. So, let us pour another and explore the salubrious virtues of our cherished coffee.
For a product that is so widely loved and consumed in such vast quantities, it’s no wonder coffee generates so much discussion around the world. Do you worry about how much coffee you drink and whether all that caffeine is good for you?
Here at Brown Bear we’re pleased to say that those little dark coffee beans are actually packed with good stuff. When consumed in moderation (isn’t that always the case?) coffee has a number of health benefits.
Coffee is an Antioxidant
Green tea is often hailed as being the daddy of antioxidants, but coffee might just be more effective. Coffee is rich in a group of antioxidant plant compounds, known as flavonoids, that are known to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties – the latter helps to thin the blood.
Coffee may decrease the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes
Research in the US, published in the American Journal of Clinic Nutrition, showed that drinking coffee regularly was linked to a decreased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
This was taken from a sample of 43,000 participants. Another study – also in the US – analysed the data from 457,000 people and found that every cup of coffee drunk per day can be associated with a 7% drop in the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The incidence of Type 2 diabetes continues to grow in the UK.
Coffee may be beneficial for healthy liver function
If you’ve had a few drinks the night before, coffee in the morning is usually a priority – and is probably doing you more good than you realise! Research in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology shows that when drunk in moderation, coffee can actually have a beneficial effect on liver function.
Their study showed that the incidence of conditions such cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and abnormal liver function, were significantly lower among moderate coffee drinkers. Of course, cutting back on alcohol consumption is still a good idea, no matter how much coffee you drink.
Coffee may help reduce the chances of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases
You know that energy surge you get when you drink good coffee? It may be doing more than simply helping you to feel up for the task ahead. A report in the Missouri Journal of Medicine claims that there is growing evidence that drinking coffee in moderation could help to reduce the risk of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Research is ongoing in this area but there is already an abundance of anecdotal evidence about how drinking coffee improves cognitive performance.
As a rider to the above, all of the research involved the consumption of black coffee. The protein in cow’s milk binds to the flavonoids found in coffee, which can lessen their beneficial effect – so try to keep it black!
