Benefits of Coffee
Coffee is a cornerstone of modern society. We have business meetings over coffee. We meet old friends for coffee. We even give coffee as gifts. It is a warm and soothing beverage that brings us together.
Many people find it essential to their morning routine and they attribute their need for caffeine to get them moving. After all, there are some days when we need all the help we can get to increase our energy. What most people don’t realize is that there is much more to this bittersweet elixir of life.
Coffee has a wide variety of health benefits. While some of us joke that our coffee consumption is beneficial for other people’s safety, we are actually protecting our own bodies from harm by consuming it.
Coffee contains two antioxidants called chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. These antioxidants destroy free radicals in the body, thereby reducing our risk for many diseases. In turn, this strengthens the immune system. It also helps support the liver, which is our body’s filter for toxins. A stronger immune system and a proper functioning liver are key to good health and longevity.
Caffeine gets some bad press, but in moderation is can be wonderful for the body. The boost of caffeine that coffee provides helps athletes to increase their performance. It stimulates the “fight or flight” response and causes a generous release of adrenaline. This release of adrenaline also helps us feel more alert and awake by stimulating the brain. These effects can help reduce the risk of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and helps control tremors caused by Parkinson’s.
Yet, these wonderful health benefits don’t mean that you should overindulge and drink coffee all day long.
Moderation is the key. While everyone is different, 2-4 cups per day seem to provide a good balance for positive health benefits. You may require more or less, depending on your body’s needs. You should also be cautious of the kind of coffee you are buying. Some kinds of coffee contain residual chemicals from pesticides used on the plants or from substandard processing procedures. Go for the organic and fair trade coffees. They are a little more expensive, but when it comes to food – you get what you pay for.
You will get far more benefits from a higher quality coffee than you will from the cheap stuff.
What you put into your coffee matters, too. Loading it up with sugar and highly processed flavored creamers counteracts the health benefits. If you can, drink it black or add a little honey to take the bitter edge off. Better yet, try making Bulletproof Coffee. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil and a half a tablespoon of organic, grass-fed butter to your coffee and blend it to emulsify the oils into the coffee.
Add a bit of grass-fed beef gelatin and/or a pinch of cinnamon as well to increase the health benefits.
Bulletproof coffee adds an extra boost of energy, protein, and collagen to your morning brew.
Next time you get together with family or friends to make memories and nourish your soul, make sure to have some coffee and nourish your body, too!