IS DRINKING COFFEE GOOD FOR YOU?
One of the most recognised benefits of drinking coffee is the effect caffeine has on boosting alternates and energy levels generated from the caffeine content. Neurons are fired when its effects reach the brain and can improve energy, alertness and cognitive function.
However the benefits of drinking coffee are thought to be much more far-reaching than this. Studies show links between drinking coffee and protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Research shows that the anti-inflammatory properties within coffee reduce age-related health issues such as these.
Other studies draw findings between drinking coffee and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Coffee also has high levels of antioxidants, which combat the oxidative damage that could lead to cancer. Drinking coffee has also been shown to stimulate ‘brown fat’ the body’s mechanism for fighting fat, so could support tackling obesity levels. Athletes report that caffeine reduces relative perceived effort (RPE). RPE is essentially a scale to rate how intense you find the exercise you are doing on a 6 to 20 scale. Anything that encourages someone to work harder during exercise, yet have a lower perceived effort has clear health and performance benefits.
Moderation is the key here however. Drinking too much coffee could lead to broken sleep – sleep being one of the most important aspects linked to a healthy lifestyle. Stopping drinking coffee before the evening will be good advice for some. Too many cups of coffee can start to act as a diuretic, leaving you more dehydrated.
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