FOOD + DRINK
THE WORLD OF Coffee cont .
The Benefits Of Coffee
AS WITH EVERYTHING IN LIFE , MODERATION IS THE KEY WHEN IT COMES TO COFFEE AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS . BUT WHAT EXACTLY ARE THOSE BENEFITS ?
CONCENTRATION
Thanks to the caffeine found in coffee , a couple of cups can help us to concentrate for longer , which is ideal if you have to sit an exam or study for one , or simply manage a full day at work . More than that , though , coffee can improve brain function in general , enhancing our mood and boosting energy levels , reaction times , and even memory .
FAT BURNING
Caffeine helps to increase your metabolic rate , which is what burns unwanted fat . A higher metabolism combined with healthy eating and regular exercise can help you to lose weight at a steady rate . Since coffee is a great source of caffeine , adding it to your diet can bump start your metabolism nicely .
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
Caffeine – and therefore coffee – stimulates the nervous system , which has the effect of releasing adrenaline into the bloodstream . Too much coffee can make us feel jittery and on edge for that very reason ( it ’ s the ancient ‘ fight or flight ’ mode , making us ready to defend ourselves when necessary ), but the right amount simply keeps us on our toes and improves physical performance in sports and athletics . If you want to enjoy a workout in peak condition , have a strong cup of coffee about half an hour before you begin .
ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Drinking coffee does a lot more than simply wake us up and help us to run faster though . It actually contains generous amounts of the essential nutrients our bodies need to function . These include vitamin B2 ( riboflavin ), vitamin B5 ( pantothenic acid ), manganese , potassium , niacin and magnesium .
LOWER YOUR RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes affects about 300 million people worldwide and is a disease that shows no signs of abating . The main symptom is that it raises the blood sugar level due to insulin resistance . Studies – which are still ongoing – seem to show that coffee drinkers have a much reduced risk of developing this disease , possibly by as much as 50 per cent . Of course , the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can also be reduced by eating a healthier , well balanced diet and maintaining a sensible weight , so drinking coffee alone won ’ t be enough .
LOWER YOUR RISK OF ALZHEIMER ’ S DISEASE
Alzheimer ’ s disease is the most common form of dementia in the world . It ’ s a neurodegenerative disease , which means that the brain slowly stops to function in the way it should . Sufferers become forgetful at first , but soon the brain not only forgets who people are and what happened last week , but also forgets how to tell the lungs to take in air and the heart to beat . There is no cure for
Alzheimer ’ s , but ongoing studies show that a healthy diet and keeping the brain active with puzzles and hobbies can help – and so can coffee . Coffee drinkers have , it is said , up to a 65 per cent lower risk of developing the disease .
PROTECTION AGAINST PARKINSON ’ S
Studies in Sweden have shown that drinking more coffee even reduces the risk of developing Parkinson ’ s – a disease that reduces the amount of dopamine produced by the brain , which means that the body shakes and movements become stiff and slow . It ’ s not fatal , but it does put a huge strain on the body , and there is no cure .
LESS PAIN
Interestingly , those who drink more coffee appear to have a higher pain threshold than those who drink tea , for example , and much higher than those who don ’ t drink any hot , caffeine-based beverages at all .
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