Let’s be real—most of us rely on coffee to kick-start our day. But did you know that coffee does a whole lot more than simply wake you up? Today, we’re talking about some of the surprising advantages of your favorite cup. Of course, if you’re already a nervous wreck, make your heart go crazy fast, or keep you up all night with insomnia, then maybe coffee’s not the best thing for you. And, of course, it is always a good idea to practice moderation—only one cup a day is enough to reap the rewards without suffering the consequences in excess.
What’s in Coffee That Makes It So Great?
Coffee is not just caffeine—it’s loaded with natural chemicals that actually are good for you. Caffeine, for example, is a phytochemical found in over 30 plants, and it’s a natural insecticide (yes, bugs don’t care for it quite as much as we do). But in humans, it has some surprising benefits. A little bit of stress—either from exercise or some natural chemicals like caffeine—actually makes our bodies run more effectively.
How Caffeine Works
Caffeine prevents a chemical in the brain that causes you to feel sleepy, adenosine. That’s why you’re alert and concentrated after having coffee. But there’s much more to coffee than staying awake.
More Than Just an Energy Boost: Other Perks of Coffee
In addition to keeping you awake, coffee has been attributed with a multitude of other health benefits, including:
- Sharper concentration and enhanced brain performance – Coffee may speed up learning and memory.
- Accelerated metabolism – Caffeine increases your metabolic rate, helping with weight regulation.
- Enhanced blood sugar level control – Combining MCT oil or butter with your coffee (Bulletproof Coffee) could level out blood sugar levels.
- Brain health promotion – Studies say coffee can diminish the risk for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
- Reduced gallstone risk – Coffee stimulates bile production, which can prevent gallstones.
- Reduced risk of kidney stone – There is evidence that coffee may prevent kidney stones.
- Anti-cancer – Coffee contains polyphenols, which have the potential to protect against certain cancers.
- Liver protection – Coffee is found to protect the liver.
- Gut health boost – Coffee’s polyphenols feed good bacteria in your gut, ideal for digestion.
- Enhanced blood pressure regulation – Coffee could prevent dizziness caused by sudden blood pressure declines (aka postural hypotension).
Coffee and Exercise: A Winning Combination
You may be amazed to learn that coffee can enhance exercise performance. Here’s why:
- Boosts endurance and stamina – Keeps you going during your workout.
- Reduces muscle soreness – The neurotransmitters that are activated by caffeine slow down muscle fatigue.
- Helps adapt to high altitude – Coffee is able to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness by activating the sympathetic nervous system.
- Increases energy production – Coffee actually causes an increase in the number of mitochondria (the energy powerhouses of your cells), giving you more energy.
- Helps digest – Coffee helps to raise stomach acid, digestion becomes smoother.
Coffee Combos: The Weird Science Behind Caffeine Pairings
Some interesting things occur when you mix coffee with other things:
- Some interesting things occur when you mix coffee with other things:
- Coffee & alcohol – Alcohol has some evidence that it reduces jitters brought on by caffeine.
- Coffee & nicotine – Nicotine can assist in flushing caffeine out of your system more rapidly (not that we’re suggesting you start smoking!).
- Coffee & painkillers – Caffeine has been known to enhance the effects of some painkillers.
- Coffee & birth control – Caffeine remains in your system longer when mixed with birth control pills.
Final Thoughts
Coffee is an awesome part of your life—if only you take it in moderation. Too much of the coffee will push your cortisol and adrenaline through the roof, and this isn’t ideal long term. If you are looking at adding coffee into your lifestyle (or even drinking it more regularly), keep things balanced and listen to your body. And if you’d like to discover just how you might make the experience less detrimental, find some more info on perfecting your coffee experience!
So go ahead—enjoy that cup of joe, and drink smart!
