Coffee contains caffeine. Caffeine is a powerful alkaloid and stimulant that is proven to decrease fatigue and increase energy levels. Studies show that consuming caffeine in moderation significantly increases time to exhaustion especially in sports athletes. Caffeine essentially acts on the central nervous system by interfering with adrenaline and adenosine thereby making one alert and poised for any activity, says Dr. James Betts, Professor of Metabolic Physiology at the University of Bath, U.K.

Research shows that regular coffee consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long term. Coffee has the ability to preserve the function of beta cells in the pancreas which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. For instance, a review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Coffee consumption could also be associated with a decreased risk of chronic liver conditions. Coffee is found to decrease liver stiffness, which is used to assess fibrosis- the formation of scar tissue in the liver. In other research, drinking a cup of coffee per day was linked to a 15% lower risk of liver diseases.

Another study conducted by the Bournemouth University on 5000 people found that up to 3 average cups of coffee a day was linked to better brain and hearth health. Regular drinkers were specifically found to have low risks of stroke, heart disease and dementia. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, the study further revealed that daily drinkers of coffee had a healthier-sized and better-functioning heart.

Drinking coffee is moderately associated with weight loss. A Nottingham University study found that drinking coffee stimulates brown fat. Brown fat is noted for generating body heat by burning excess fat and calories. Although coffee may provide some benefits in reducing obesity, scientists warn that it is not substitute for eating a balanced diet and exercising often.

Caffeine is absorbed by every tissue of the body within an hour of drinking coffee. The antioxidants found in coffee beans can help protect the body against free radical damage. Free radicals are a type of waste produced by the body naturally. They include unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging.

Show yourself some love as you say cheers to a cup of freshly brewed coffee and get more out of your workout, maintain a good mood and break down fats.

REFERENCES

Information from the BBC, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270202#nutrition, www.healthline.com and www.britannica.com was used in this story