6 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Coffee

Americans love their coffee. And why shouldn’t they? Whether it’s a cup of espresso or drip coffee, it’s a delicious and invigorating way to start their day each morning, and there are so many different blends and varieties available that appeal to a broad range of personal preferences.

Flavor, however, is not the only reason why you should drink more coffee, as there are a number of positive benefits you can reap from drinking that fresh cup of joe each and every morning. Not only does coffee improve your focus and attention, it also influences a great deal of other activities and may have a significant impact on your health.

The next time you brew yourself a cup, do so with the knowledge that you are doing something good for both your mind and your body. Here are 6 eye-opening reasons why you should drink more coffee.

1. May Improve Long-Term Brain Health

Neuroscientists have been studying the impact of moderate coffee consumption in adults over the age of 65, and they have found something quite incredible.

According to research (PDF) conducted by both the University of South Florida and the University of Miami, adults over the age of 65 with higher blood levels of caffeine were able to delay the onset of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s by two to four years compared to those with lower blood levels of caffeine.

This research also indicates that high-levels of caffeine may also have a positive impact on those that are suffering from mild cognitive impairment. Researchers found that 100 percent of patients suffering mild cognitive impairment with higher caffeine levels in their blood did not progress to Alzheimer’s disease during the period of time the study was conducted.

2. May Make You Smarter

If you are feeling slower due to a lack of sleep, one of the first things you may do is drink a cup of coffee. It turns out that this is a very good thing for your body.

This is because caffeine has been demonstrated to positively influence nearly every measure of intelligence when you are in a sleep-deprived state. Your brain operates more efficiently, and there are a number of functions that seriously improve, including:

• Reaction Time
• Logical Reasoning
• Attention
• Vigilance

It works because caffeine blocks the neurotransmitters that have a calming effect on your brain. This same inhibitory neurotransmitter is what makes you feel sleepy. Once these neurotransmitters are blocked, you will feel more energized and able to focus on the most repetitive tasks in front of you.

3. It’s a Legal Performance Enhancer

Now you know what athletes have been aware of for many years: Coffee is a serious performance enhancer, and it will not get you suspended or banned from your sport of choice.

In fact between the years of 2004 and 2008, the World Anti-Doping Agency tested the caffeine consumption in 20,686 urine samples of athletes in national and international competitions and found that 3 out of 4 athletes consumed caffeine before or during their competition.

Next time you go to the gym or out for a run, try downing a cup of black coffee before your workout. You will see firsthand how much coffee can positively impact sports performance, as it increases the number of fatty acids that are present in the bloodstream, which in turn adds more fuel for athletic endeavors.

This is especially true for endurance athletes. Cyclists and distance runners should put aside the EPO and try drinking coffee instead.

4. The Aroma of Coffee May Reduce Stress

When you first wake up, is your first instinct to open up that coffee can to take a big whiff before you brew your coffee? If it is, you may have been reducing your stress levels without even realizing it.

According to research out of Seoul National University, exposure to coffee aromas changes some of the brain proteins tied to stress. The study examined rats that had been deprived of sleep, which caused them stress. After being exposed to the aroma of coffee, researchers found that the brain proteins associated with their stress changed for the better.

5. Coffee Has a Positive Impact on a Number of Disease & Conditions

A number of different studies have demonstrated that coffee can have a positive impact in terms of either reducing the chance of developing certain diseases and conditions or improving existing diseases and conditions. According to this research, coffee is able to:

• Parkinson’s Disease:
  Drinking two to four cups of coffee a day may help those that suffer from Parkinson’s better control their movement and stay alert throughout the day, according to the American Academy of Neurology.
• Cirrhosis of the Liver:
  Drinking at least one cup of coffee a day helps protect your liver from developing cirrhosis, according to research published in Hepatology.
• Skin Cancer:
  Drinking three or more cups of coffee a day may lessen the chances of skin cancer developing. This is especially true for women, according to research published in The American Journal of Cancer.
• Type 2 Diabetes:
  Drinking four or more cups of coffee a day may lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 50 percent, with every additional cup decreasing your risk by nearly 7 percent, according to the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry.

6. Reduced Depression and Suicide Rates Linked to Coffee Consumption

It is been established that coffee can have a positive impact on your physical health and wellness. However, it has also been shown to improve mental health, specifically reducing rates of suicide and depression (PDF). This is because coffee acts as a mild antidepressant, improving levels of serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine. By drinking two to four cups of coffee per day, the risk of suicide is reduced by as much as 50 percent, and it also reduces the risk of suffering from depression by up to 10 percent.

Although it’s true that caffeine can have some negative effects when consumed in excess, these positive effects are more than enough reason to keep enjoying that daily cup or two. Remember, of course, to drink coffee in moderation and to only drink coffee if you’re an adult.