Nothing gets the morning started quite like a hot cup of coffee – in fact, out of the 100 million daily coffee drinkers in America, 68% of them drink their first cup within an hour of waking up. And with at least 9 different ways to brew your beans, that number is not surprising. So grab your favorite mug and let’s learn about one of the planet’s most popular drinks!
Coffee Gives Your Brain a Boost
Caffeine found in a cup of black coffee not only gives your body a little more power, it gets your brain running faster too. It can also help improve your short-term memory, so if you have a big presentation to give, grab a cup of coffee before you go for a little pick-me-up in the boardroom.
Coffee is Heart Healthy
You can decrease the risk of heart disease by consuming a moderate amount of coffee each day (between two to four cups a day) decreased their risk of heart disease by 20 percent when compared to heavy coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers. Scientists believe the coffee helps decrease inflammation, reducing the risk of heart disease. Consider it like a Beach Body 21 day fix!
Coffee Boosts Your Mood
Scientists can’t explain exactly why, but caffeine helps increase the release of happy mood-inducing hormones like serotonin. While you can get the same, or more caffeine, from a glass of Coke, a cup of plain black coffee has fewer calories, no sugar and is far better for your health. So if you need a mood boost, grab a cup of Joe and find a nice quiet place to relax.
Coffee May Keep Diabetes Away
When you drink a cup of coffee, you may be helping your insulin levels too. Scientists say that drinking coffee moderately can reduce your risk of diabetes but 7 percent for each cup you drink. The coffee helps reduce the risk of inflammation and helps your body produce insulin and insulin protecting cells making it easier for your body to regulate the production on insulin. Ditch the cream and sugar for max health benefits.
Coffee Can Boost Your Workout Routine
Drinking coffee in moderation may give you an extra boost during your workout. The caffeine gives your body extra energy that you can put into that treadmill, elliptical or Zumba class.
With all of these health benefits, it’s no wonder that coffee is the second largest traded commodity and one of the world’s most consumed drinks. Just hope you don’t become one of 54% of Americans that say they need their coffee in order to feel like themselves. So the next time you grab your favorite coffee mug, pat yourself on the back for making a healthy choice. Skip the fancy drinks, cut back on the sugar and cream, and you can enjoy a great boost of energy guilt-free!
Author Bio: Hank McKinsey is a SAHD and lifestyle how-to blogger from Clovis, CA. When he’s not working on the home or blogging, he can be found at the park with his dogs or in the kitchen. See what Hank is up to on Twitter!
