10 Health Benefits of Coffee

Written by
Joan Hodges 

Americans consume a whopping 146 billion cups of Joe each year. Fortunately for those consumers, coffee has numerous health benefits that will improve your quality of life.

Go ahead and splurge at your favorite coffee shop and reap the rewards of a good brew that go far beyond a morning jolt.

1. Lowered Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
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One cup of coffee a day can reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 9 percent. The reason why? Three different compounds in coffee block the protein accumulation that is a hallmark of Type 2 Diabetes.

Just be sure to take it easy on any milk and sugar, since that can negate the health benefits.
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2. Reduces Depression
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A Harvard study shows that coffee drinkers had more than 50 percent reduced risk of suicide and depression, particularly for women. While caffeine certainly stimulates the central nervous system, it can also act as feel-good signal for the brain by producing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.

However, it's not advised to self-medicate a serious mental health condition with an uptake in caffeine. Leave treating any mental health concerns to the professionals.
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3. Reduces Exercise-Induced Pain
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Athletes and regular gym-goers alike can find an immense boost from consuming the caffeine found in coffee. Studies have shown that consuming coffee either before or after a workout can put a cork on muscle strain and pain.

Coffee helps you recover more comfortably and therefore boosts the benefits of exercise. Warning to those who simply take caffeine pills prior to workouts—they should not be consumed without talking to your doctor first.
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4. Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
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Even older individuals who are starting to show early signs of brain deterioration can slow down the onset of Alzheimer's with a few cups a day. Three to five measured cups of coffee per day can reduce the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer's, by up to 65 percent.

Researchers believe that because coffee reduces inflammation, it has a positive effect on multiple diseases.
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5. Promotes Stronger DNA
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When there's damage to the oxygen molecules that keep our white blood cells healthy, it can weaken DNA strands. When those strands are weak, it can cause mutations that lead to cancer and other serious health issues.

In one study, where coffee was used as an intervention during spontaneous DNA strand breakage, the breakage was slowed or reduced, leading scientists to believe that coffee could be yet another key to avoiding health risks down the road.
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6. Keeps Eyes Healthy
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The chlorogenic acid in coffee is responsible for this one. Researchers believe that retinal damage due to oxidative stress may be reduced by coffee consumption. The acid (otherwise known as CLA) is an antioxidant.
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7. Prevent Cavities
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For those who like cream and sugar in their coffee, don't get too excited by this health benefit. It only applies to black coffee. Plain black coffee can kill bacteria that leads to tooth decay...as long as you lay off the sweeteners. Sorry, sweet tooth!
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8. Boosts Fiber Intake
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If you're looking for even more ways to fit fibrous foods into your diet, just one cup of coffee equals about 10 percent of your daily fiber needs.
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9. May Boost Libido in Women
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According to one study, occasional coffee drinkers can reap the benefits of coffee with an extra boost in the bedroom. The study, which showed increased libido in female rats, has not yet been tested on humans.
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10. Improves Memory
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Aside from coffee's benefits in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's, everyday memory can also be significantly strengthened with coffee. In one study, participants had improved memory for up to 24 hours after consumption.
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About the Author

Joan Hodges ACTIVE.com Contributor
Joan Hodges writes nutrition articles for ACTIVE.com. As a health and wellness blogger based in Dallas, Texas, she has been inspired by her own journey of full mental and physical recovery. Joan is a devout yogi, dog lover and self-love advocate. You can read about her health journey here.