What is the Healthiest Coffee to Drink?
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages around the world. In the U.S. alone, 57% of adults drink coffee every day. From its consumption, it not only gives you a refreshing and energizing feeling, but lots of research points to potential health benefits it can provide. However, all of the possible health benefits can depend on the type of coffee and how it is brewed.
First, it is important to understand that we are talking about unprocessed, plain black coffee. Adding creamer, sugar, and artificial flavors can affect how healthy the coffee is. When talking about the healthier kinds of coffee, Arabica and Robusta are the two main varieties of coffee beans available in the market.
Both varieties are made from the same species, but Arabica is considered to have a richer flavor and a milder flavor profile. Robusta is known for its intense flavor and having double the amount of caffeine compared to Arabica beans.
In terms of the health benefits these two varieties may provide, Arabica has been associated with reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and helping to reduce overall cholesterol levels. Additionally, it may even help to reduce the risk of stroke according to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School.
Robusta on the other hand, can also help to reduce cholesterol levels and has been linked with reducing the risk of developing hypertension, as well as improving cognitive functions.
The type of brewing used to make the coffee also affects its health benefits. The healthiest coffee to drink is likely cold brew coffee. Cold brew coffee is brewed at a low temperature for a longer period of time, meaning that its potential health benefits are retained more than with hot brewing.
It is also believed that it may help to reduce stress and anxiety levels and also improve alertness and concentration. Additionally, cold brew coffee also contains 3 times more antioxidants than hot coffee, which can help to reduce oxidative damage to the cells in the body.
Finally, cold brew coffee can also have a milder taste and slightly higher concentrations of lipids and minerals. These compounds can then be used to improve overall health and even as a source of nutrients.
Helping Improve Mood
Coffee can have a positive impact on a person’s mood. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, both of which are responsible for regulating mood and creating a feeling of pleasure. Coffee can also increase alertness and focus, boosting productivity and helping cope with stress.
Additionally, research shows that coffee can help reduce the risk of developing depression. A recent study conducted in 2018 showed that people who drank 4 or more cups of coffee a day were 20% less likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to those who drank little to no coffee. This could be due to the fact that coffee can reduce stress levels and help to reduce levels of anxiety.
Furthermore, coffee can also help to improve focus and concentration. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to improve their mental performance. It can also make it easier to stay alert, which can be beneficial for those who work long hours or study for exams.
Finally, drinking coffee can also help to reduce fatigue and improve attention, allowing for better concentration and focus for longer periods of time.
Possible Cardiovascular Benefits
Regular consumption of coffee may lead to potential cardiovascular benefits. Studies have shown that drinking up to 5 cups of coffee per day can help reduce the risk of stroke and other related diseases. This could be because it aids in reducing inflammation, which is known to be one of the main drivers of cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, drinking coffee can also help to reduce high blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg. This effect may be due to the fact that caffeine helps to increase blood flow and also reduce inflammation in the body. Furthermore, regular consumption of coffee can also help to reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol, leading to improved heart health.
Coffee may also help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that regular consumption of coffee may help to reduce the risk of developing colorectal and kidney cancer, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, drinking unsweetened coffee can help to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Finally, coffee can also help to reduce the risk of developing age-related cognitive decline. Drinking coffee regularly can help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Impact On Digestion
Coffee can also have a positive impact on digestion. It helps to stimulate the production of gastric acid, in turn helping to move food through the digestive tract more quickly. Additionally, it can also help to reduce bloating and reduce the risk of developing acid reflux.
Furthermore, coffee can also act as a prebiotic, helping to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can help to improve the balance of bacteria in the gut, which in turn helps to support the overall health of the digestive system.
Finally, coffee can also help to reduce hunger and leads to fewer cravings throughout the day. This can be beneficial for people who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Effects on Exercise Performance
Coffee can also help to improve exercise performance. It increases the release of adrenaline in the body, which helps to increase energy levels and enable longer and better performance. Additionally, it can also help to reduce pain and fatigue during exercise.
Caffeine also increases the glycogen stores in the muscles, which is the body’s main energy source for exercise. This then helps to improve endurance and enables a longer workout without fatigue.
Furthermore, caffeine can also increase the metabolic rate, which can help to burn more calories and consequently lead to weight loss. Additionally, it can also reduce appetite and lead to fewer cravings, aiding in weight loss.
Finally, caffeine has been associated with increasing levels of alertness and concentration. This can be beneficial for those who workout early in the morning or struggle to stay focused during a workout.
Conclusion
Coffee is a popular beverage that has been consumed around the world for centuries. It not only gives you a refreshing and energizing feeling, but lots of research points to potential health benefits it can provide. The healthiest coffee to drink is likely cold brew coffee, as it retains the most potential health benefits. Additionally, regular consumption of coffee has been associated with a wealth of health benefits, such as improved mood, cardiovascular health, digestion, and exercise performance.
