Most people drink coffee every day, but not everyone knows that this beverage also offers some amazing health benefits. Some studies have even shown that consuming coffee can help boost your heart health and lower diabetes risk.

One study even found that volunteers who drank at least four cups of coffee per day had a 64 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who never or almost never drank coffee.

Results also showed that those older than 45 could lower their risk of death by 30 percent by drinking two extra cups of coffee per day.

If this has gotten you thinking about what else a cup of joe can do for you, below are four healthy benefits of drinking coffee.

Rich in nutrients

Coffee contains the following nutrients:

• Caffeine – Coffee’s caffeine content helps boost your energy and memory and improves your mood.
• Hydrocinnamic acids – Hydrocinnamic acids help neutralize free radicals in your body and prevent oxidative stress.
• Magnesium – Magnesium helps regulate your blood pressure, promotes a regular heart rate and keeps your bones healthy and strong.
• Polyphenols – Polyphenols are antioxidants that can also be found in many plant-based foods. These compounds can help protect you from disease.
• Potassium – Potassium is a necessary electrolyte that helps your muscles contract properly. It also regulates your body’s water balance and conducts nerve impulses.
• Vitamin B2 – Vitamin B2 is an essential vitamin that helps your body turn carbohydrates into energy. The vitamin also keeps your skin, hair and eyes healthy. Vitamin B12 also has a role in helping your body metabolize proteins and fats.

While coffee doesn’t contain a lot of macronutrients, it’s naturally rich in beneficial antioxidants. Data even suggests that most Americans get most of their antioxidants from coffee, but you should also consume lots of fresh fruits and veggies to boost your antioxidant intake.

Studies have found that drinking coffee and having healthy habits can help prevent disease. Experts suggest that coffee can help fight diseases thanks to its antioxidant content.

Helps protect against diabetes

A separate study has shown that coffee may offer protective benefits against diabetes.

In the study, scientists discovered that coffee helps increase plasma levels of the protein sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which regulates testosterone and estrogen in the body.

Testosterone and estrogen both contribute to the risk of Type 2 diabetes and data from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that drinking coffee can help decrease this risk by more than 10 percent.

Supports heart health

According to the results of a European study conducted in 2012, consuming moderate amounts of coffee can help lower the risk of heart failure.

Data revealed that moderate consumption was a maximum of four eight-ounce cups per day, which was linked to a decreased risk of 11 percent.

Helps prevent colon cancer

Data from the University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that consuming coffee may help prevent colon cancer.

For the study, scientists examined data from over 9,000 volunteers. According to the results, people who consumed at least one or two cups of coffee per day decreased their colon cancer risk by 26 percent.

Volunteers who consumed more than 2.5 cups of coffee per day were able to decrease their risk by at least 50 percent. Researchers said that coffee’s possible disease-fighting properties can be attributed to its antioxidant content.

Coffee has gotten a bad reputation because of its caffeine and sugar content. But according to several studies, enjoying a cup of coffee minus the flavorings and additional sugar offers many health benefits.

Ideally, your coffee shouldn’t contain added flavorings and extra sugar. Brew your own coffee at home and use only a little bit of milk and a natural sweetener like honey or brown sugar to keep your sugar and calorie intake in check.

Sources:

LifeZette.com

ScienceDaily.com