Coffee, coffee, coffee! The amazing warm, brown, liquid is important to many Americans’ morning routines, especially mine. The caffeine kick helps those of us with non-stop lives to wake up and begin our days. The varieties and brands that have recently boomed into the market prove that we hold our morning cups near and dear to our hearts. Some people view their coffee habit as a guilty pleasure, but new research suggests that maybe people should replace their shame with a pat on the back.
Alas, a break for our dear friend coffee. Studies have been emerging that link drinking coffee with a handful of health benefits including reducing cancer risk, preventing Type 2 diabetes, and maintaining heart health. Much like tea, coffee is rich in antioxidants. In fact, most of the benefits of drinking coffee are associated with its high antioxidant content (substances found in certain foods that help to decrease free radicals in the body). Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage healthy tissues and organs and are shown to be a contributing cause to many chronic diseases.
Coffee, believe it or not, is a plant-based beverage that contains vitamins and minerals. A study by Salazar-Martinez et al revealed that magnesium, vitamin B3, potassium, and niacin are all present in coffee. This doesn't mean that you should skip a serving of vegetables and replace it with a cup of coffee. Although it contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it isn't as nutrient dense as whole fruits and vegetables. Coffee won't be the cure-all we have all been searching for, but at least now you can look at it with a new perspective. No longer will you see that brown liquid as a simple vessel for your caffeine, but as a healthful addition to your balanced diet (just hold the cream and sugar). So go ahead, drink that morning cup with your head held high!
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