To get the full scope of all the benefits that coffee can offer, including longevity, read on.
Health benefits of coffee
Longevity: Studies have revealed that coffee drinkers generally have a longer lifespan compared to non-coffee-drinkers. Furthermore, people who drink coffees are better protected against diseased commonly associated with aging, such as diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. This is because coffee contains a high amount of antioxidants and can combat metabolites, which can trigger inflammation—a known cause of aging.
Liver health: There are numerous studies that have looked at coffee consumption and liver health. One in particular uncovered that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing liver cancer. An additional study found that coffee drinkers with cirrhosis of the liver had a reduced risk of death if their cirrhosis was caused by non-viral hepatitis.
Brain health: Other studies have found that coffee consumption could protect the brain against dementia, due to specific enzymes within the beverage.
Vision health: A Portuguese study found that the consumption of 78 mg of caffeine is enough to help protect eyes against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD, which can lead to blindness, is quite common among those over the age of 40.
Men’s health: Men have a particular benefit they can obtain from coffee consumption. A study found that men who consumed two to three cups of coffee daily saw improvements in their erectile dysfunction symptoms. Furthermore, consuming 78 mg of caffeine a day could reduce a man’s risk of developing erectile dysfunction. This is because caffeine may be able to relax arteries in the penis, which promotes greater blood flow to the area to help sustain an erection.
As you can see, your daily cup of coffee can go a long way in improving your overall health and helping you live longer. But it’s important to note that coffee is its healthiest when consumed black. Once you begin adding cream, milk, and sugar, those benefits can be bogged down by the drawbacks of these additives. Therefore, try to drink your coffee as natural as possible for maximum benefit.
Related: The benefits of drinking coffee you didn’t know