By Aleese Holiday
Coffee is more than just a habit for me, it’s an addiction. As soon as I wake up, I start the pot and anxiously wait for the precious golden liquid to seep out. As soon as there’s enough for one cup, I pour myself a mug of coffee with cream and honey.
For the past three days, I didn’t drink any coffee in the morning. I was camping and forgot to bring my precious Starbucks Via packets. Without my daily dose of caffeine, I was sleepy, mentally slow, and unable to focus. That’s when I realized that I am actually addicted to coffee. But with all the benefits coffee has to offer, maybe that’s not such a bad thing?
1. COFFEE WAKES UP YOUR BRAIN
From the very first sip, coffee makes some people happy and energetic. Why? Caffeine blocks a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which causes a release of dopamine, making you happy, and norepinephrine, making you feel energized.
2. COFFEE IS FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Research has shown that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in Western culture. Coffee actually has twice as many antioxidants as blueberries, acai berries, and chocolate, all known for their nutritional properties. Antioxidants slow the oxidative process, also known as the aging process, and eliminate reactive compounds called free radicals that wreak havoc in your body and usually come from cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight.
3. COFFEE CAN REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DISEASE
Researchers say coffee drinkers are less likely to get Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or liver problems. So in small doses, coffee is basically, a miracle drink. Both decaf and caffeinated coffee are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that help prevent disease. Researchers found that drinking 2-4 cups of coffee a day reduces your risk of death by up to 16 percent
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4. DRINKING COFFEE CAN HELP YOUR WORKOUT
Say goodbye to the pain that follows your favorite H.I.I.T, cardio, or weight training workout. Drinking coffee before or after a workout reduces post-workout aches and pains by almost 50 percent! When you drink coffee, it releases adenosine and dopamine into your brain, making you happy. Adenosine and dopamine, have been shown to inhibit your pain receptors. Drinking coffee pre-workout can give you an energy boost, but make sure to stay hydrated! Coffee is a diuretic, so drink at least twice as much water as coffee before and after exercising.
5. COFFEE CAN HELP WITH DEPRESSION
Research says, the more coffee you drink, the lower your risk of depression. Coffee makes you happy, so it can also prevent the onset of depression.
So go order a fresh cup o’ joe and remember, you are doing your body, and your tastebuds, a favor.