Coffee is something that has been enjoyed across decades and celebrated for its rich and aromatic flavours. But there are also several myths surrounding the humble cup of joe, especially regarding its health benefits and concerns. Here are some of the major myths about coffee that have been put forward and argued about and how they have been debunked:</p
It is commonly believed that coffee can lead to severe dehydration of your body which is not true as there is no medical evidence to prove this. While coffee is a diuretic, it does not dehydrate your body and can in fact increase your bodily fluid intake if taken in moderation.</p
While it is true that coffee has a high caffeine rate that can affect sleep patterns, its effect varies from person to person. While one person may be severely affected and sensitive to coffee, most people might not experience much difference in their overall sleep patterns. All in all, if you consume a moderate amount of coffee early in the day, you will unlikely face a problem with insomnia and your sleep pattern.</p
A popular myth about coffee is that it increases the risk of heart diseases like stroke and heart failure. This is not backed by any medical research and in fact studies show that coffee can actually reduce the risk of heart diseases and improve heart functions. However, it is important to consume coffee in moderation and avoid adding excessive sugar and cream that can negate the good benefits of coffee.</p
Now, you should see the potential health benefits of consuming coffee as given below:</p
- Antioxidants: According to research, coffee is one of the richest sources of antioxidant power in the Western diet. These antioxidant compounds provide a host of benefits including reducing oxidative stress and protecting the body against chronic diseases.
- Cognitive Function: A moderate amount of coffee can also act as a stimulant and improve focus and concentration. It can also enhance overall mood, functioning and alertness in the body and help you concentrate more on tasks. Some studies also show that coffee when taken in moderation can also lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzehemirs and Parkinsons.
- Adrenaline functions: Coffee helps stimulate the nervous system and enhances your exercise workouts by boosting muscle contractions and increasing adrenaline levels. It can also help reduce perceived exertions that allow you to exercise for longer periods of time and with higher intensity.
- Reduce risk of chronic disease: According to studies, moderate coffee consumption can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases like level 2 diabetes, liver diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer as well as colorectal and endometrial cancer.
- Mental well-being: Some studies also show that coffee improves mood and lowers the risk of suicide and depression. This is because coffee boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that improve the overall mood and well-being of the individual.
Thus, coffee if taken in moderation and without excessive additives can actually provide a host of health benefits for your body, including improved cognitive functions, reduced risk of chronic diseases, better exercise stamina, increased antioxidants and better cognitive functions.
