11 Surprisingly Coffee Effects We May Not Even Know About
Whether we are clutching a travel mug en route to work or hurrying out post-exercise to recharge with a skinny latte, for many people it is difficult to imagine a day without coffee. And when we consider coffee, caffeine is often the initial association. However, coffee harbors antioxidants and various active components which, as suggested by nutrition experts, could potentially minimize internal inflammation and provide protection against certain illnesses.
1. Coffee can help to calm down.
Even though coffee is famous for its energizing effects internally, it can have the opposite impact when used on the skin. This is because of the antioxidants found in coffee.
2. It can reduce cellulite.
Coffee might help make cellulite look less noticeable on the skin. This is because the caffeine in coffee can make the blood vessels under the skin wider, which makes blood flow better. This can make cellulite less easy to see.
And of course, we shouldn’t forget about the great coffee effect. Affects externally on the skin — using a coffee scrub can be the best way to get rid of cellulite. This is because rubbing the skin can also make it smoother and look more even.
3. It can boost athletic performance.
According to a study from 2020, coffee was found to enhance performance by an average of 1.7%. While this might not seem like a significant leap, it’s certainly noteworthy, particularly for athletes operating at a moderately competitive level. An earlier study conducted in the UK highlighted that coffee consumers demonstrated improvements in reaction times, memory, and visual-spatial reasoning, with the degree of improvement correlating with the amount of coffee consumed.
It’s important to note that the primary contributor to these performance benefits is caffeine, which implies that coffee might not always be the optimal choice. A recent analysis conducted by the consumer group revealed that a medium cappuccino contains 66-325mg of caffeine.
Beans can make a difference. Standard robusta beans are higher in caffeine than arabica beans.
4. It can decrease the risk of depression.
Some indications suggest that the long-term advantages of its mood-enhancing properties can be substantial. An analysis of observational studies in 2016 revealed that the consumption of caffeine was linked to a reduced risk of depression. Similarly, a 2010 Finnish study uncovered a comparable outcome associated with coffee consumption. Notably, in the Finnish study, the strength of this correlation diminished when individuals consumed other caffeinated beverages.
5. It can help with acne treatment.
If you have a wound or often get skin infections, using coffee regularly might help fight off harmful bacteria. The CGAs in coffee have things that can reduce swelling and get rid of this bacteria. When you rub the coffee on your skin, using the scrub, it can also clean it, and all these things together can help stop acne.
6. Coffee can help you to burn more fat during exercising.
Consuming coffee just before exercising has been shown to enhance performance, fostering a sensation of increased endurance. This, in turn, can amplify calorie expenditure during the workout, potentially expediting weight loss. Numerous individuals opt to incorporate coffee into their pre-workout protein shakes, while others prefer to consume it black. Pre-workout consumption of black coffee can lead to heightened calorie burn both during and after the workout, alongside an improved utilization of fatty acids for aerobic energy.
Some sources suggest that 4 cups of coffee can elevate your metabolic rate by 3-11%. With an increased metabolic rate, fat burning becomes more efficient. Consequently, this attribute is highly beneficial for individuals aiming to achieve weight loss goals.
7. Coffee is the largest antioxidant source.
Antioxidants play a critical role in shielding the body from the detrimental impact of free radicals. Notably, the Western diet predominantly sources approximately 79% of its antioxidants from beverages rather than food.
Research conducted in Finland and Norway underscored coffee’s significance as the primary antioxidant supplier, contributing to approximately 64% of the overall antioxidant intake. Embracing an antioxidant-rich diet from various sources, including coffee, is essential for fortifying the body’s defense against harmful oxidative stress. This underscores the importance of integrating antioxidant-rich beverages like coffee into one’s daily dietary regimen.
8. Coffee can reduce arthritis among men.
There’s positive news for men. Research indicates that higher coffee consumption is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing a particular type of inflammatory arthritis. Over a span of 12 years, a comprehensive study involving 45,869 male participants was conducted to arrive at these findings.
However, it’s crucial to note that individual health circumstances can vary, and the effects of coffee on health can differ from person to person.
9. Coffee bottles water retantion.
Water retention, also known as edema, refers to the accumulation of fluid causing swelling. Caffeine, known for its diuretic properties, doesn’t get stored in the body. As a result caffeine is eliminated through increased urine production.
This diuretic effect aids in mitigating water retention, a common barrier to weight loss progress often characterized by feelings of bloating and sluggishness. By combating water retention, caffeine contributes to a more comfortable and effective weight loss journey.
10. Coffee suppresses the appetite and breaks down fat.
Scientific evidence confirms that caffeine directly stimulates fat cells, prompting them to break down stored fat. Prior to being utilized and expelled through physical activity, fat necessitates this breakdown process. Additionally, coffee elevates adrenaline levels in the bloodstream, facilitating the breakdown of fats. Consequently, caffeine remains a key component in various weight loss supplements.
Moreover, the presence of Chlorogenic acids in coffee is known to suppress appetite, leading to reduced food cravings. This characteristic proves beneficial for individuals aiming to manage calorie intake. While raw (green) coffee beans serve as the richest natural source of chlorogenic acid, roasted coffee also retains this component. Notably, lighter roast profiles preserve a higher concentration of chlorogenic acid.
11. There is a safe daily dose of coffee.
“They call it ‘slow coffee’. I needed to wait about 5 minutes for it to melt.”
Yes, you can have too much of a good thing. Drinking too much coffee with caffeine can make you feel nervous and cause:
- Your heart to beat faster
- Your blood pressure to go up
- You to feel more worried
- Trouble sleeping
So, how much coffee should you drink to get the good effects but not the bad ones?
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it’s okay for most women to drink three to five cups of coffee a day, but not more than 400 milligrams of caffeine. The amount of caffeine can change depending on the coffee type, but a regular 8-ounce cup has about 95 milligrams.
Coffee helps us wake up and feel ready for the day. But there are other drinks that can also make us feel good. Teas can help us relax, while juices give us important vitamins. Even just drinking warm water with a bit of lemon can make us feel refreshed and healthy. We just need to introduce healthy habits into everyday life.