Civilization’s relationship with coffee dates back to the 11th century with its popularization in the 15th century. For nearly a millennia, coffee beans have been brewed for their positive cognitive effects.
What do we know about coffee, now, and what are those effects?
Rapid Energy Boost
Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant, that blocks the Adenosine neurotransmitter. This releases a flood of chemicals creating an uptick in energy levels. Consumption can improve mental focus and physical exertion which is why it’s such a common beverage.
Try This Energy Booster:
Mix a spoonful of organic butter or coconut oil into your coffee in the morning. The added fat content creates sustained energy levels by easing the caffeine effects over an extended time frame.
Socialization
Coffee is a central ice-breaker for social situations. The question “do you want to get a coffee?” conveys a casual meeting. It’s also frequently used to accelerate potential relationships. Coffee houses are a hotbed for meeting people, working away from the office/home, and acts as a hub of local activity.
Coffee is almost always the first drink offered with visitors, too. This lightens the interaction and while creating a fun, bonding experience between parties.
Try Socialization with a Latte:
- Brew a cup of your favorite espresso
- Add milk or nonfat dairy
- Garnish with cocoa powder
- Optional: Add vanilla coffee syrup for extra flavor
Curb Dementia
Dementia is the slow loss of cognitive abilities. As it turns out, caffeine may act as a protectant for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. The antioxidants and increased brain stimulation help the individual stay healthy when combined with recommended lifestyle routines.
Try This Extra Bulletproof Recipe:
- Brew your favorite coffee blend
- Swap butter/coconut oil for MCT oil
Improve Mood
Coffee consumption improves moods and decreases feelings of depression. This may be closely linked to the general “get up and go” mentality one gets after downing a cup. The extra energy and activity could help drinkers reach positive goals — leading to a higher self-worth and well-being.
Lower Heart-Related Problems
As it turns out, coffee may not have the “stressing” properties many had thought to believe! In fact, regular coffee consumption has show lower blood pressure and risk of heart attack/stroke. Studies continue but 1-2 cups per day have shown to be of no harm.
Try This Heart-Healthy Brew:
- Grind and brew a favorite organic selection
- Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon (which helps lower blood pressure)
Increase Colon Cancer Survival
It’s far from confirmed but one study suggests regular coffee consumption can reduce the impact of color cancer. This happens because coffee helps reduce Type 2 Diabetes. Colon cancer happens to increase in odds due to similar antagonists of diabetes such as obesity.
Weight Loss
There are several ways coffee can help with weight loss — including:
- Stimulating adrenaline production leading to your body burning more calories
- Raising your metabolic rate from this same, adrenaline stimulation
- Providing energy and cognitive clarity to take on exercise routines
- Increasing the feeling of “fullness” helping you stop snacking
In all, coffee gives you that pre-workout boost to bring your routine to its needed level. Coffee is a great motivator when you’re feeling “out of it” and can’t bring yourself to workout.
Caffeine is the Star, Coffee is the Bonus
Ultimately, caffeine is the chemical making all these health benefits possible. Meaning you could easily swap the bitter for tea. Yet, who wants to pass up a great cuppa Joe?!
So should you make your own coffee, or buy it in a shop? And what kind of brewing gear do you need? Again, the answer is that it depends. Do what you like.
Don’t go overboard with coffee consumption, though. Try to limit yourself to a couple cups a day or else you could find yourself building a high tolerance and irritability when you don’t have your “fix”. Otherwise, have at it, get those health benefits, and enjoy the taste!