Blog
Why Coffee Is Good for You?
Why Coffee Is Good for You
Your kidneys will stay healthy longer.
Studies have found that people who drink coffee regularly tend to have a lower risk of chronic kidney disease, protein in the urine (an early sign of kidney damage) and severe kidney problems later in life. Researchers believe coffee’s natural compounds, including antioxidants, may help reduce inflammation and cell damage, while supporting blood sugar control and heart health, two important factors that affect the kidneys.
“However, If you have existing kidney disease, it’s best to follow your doctor’s advice, especially if they have concerns about caffeine, blood pressure or other dietary restrictions,” Judd recommends.
Coffee and heart health go hand in hand.
Research shows that for most healthy adults, drinking one or two cups of coffee a day may help ward off heart failure (weakened heart muscle), atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure, as well as heart disease (coronary artery sclerosis) to some degree. However, how you brew your coffee matters, especially for heart disease.
Coffee has natural oils that contain fatty molecules called cafestol. This compound is known to increase cholesterol, including LDL (bad) cholesterol. When coffee is brewed using a paper filter, cafestol is trapped in the paper and does not make its way into your cup. Unfiltered preparation methods, such as French press or use of mesh filters do not stop this molecule. These methods are linked to increased LDL cholesterol and higher risk of death from heart disease. “So, to achieve the best heart benefits from coffee, chose paper filtered brewing methods,” Judd recommends.
Your liver will thank you.
Coffee has a protective effect on the liver. Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels within a healthy range than people who do not drink coffee.
Research also shows an inverse association between coffee consumption and hepatocellular carcinoma risk. “This means that drinking more coffee of any type, including decaffeinated and instant coffee, reduces the risk of this type of cancer, as well as chronic liver disease,” Judd explains. This risk reduction is estimated at 41%–53%.
Your body may process glucose better.
That’s the theory behind studies that found that people who drink coffee are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Coffee beans contain compounds called polyphenols that help lower inflammation and provide antioxidant benefits. These compounds can help improve the body’s insulin response, leading to better blood sugar control over time. “Polyphenols are found in both caffeinated and decaf beans, but the roast matters because heat degrades these micronutrients,” Judd explains. Darker roasts have less polyphenols while lighter roasts retain more.
“It is important to remember that added sugar increases blood sugar and decreases insulin sensitivity, counteracting the positive effects of polyphenols,” Judd cautions. Therefore, choosing coffee with low or no added sugar will maximize these benefits.
Your odds of getting certain cancers could be lower.
Research consistently shows that coffee drinkers may be less likely to develop certain cancers. The strongest evidence is related to:
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Endometrial (uterine) cancers
- Colorectal cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Certain skin, mouth and throat cancers
Your risk of getting dementia could go down.
Caffeine in a few cups of coffee may provide significant protection against developing dementia. In fact, researchers found that people who drank two to three cups of coffee a day had reduced cognitive decline, showed better cognitive function and were less likely to develop dementia compared with those who consumed little or no caffeine. “In this case, it matters that the coffee (or tea) is caffeinated, because researchers did not observe the same benefit from decaf beverages,” Judd points out.
There is also evidence that coffee may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, although the strongest evidence is for dementia prevention. Researchers believe coffee’s combination of caffeine and antioxidant compounds may help support long-term brain health.
You are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
Caffeine is not only linked to a lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease, but it may also help slow disease progression. Scientists believe caffeine may help protect brain cells, but the exact mechanism is unknown. Some studies suggest that caffeine helps block certain receptors in the brain, which helps improve brain signaling. Other theories explore how caffeine can dampen inflammation in the brain and protect neuron function, especially for neurons involved in movement. While coffee is not a guaranteed preventive measure, the evidence linking caffeine consumption to a lower Parkinson’s risk is among the strongest and most consistent of coffee’s reported health benefits.
