Yes, coffee can be good for you! According to a Healthline article, coffee has been linked to several health benefits, including:
- Boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue
- Lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Supporting brain health
- Reducing the risk of depression
- Lowering the risk of liver cancer and other liver diseases
- Reducing the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases
- Improving physical performance
However, it’s important to note that excessive caffeine intake can lead to negative side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. It’s recommended to limit caffeine intake to 400 mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to 4 cups of coffee1.
When it comes to drinking coffee, there are several ways to make it healthier. Here are some tips:
- Avoid adding sugar to your coffee. If you need a sweetener, use a natural one like stevia.
- Choose a quality brand of coffee, preferably organic.
- Limit your caffeine intake to 400 mg per day.
- Drink coffee in moderation.
- Consider adding cinnamon or cocoa to your coffee for extra flavor and health benefits.
- Brew your coffee with a paper filter to avoid unfiltered coffee, which is associated with higher rates of early death and can contain compounds that raise levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol 2.
When drinking coffee, it’s important to watch out for the following:
- Drinking coffee too soon after rising can decrease its energizing effects, as your stress hormone cortisol is at its peak level at this time. Cortisol is a hormone that can enhance alertness and focus. It also regulates your metabolism, immune system response, and blood pressure 1.
- Drinking coffee when your cortisol level is at its peak may further increase levels of this hormone. Elevated levels of cortisol over long periods can impair your immune system, causing health problems 1.
- Drinking coffee late in the day can interfere with your sleep. Poor sleep is associated with all sorts of health problems 3.
- Drinking unfiltered or French pressed coffee can increase LDL “bad” cholesterol levels 4.