The eternal question is whether coffee is healthy, at what time of day and in what quantities. It is known that caffeine can have a negative effect on our night's sleep if we drink it too late, but new studies show that it may be healthier than we thought.
Two to four cups a day protect us from cardiovascular diseases and prevent depression, research has shown. Morning coffee not only banishes fatigue and worries, but also boosts your metabolism. This means that we burn more calories and fat during the day.
According to a Swedish study, caffeine has a positive effect on our metabolism. Experts estimate that a cup of coffee with an average of 100 mg of caffeine increases energy consumption by about 100 calories per day. 100 calories is about one chocolate bar.
The study also showed that heart arrhythmias are less common among people who drink coffee. Caffeine actually increases blood sugar. But long-term studies show that regular coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers hypothesize that this is due to minerals like magnesium that coffee contains.
In the second studies Chinese researchers followed nearly 450.000 people over 12 years. They noticed the greatest positive effect in those who drank two to three cups of coffee a day. However, they warn that adding milk reduces the effect, so it is better to use herbal alternatives. Likewise, coffee must contain caffeine.
A Chinese study shows that drinking coffee every day reduces the risk of stroke. The risk of dementia is also reduced by 28 percent. The reason lies in the fact that coffee contains polyphenols that stimulate blood flow to the brain, and a well-supplied brain keeps us healthy and productive and strengthens nerve cells.
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