Coffee has long been part of American morning routines, yet for some strange reason it gets a bad rap when it comes to health. Studies demonstrate otherwise; coffee consumption in moderation actually provides several health advantages due to the abundance of essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc present as well as powerful antioxidants which have been shown to lower disease risks.

Coffee’s best-known component, caffeine, acts as an effective stimulant by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine and thus keeping you alert and awake. Coffee contains various anti-inflammatories and antioxidants that may also help lower disease risks – these have been proven effective against heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

Coffee drinking has been linked with lower rates of depression. Furthermore, it may help improve liver function, thus decreasing risk for cirrhosis (when tissue is replaced by scar tissue due to alcoholism or hepatitis) as well as Parkinson’s disease – a movement disorder which leads to shaking.

Additionally, this beverage has been shown to aid weight loss thanks to its antioxidants – believed to prevent metabolic disorders that lead to obesity. Furthermore, it has also been found to lower blood pressure, providing cardiovascular system benefits. Lastly, its slowing of glucose entry into your bloodstream helps protect against type 2 diabetes and help prevent its development altogether.

However, it should be noted that most of these health benefits come from regular coffee without extras like sugar and cream – these add extra calories and unhealthy fats that could cancel out its beneficial properties. It would be wiser to opt for unsweetened black coffee.

If you want to incorporate coffee more fully into your life, speak to one of our primary care and family medicine specialists. They can advise on how best to incorporate it into a nutritious diet while also suggesting other nutritious food that may assist with meeting health goals. By taking small, steps, we can help create sustainable change resulting in a healthier lifestyle – don’t delay, call today and start making changes that matter!