Scientific research confirms that consuming coffee in moderation (3 cups daily) can significantly benefit your health. However, this depends on how the coffee is prepared. To reap the health benefits, coffee should be consumed without any additives, according to cardiologists Dr. Ido Paz and Dr. Sam Stare.
Read more on what the doctors and nutritionist Abir Abu Rjeili have to say about coffee's benefits for your health:
Sweetened Coffee Is the Worst for Heart Health
"Highly sugary drinks like caramel macchiatos or frappuccinos are more harmful to heart health, as they often contain hundreds of calories and large amounts of sugar and unhealthy fats, which negate the potential heart benefits of coffee," says Dr. Stare, as reported in Top Santé magazine.
Dr. Paz agrees with his colleague, adding, "I recommend avoiding coffee drinks that are high in sugar. Flavored coffees that are loaded with syrups are also not good for the heart."
A large caramel macchiato from specialty coffee shops can contain 33 grams of added sugar, more than the daily recommended amount by the American Heart Association. Dr. Paz also points out that ready-to-drink coffees available at supermarkets may contain excessive amounts of sugar.
Risks of Drinking Coffee with Sugar
Dr. Paz and Dr. Stare both emphasize that consuming sweetened coffee daily can have detrimental effects on health. "Added sugar has little nutritional value and can lead to many health problems. Excessive sugar intake can damage blood vessels, cause plaque buildup in arteries, and increase the risk of heart disease," explains Dr. Paz.
Moreover, Dr. Stare highlights that combining sugar with caffeine can be especially harmful. "Mixing sugar with caffeine can lead to stress responses, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this contributes to inflammation, plaque formation, and an increased risk of heart disease."
Benefits of Drinking Coffee Without Additives
Nutritionist Abir Abu Rjeili explains the benefits of drinking coffee without any added ingredients:
"Coffee is packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, which cause body diseases. In other words, coffee helps combat cellular aging, especially skin aging, meaning it delays the appearance of wrinkles."
She adds that caffeine stimulates both the mind and body, providing an energy boost, improving memory, visual perception, and athletic performance. It also helps protect against cognitive decline after the age of fifty.
Additionally, caffeine is beneficial for brain blood vessels, which can reduce the intensity and duration of migraines. For those suffering from migraines, it is advised to consume coffee in moderation.
Coffee's Role in Fighting Depression
Coffee also fights depression by stimulating the production of dopamine and serotonin, two hormones that help alleviate feelings of sadness and promote happiness.
Protective Benefits of Coffee
Abir Abu Rjeili emphasizes that coffee can protect against several serious diseases. Studies have shown that drinking at least three cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 42%, as well as some types of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
Coffee also promotes weight loss, as caffeine boosts the body’s ability to burn calories and fat.
Furthermore, drinking coffee during the day can serve as a substitute for high-calorie foods.
Coffee for Oral Health
Surprisingly, coffee is beneficial for oral health. Coffee beans contain antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. It may even protect against oral cancer.
Due to its high antioxidant content, studies have found that women who drink coffee in moderation have a 25% lower risk of developing uterine, breast, and colon cancers.
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