Coffee and teas in their various flavorful frothy forms are the ‘in’ drink.
Served everywhere from high dollar coffee houses to low budget fast food joints, you can get your caffeinated or de-caffeinated fix any time of day or night.
And each cup you drink provides several health benefits.
When you are enjoying that cup of coffee or tea, you are doing something good for your health.
Each of these beverages is packed with antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and the potential damage they can do inside the body.
The caffeine in the caffeinated versions of these beverages also protects against certain diseases.
Plus, there are micronutrients in both coffee and tea that help ward of chronic illnesses.
Knowing the benefits of coffee and tea just gives you another reason to enjoy the beverages even more.
Coffee and Tea Benefits
Coffee and tea are one of the 13 habits linked to a long life.
Below are the benefits of drinking coffee and tea.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Coffee and tea contain polyphenols, which are micronutrients found in plants.
These polyphenols are packed with antioxidants that work hard to improve insulin secretion and sensitivity.
These improvements in the way the body uses insulin help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Reduces Risk of Heart Attack
The antioxidants found in coffee and green tea protect the cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke.
Studies have shown that caffeine improves the health of the cells which line the arteries, enabling these cells to recover faster and strengthening the heart muscle.
This process also prevents the hardening of the arteries, which is often a condition associated with heart disease.
Boosts Immune System
A by-product found in black tea, called Ethylamine, aids the body in its defense against infection.
This increased aid gives a boost to the immune system so you naturally fend off diseases.
Reduces Dementia Risk
Caffeine stimulates brain activity, and all coffee drinkers understand the value of that first thing in the morning.
But there is also a long term value that caffeine from coffee and tea provides – it reduces the risk of dementia as we age.
The increased daily brain activity helps the brain continue to develop new cells and this, in turn, provides protection from dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Drinking coffee also helps prevent the build-up of plaque on brain cells which causes Alzheimer’s.
Protects Against Parkinson’s
Several studies have been conducted on how coffee and tea affects Parkinson’s.
The results show that both beverages provide positive outcomes for patients who have the disease.
Drinking caffeinated coffee or tea has been shown to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Some studies suggest that regularly drinking these two beverages could even help prevent the onset of the disease.
Lowers Risk of Gallstones
Study results show that both men and women who drink several cups of caffeinated coffee or tea each day have fewer instances of gallstones than people who do not drink the beverages.
Stronger Bones
Coffee and tea drinkers have a significant increase in bone mineral density, which creates stronger bones. The risk of developing osteoporosis is reduced when bones are strong.
Keeps Liver Healthy
The antioxidants in coffee and tea help to neutralize free radicals that cause cell degradation and premature aging, especially in the liver.
The antioxidants found in these beverages have been shown to reduce the risk of liver cancer and to keep the liver functioning properly.
Coffee is recommended as part of the treatment plan for patients who have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Slows Tumor Growth
Green tea, which contains no caffeine, has been shown to slow down the growth of tumor cells in cancer patients.
Increase Fiber Intake
Drinking coffee increases fiber intake and acts as a mild laxative. Regular coffee drinking promotes regular bowel movements.
