Coffee. It’s an excuse for a break, time to chat, read a paper or book or simply to people watch.
Coffee is a very popular beverage around the globe with the added ingredient of impressive health benefits. So with your Americano, Cappuccino or Expresso, bear in mind that you can be burning fat as well as lowering your risk to several conditions such as type 2 diabetes. It can even boost longevity!
Coffee provides high levels of antioxidants and many of the nutrients in coffee beans make their way into the finished brewed cup of coffee.
A single cup of coffee contains riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), manganese and potassium, magnesium and niacin (vitamin B3). Coffee is rich in powerful antioxidants – in fact many people get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and veggies combined.
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of serious health problems. It’s a stimulant, a common psychoactive substance, a pick-me-up and energizer. As it is absorbed into the bloodstream, caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine leading to a boost in brain activity, improving memory, mood and general mental function.
There are studies that show that caffeine can be an aid to fat burning. By stimulating the nervous system it boosts the body’s metabolic rate and signals fat cells to break down fat. It can increase adrenaline levels and improve physical performance. Research has shown that it can prevent the onset of some diseases
But take note, too many cups or mugs may lead to side effects Extremely high daily intakes of 1,000 mg or more each day have been reported to cause nervousness and similar symptoms. Coffee’s caffeine content is variable. A large Starbucks coffee, for example, contains around 330 mg of caffeine. A moderate intake by caffeine-sensitive individuals can also have similar effects such as anxiety, rapid breathing and increased stress levels as well as affecting sleep patterns.
So whichever is your choice, Latte, Flat White, Macchiato or Mocha – enjoy!
