The Debate Is Finally Over: Coffee IS Good For You

People — especially Americans — love coffee. There are so many conflicting studies, takes, and opinions on whether or not coffee, America’s most popular morning beverage, is actually good for someone’s health. Finally, nutritionists are fully embracing coffee as a means of boosting a person’s metabolism and reducing appetite. Though America might pride itself on its coffee obsession — recent statistics show that American consumers drink 1.6 cups of coffee per day on average — the U.S. also has a serious obesity problem. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34.5% of men above the age of 20 years old are obese and 32.6% have high blood pressure or, at the very least, are taking prescriptions for hypertension. Other popular beverages like sugary drinks and beer have been shown to cause weight gain and significantly increase chances of hyperactivity. And coffee with heavy cream or a high amount of sugar can lead to those problems as well. But black coffee (or a light splash of milk or cream) can actually improve weight loss and prevent severe hypertension. Some researchers believe that caffeine blocks hormones that keep a person’s arteries widening, causing a short increase in blood pressure, but overall, drinking coffee in moderation can actually be good for weight loss and promoting a healthy lifestyle. According to The Independent, in addition to drinking a morning cup of coffee to boost energy levels and concentration, there are weight loss benefits as well. “Your daily cup of coffee can help boost your metabolic rate, by stimulating thermogenesis, helping you in turn to burn more fat,” said nutritionist Sarah Flowers. Another study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, took a look at the dietary habits of more than 93,000 people and found that study participants who drank more coffee had a lower risk of obesity and a decreased risk of type two diabetes. “Research has drawn mixed results regarding the specific impact caffeine has on appetite, but fortunately, the hunger-fighting benefits extend beyond caffeine, so decaf drinkers can benefit, too,” added Paul Salter, nutrition editor for BodyBuilding.com. “Coffee beans also contain chlorogenic compounds, which are compounds that exert antioxidant-like effects in the body. It’s thought that the combination of caffeine and chlorogenic compounds found in the coffee bean have a positive impact on appetite hormones.” Additionally, coffee can even fight severe cognitive issues associated with aging. In fact, drinking three to five cups of coffee a day can lead to a 65% decrease in chances of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Again, overconsumption of coffee and pouring too much unhealthy products in it won’t help with weight loss and can actually lead to negative health issues, but a few light cups of coffee each day can certainly help shed some pounds, boost your metabolism, and improve overall quality of life.