I love being addicted to coffee. I tried to give it up once due to countless warnings of “caffeine as a drug” and my own disdain for the hold that it had over me. Every morning, I absolutely could not start my day without a cup of coffee. Most days, this was an easy and manageable problem to have, but others, when I found that a cup of coffee was unavailable to me, I would panic. My friends can attest to this. When I did not start my day with coffee, I noticed the affect that it would have on my concentration and energy levels. I realized that some of this so-called addiction was mental and that I probably perceived my “withdrawal” symptoms as worse than they really were, but I acknowledged my caffeine addiction nonetheless.
So one morning, amidst my pre-caffeine headache and weariness, I Googled “why caffeine is bad.” I was hoping to scare myself into abstaining. To my surprise, instead of warnings about addiction, raised blood pressure and insomnia that I was expecting to see, I saw overwhelmingly positive results:
Coffee can improve energy and concentration levels.
This is self explanatory. Caffeine is a stimulant and increases adrenaline, which increases both energy and concentration.
Coffee can help you burn fat.
Once again, because coffee is a stimulant, it aids in boosting metabolism and burning fat. It is also proven to be an appetite suppressant.
Coffee is full of antioxidants and nutrients.
Coffee beans contain riboflavin (Vitamin B2) which aids in raising the metabolic rate. It also contains Magnesium, which works to balance electrolytes and improve bone and heart health.
Coffee is good for your liver.
A study published by the Global Source for Science News in 2006 claims that coffee drinkers are 20 percent less likely to develop liver problems.
Caffeine improves physical performance.
Once again, caffeine as a stimulant increases adrenaline, resulting in better and more energetic workouts.
Coffee may lower the risk of developing depression.
A Harvard Study shows that women drinking about four cups of coffee a day had a 20 percent lower risk of depression than non-coffee drinkers.
So, need any more incentive? Apart from the stated health benefits of coffee, I genuinely enjoy the taste. There are so many different types of coffee beans, roasts and flavors. Feeling sleepy on a crisp, chilly fall day? Warm yourself up with an ever-so-basic pumpkin-flavored coffee. And don’t even get me started on the holiday inspired flavors.
Even more important than my taste buds, I am fascinated by the ritualistic and cultural significance that coffee has. Coffee is a common denominator in so many countries and brings people together every morning to socialize, chat and ponder what the day may bring.
It is comforting, familiar and delicious. What’s not to love?
