From Herbs to Beans: How Coffee Is Benefitting Our Health – News18

The transition from herbs to coffee beans marks a profound shift in both flavour and function. For centuries, herbal infusions offered a range of health benefits with intriguing flavours. The shift from herbal teas to freshly ground coffee caters to a set of virtues that elevate them beyond herbs in terms of their multifaceted impact on our well-being. With the rich blend of compounds that coffee offers extends far beyond what traditional herbs can provide. Coffee, enjoyed as a kickstarter of mornings, has long been a source of energy, and solution to sluggish days. Yet, behind its bold aroma and rich flavour, coffee goes beyond with health benefits. While herbs compensate for the intake of macronutrients, a cup of coffee is essentially a good substitute for the bodily needs of micronutrient sources, whose requirements go unnoticed like small amounts of vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine). Additionally, coffee is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Need a little more convincing? Anurag Chhabra, Co-founder, Bevzilla, explains facts and their scientific reasoning that might help:

1. Enhanced Cognitive Function:

Resort to Coffee for sharpening mental acuity? At least science supports this habit! Caffeine, a natural stimulant works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes drowsiness, and by increasing the release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which enhance brain function such as alertness, attention, and memory.

2. Get your dose of Antioxidants!

Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, which play a crucial role in protecting our cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

3. Improved Physical Performance:

For those who incorporate exercise into their daily routine, coffee can be a valuable ally. Caffeine in coffee stimulates the release of adrenaline, which can boost physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels, leading to improved endurance and strength during workouts. It also aids in the breakdown of body fat, making it an excellent pre-workout beverage.

4. A Friend of Your Liver!

The liver, a vital organ responsible for detoxifying the body, can benefit from the coffee habit. Studies suggest that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of liver diseases, including liver cancer and cirrhosis.

5. Reduced Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases:

One of the most exciting areas of coffee research revolves around its potential to protect against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Coffee’s neuroprotective effects are attributed to its high caffeine and antioxidant content, which may help prevent the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain.

Do you know why coffee is considered a backup best friend and a must-have? It’s not just a beverage; it’s also a mood! The caffeine in coffee can help combat depression and boost feelings of well-being. It increases the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are known to elevate mood and reduce the risk of developing depression. Therefore, coffee, once considered a mere indulgence, has now emerged as a potent elixir for good health. So, the next time you savour that aromatic cup of coffee, rest assured that you’re not just indulging your taste buds; you’re also nurturing your body and mind.