Beyond its obvious role as the lifeblood of bleary-eyed humans everywhere, have you ever wondered: is coffee actually good for you? Your friends and family will tell you not to drink that second cup but we are going to show you that if you want to live longer, you definitely should (and maybe find better friends too).
A Daily Dose of Antioxidants
If coffee is your go-to drink, and if you are here it probably is, congratulations—you’re sipping on one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet. Yup, you read that right. Those magical compounds that you hear every health nut chatting about, help combat oxidative stress which is an imbalance in your body which causes damage to organs and tissue. Long-term oxidative stress can contribute to the development of chronic inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. It can also play a role in aging. So all in all not a great thing to have but you can top up your antioxidants by just topping up your mug.
Antioxidants like chlorogenic acid even contribute to glowing skin and one cup of coffee contains about 200 mg of chlorogenic acid. Who needs that influencer’s latest skin cream, you’ve got our latest release; Costa Rica Hermosa Honey Nº 274.
Coffee on the Brain 🧠
We all know coffee helps us feel alert, but the benefits go beyond just helping shake off that morning grogginess. Studies suggest that regular coffee consumption might actually reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. With one study finding that coffee drinking of 3-5 cups per day at midlife was associated with a decreased risk of dementia/Alzheimer’s by about 65% at late-life.
It also boosts your memory with Austrian researchers finding that one cup of coffee (roughly 100mg of caffeine) drastically helped improve short term memory tasks. It also showed that it improved reaction time too, so maybe take your coffee with you to your next game night?
It also boosts your memory with Austrian researchers finding that one cup of coffee (roughly 100mg of caffeine) drastically helped improve short term memory tasks… did you remember you had already read this? Must have had your coffee fix today then, task passed ✅
Your Heart Likes Coffee Too
For years, coffee had a bit of a bad rep when it came to heart health. But recent research is rewriting that. Moderate coffee consumption (think 2-3 cups a day) has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Why? Those antioxidants we mentioned earlier help to improve circulation and support healthy blood vessel function.
A recent study of almost half a million people over 12 years, found that cardiovascular disease, heart-related deaths, and deaths from any cause were lower among coffee drinkers compared with those who didn't drink coffee. People who drank two to three cups daily had the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and death of all, so might be worth increasing your coffee intake, eh?
The Original Pre-Workout 🏋🏼
Caffeine has been shown to enhance physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels and mobilising fatty acids from fat tissues. Translation: you’ll have more energy to smash those squats or power through your run. Plus, caffeine can reduce perceived exertion, making your workout feel just a tad easier.
Coffee Drinkers High
Dopamine is the feel-good chemical of the brain. It’s what gives you that post-run buzz, if you ever run, often called a “runner’s high.” While dopamine is always hanging out in your brain, when its levels get a little boost, you feel lighter, brighter, and happier.
Coffee doesn’t create more dopamine -it’s not magic- but it does help it stick around longer by blocking its reabsorption. In simple terms, caffeine slows down dopamine's exit from your brain, leaving you with elevated levels for a short, feel-good burst of energy and positivity.
But here’s the thing: caffeine’s mood-boosting trick is also why it can be addictive. Your brain starts to love those heightened dopamine levels and misses them when caffeine isn’t there to keep the party going. And that’s why your morning coffee hits just right.
Off Set That Sambuca 🥃
We know that your evening beer isn’t great for your liver but did you know that coffee is good for it? A study on the effects of coffee on your liver found that coffee-drinkers had a 21% reduced risk of chronic liver disease, a 20% reduced risk of chronic or fatty liver disease, and a 49% reduced risk of death from chronic liver disease.
Ground coffee was more effective over instant coffee as it lowered the amount of two ingredients that were the active ingredients against liver related diseases, another reason to chuck that Kenko in the bin.
The Final Sip ☕️
So, is coffee good for you? The short answer: hell yes. From supporting your heart and brain to boosting your workouts and even adding years to your life, coffee is more than just your morning pick me up. If you want to get more coffee in your life, think about subscribing to get exclusive new coffees every month delivered right to your door.
Disclaimer ⚠️
The health-related information provided in this article is based on publicly available studies and is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary or lifestyle changes. Individual results may vary.