13 Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science - Part 2

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. Thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients, it also seems to be quite healthy.

Studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of several serious diseases.

Here is a continuation of the top 13 health benefits of coffee. 

8. May Protect Your Liver 

Your liver is an amazing organ that carries out hundreds of important functions.

Several common diseases primarily affect the liver, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and many others.

Many of these conditions can lead to cirrhosis, in which your liver is largely replaced by scar tissue.

Interestingly, coffee may protect against cirrhosis — people who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk. 

9. Can Fight Depression and Make You Happier 
Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life.

It’s very common, as about 4.1% of people in the US currently meet the criteria for clinical depression.

In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed.

Another study in 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to die by suicide. 

10. May Lower Risk of Certain Types of Cancer 

Cancer is one of the world's leading causes of death. It is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in your body.

Coffee appears to be protective against two types of cancer: liver and colorectal cancer.

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, while colorectal cancer ranks fourth.

Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer.

Similarly, one study in 489,706 people found that those who drank 4–5 cups of coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer. 

11. Doesn’t Cause Heart Disease and May Lower Stroke Risk 

It’s often claimed that caffeine can increase your blood pressure.

This is true, but with a rise of only 3–4 mm/Hg, the effect is small and usually dissipates if you drink coffee regularly.

However, it may persist in some people, so keep that in mind if you have elevated blood pressure.

That being said, studies don’t support the idea that coffee raises your risk of heart disease.

On the contrary, there is some evidence that women who drink coffee have a reduced risk.

Some studies also show that coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of stroke. 

12. May Help You Live Longer 

Given that coffee drinkers are less likely to get many diseases, it makes sense that coffee could help you live longer.

Several observational studies indicate that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death.

In two very large studies, drinking coffee was associated with a 20% reduced risk of death in men and a 26% decreased risk of death in women, over 18–24 years.

This effect appears particularly strong in people with type 2 diabetes. In one 20-year study, individuals with diabetes who drank coffee had a 30% lower risk of death. 

13. The Biggest Source of Antioxidants in the Western Diet 

For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may be one of the healthiest aspects of their diet.

 That's because coffee is quite high in antioxidants. Studies show that many people get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and vegetables combined.

In fact, coffee may be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. 

The Bottom Line
Coffee is a highly popular beverage around the globe that boasts a number of impressive health benefits.

Not only can your daily cup of joe help you feel more energized, burn fat and improve physical performance, it may also lower your risk of several conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

In fact, coffee may even boost longevity.

If you enjoy its taste and tolerate its caffeine content, don’t hesitate to pour yourself a cup or more throughout the day.