Most avid coffee drinkers have experienced that awkward moment in a discussion when someone says something along the lines of, “oh, I never drink coffee.” For those of you who also have trouble starting the day without a cup (or three) of your favorite blend, you might find yourself having a hard time relating…or even wondering if you can be friends anymore. The truth is, while some people simply don’t feel like they need caffeine, others question the potential health repercussions of consuming too much of it. While the discussion of health benefits will surely be on going, there are a handful of health perks when it comes to drinking your daily cup of joe.
Pre Workout
Caffeine is known to decrease muscle pain while also boosting endurance. In fact, most pre workout supplements or shakes are loaded with caffeine for this purpose. Just by taking a shot of espresso thirty minutes before your workout can help give your time in the gym that extra boost you need.
Stimulating Hair Growth
Have you ever heard someone say something to the effect of, “that’ll put some hair on your chest” after trying a particularly strong cup of coffee? While sounding a little dramatic, the saying actually has some merit to it. Caffeine targets DHT, the hormone that directly causes hair loss. With caffeine blocking the damage of DHT, it can stimulate the growth of hair straight from the root.
Brain Disease
Drinking coffee or consuming other forms of caffeine has been linked with decreased chances of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While research is ongoing, discoveries such as the one recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, there are two compounds found in some coffee beans that therapeutically slow down brain degeneration.
Focus
Because caffeine is a natural stimulant, many people experience a spike in their ability to focus within 20 minutes of consuming it, and there are also studies showing that it promotes an increase in memory. It is likely that your coffee break is about way more than just indulging in your favorite treat, as you might legitimately be more productive in your work after enjoying it.
Healthy Heart
Some studies are showing a link between caffeine and decreased blood sugar levels that can help combat type 2 diabetes. However, what you put in your coffee greatly affects these results. If your sugar intake along with your coffee is high, it is possible that the cons outweigh the pros here.
San Marcos Coffee Shop
The most important thing when considering what is and is not good for your health is your body. Everyone is different and responds to stimulants differently. While there are many health benefits to caffeine, some people experience negative side effects such as increased heart rate and anxiety. It is important to listen to your own body, and it is also wise to consult a doctor on what is best for you and your personal health. Maybe drinking a half a pot of coffee a day isn’t right for you, but it is likely that you will always find solace (and maybe some benefit) in your favorite 16oz latte prepped just the way you like at one of our San Marcos TX coffee shops!
