National Coffee Day falls on Wednesday, September 29th this year. I love coffee!!! Not only for its flavor, but mostly for its ability to help me be more pleasant in the morning. The cherry on top is how beneficial coffee can be to us.
Here are 5 reasons to consider adding coffee to your regimen or simply appreciating it:
COFFEE CONTAINS ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Coffee contains several nutrients that have essential roles in metabolism including B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. It also contains manganese, potassium, and magnesium.
COFFEE IS THE LARGEST SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN THE WESTERN DIET
For those following a typical Western diet, coffee may actually be the healthiest item in your diet. Coffee contains antioxidants including polyphenols, vitamins C and E, and carotenoids.
COFFEE MAY IMPROVE ENERGY LEVELS
Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain which leads to a stimulant effect. This action improves memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and cognitive function.
COFFEE CAN HELP YOU BURN FAT
Caffeine is one of the few natural substances that have actually been proven to aid in fat burning by boosting your metabolic rate by 3-11%.
COFFEE CAN IMPROVE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
Caffeine raises adrenaline levels, which makes our bodies ready for intense physical exertion. Caffeine’s ability to break down fat cells allows for the release of free fatty acids that can be used as fuel during exercise. It has been shown to improve performance by 11-12%. Having a cup of coffee about 30 minutes before your workouts will provide these benefits.
The only warning I have when concerning coffee is for those that tend to get jittery with small amounts. Trying a decaf version will give you most of the benefits outlined above. Another option is trying a green or black tea, which tends to be lower in caffeine.