It is estimated that around 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed per day worldwide. People tend to drink coffee as a mood booster and to increase energy.
Caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream, such that these stimulating effects have a quick onset instant. Many people drink coffee socially, in the morning, and especially among working individuals.
In the past, research has been focused on coffee being detrimental to health and has been associated with coffee drinkers with having many heart problems and cancer.
How does coffee benefit health?
Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with decreased risks of many diseases and decreased overall mortality. There are conflicting study results regarding the mortality impact of high coffee consumption, with some studies indicating a higher risk for those who consume 4 or more cups per day.
It is unclear whether caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee produces the same effects, or if the caffeine is the cause of these health benefits. Similarly, filtered and unfiltered coffee could affect the benefits. Some studies do not find any difference; however, others focus on the benefits of filtered coffee.
What in coffee produces health benefits?
Coffee contents can vary, and it has yet to be recognized which ingredient in coffee can provide these health benefits.
Most people would assume as caffeine is the main ingredient that this is the leading cause for the health benefits.
However, studies have suggested both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have a significant impact on health. Some useful nutrients in coffee aside from caffeine are:
- riboflavin niacin,
- magnesium,
- potassium,
- various phenolic compounds
- antioxidants.
