'Hidden' benefits of drinking coffee from weight loss to reducing cancer risk

Millions of people worldwide enjoy a daily cup of coffee, and it's not just for the taste. The humble coffee bean is packed with vitamins and minerals that, once brewed, can offer some impressive health benefits.

From promoting gut health to weight loss and even potentially increasing lifespan, a cup of black coffee could be a beneficial addition to your diet. But as with anything, moderation is key, according to experts at ZOE.

The way we metabolise coffee can vary greatly from person to person. Slow metabolisers may experience side effects like jitters, anxiety, and disrupted sleep, while fast metabolisers often have few, if any, side effects.

Experimentation can help you find the right balance for your body. As always, listening to your body is crucial, reports Wales Online.

The potential benefits of drinking coffee

ZOE’s PREDICT studies found that coffee drinkers tend to have more diverse microbiomes. This could be due to the soluble fibre and prebiotic properties in coffee that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

Some research suggest that coffee could support long-term cognitive health, including improved memory and attention. It may also slow cognitive decline and lower your chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Coffee contains dozens of compounds that could contribute to your health. For example, recent research showed that two compounds - kahweol and cafestol - inhibited the growth of prostate and kidney cancer cells in a lab study.

The well-documented laxative effect of coffee is something many can attest to, with nearly a third of coffee drinkers admitting they need to visit the loo within half an hour of their morning brew. If you're someone who struggles with regular bowel movements, your daily cuppa could be a natural solution.

If you're mindful not to overload your coffee with sweeteners, it could even contribute to weight loss. Research has shown that coffee drinkers are more likely to maintain their weight over time compared to those who don't indulge in the caffeinated beverage.

This could be due to caffeine's appetite-suppressing properties and its impact on metabolic activity.

But it's not just physical health that coffee can benefit - it could also boost your mental wellbeing. A study found that those who consume at least 4 cups of coffee a day have a significantly lower risk of developing depression than those who drink less than one cup.

But what about decaf? Do those who prefer their coffee without the kick get the same benefits?

Decaf coffee can be a fantastic choice for those who enjoy the taste but want to avoid the effects of caffeine. Health tech company ZOE suggests that the health benefits of drinking decaf are similar to those of regular coffee.

This is because much of the nutritional value of coffee comes from plant compounds known as polyphenols found in the beans. Even when the caffeine is removed during the decaffeination process, these beneficial polyphenols remain.

So, is there a 'best way' to drink coffee for health?

The term 'healthiest' coffee is subjective and varies from individual to individual. Factors such as sensitivity to caffeine, health objectives, and the management of anxiety or sleep disturbances can all influence what constitutes a 'healthy' coffee.

The safe daily limit for caffeine intake depends on several factors. For adults over 18, up to 400mg per day (equivalent to four or five cups of coffee) is considered safe. However, for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the safe daily limit is halved to 200mg.

Other elements like the degree of roasting the coffee beans, adding milk, and even the temperature of your drink can modify its benefits. But ultimately, it's all about personal preference, so don't force yourself to gulp down a piping hot cup of milky coffee if you're more of a black cold brew fan.

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