Weight loss and longer life among hidden benefits of drinking coffee

Millions of people globally drink coffee daily, reaping the benefits of the vitamins and minerals contained within the coffee beans. Once brewed into a beverage, these nutrients are released, offering numerous potential health advantages.

These range from improving gut health and memory to potentially increasing lifespan, making black coffee a healthy choice for many. However, moderation and careful dosage are key, according to experts at ZOE. Slow metabolisers of coffee often experience jitters, anxiety, and disrupted sleep, while fast metabolisers typically experience fewer side effects.

Wales Online reports that experimentation can help determine the right amount for each individual. As always, listening to your body is crucial,

Here's how drinking coffee could benefit you:.

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

Research suggests that coffee may 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 may contribute to 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-known laxative effect of coffee is reported by nearly a third of coffee drinkers, who need to use the bathroom within 30 minutes post-brew. If you struggle with regular bowel movements, coffee might be a healthy way to get things moving.

Provided you don't overload your coffee with sweeteners, your morning caffeine habit contributes to weight loss. A study found that coffee drinkers were more likely to maintain weight loss over time, compared to non-coffee drinkers. This could be due to caffeine's role as an appetite suppressant and its impact on metabolic activity.

In addition to physical health benefits, coffee could also aid mental wellbeing. An observational study by scientists found that those who drink at least 4 cups of coffee a day have a significantly lower risk of developing depression than those who drink less than 1 cup a day.

But what about decaf? Do its drinkers reap the same benefits?

Decaf coffee can be a great choice for those who enjoy the taste of coffee but want to avoid the effects of caffeine. According to ZOE, the health benefits of drinking decaf coffee are similar to those of caffeinated coffee.

This is because much of the nutritional value of coffee comes from plant compounds called polyphenols in the bean. Even when manufacturers remove the caffeine, these polyphenols remain intact.

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

The term 'healthiest' coffee is subjective and varies from individual to individual. It can depend on several factors such as your sensitivity to caffeine, your health objectives, and whether you're trying to manage anxiety or sleep disturbances.

The daily recommended intake of caffeine depends on a few factors. For adults over 18, the safe daily limit is up to 400mg per day (equivalent to about four or five cups of coffee).

However, for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the safe daily limit is reduced to 200mg per day.

Other elements like the degree to which you roast coffee beans, adding milk, and even whether you drink it hot or cold can modify the benefits. Nonetheless, it's primarily about personal preference, so don't force yourself to consume a piping hot cup of milky coffee if you favour a black cold brew.