Around 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day, and we are not at all surprised. After all, it’s a staple drink for many, helps people happily begin the day, and allows thousands to stay up at night.
In moderation, coffee provides many health benefits, even for breastfeeding mothers. Here’s a roundup of coffee health facts (and other trivia) that you should know.
Coffee lowers risk of acquiring certain illnesses
People who drink coffee “are less likely to die prematurely from heart disease, suicide, diabetes or Parkinson's disease, according to several studies.
According to a study by researchers at the Harvard University Chan School of Public Health published in the November 16 edition of the journal Circulation, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee both have health benefits.
"Bioactive compounds in coffee reduce insulin resistance and systematic inflammation," said researcher Ming Ding, a doctoral student in the Department of Nutrition.
In a separate study led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and Imperial College London, which sampled over 500,000 people across Europe,
“We found that higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, and specifically for circulatory diseases, and digestive diseases," claimed Marc Gunter of the IARC, formerly at Imperial's School of Public Health.
Coffee in moderation literally makes you happy
Know that happy feeling when you have your morning cup of latte or your espresso during the afternoon break? It’s the coffee providing neurological benefits, acting as an antidepressant, according to a study reported by Harvard.
“A moderate caffeine intake of less than 6 cups of coffee per day has been associated with a lower risk of depression and suicide,” the study claimed. It should however be noted that high amounts of caffeine could lead to increased anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia so you must only drink in moderation.
Coffee is a good deodorizer
Say no to harmful chemicals to get rid of unpleasant smells in your home. Use fresh coffee grounds to help absorb foul odor in your refrigerator. You may also make it an air freshener– a full cup of whole coffee beans in the bathroom or entryway will surely bring a nice aroma in your place.
In some instances, it is safe for breastfeeding mamas
Coffee is often prohibited for pregnant and lactating women because, in large quantities, may cause hormonal imbalance. But coffee-loving maams now have an ally, because several makers have created decaffeinated drinks.
Mama Blends 8-in-1 mix is a guilt-free option for sleep-deprived mothers who need a boost to begin their day. The added liquid intake (with more water, of course) will also help milk production.
Coffee helps improve skin or even block skin cancer
Drinking coffee may help lower the risk of getting the most common form of skin cancer, based on research presented at the 10th American Association for Cancer Research International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research in Boston.
According to the study, women benefited more, as those who drank over 3 cups a day saw a 20 percent lower risk of acquiring basal cell carcinoma (BCC), compared to those who consumed less than a cup per month.
When used as a beauty product, coffee becomes an antioxidant that gently cleans and tightens skin. It may also act as a good exfoliant in getting rid of dead skin cells. Check out Zenutrients Coffee Body Scrub.
Philippines grows several varieties
According to the Philippine Coffee Board, the Philippines produces four coffee varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.
Liberica, also known as Kapeng Barako, is popular for its robust flavor.
