Ode to Joe: The Health Benefits of Coffee

What is your favorite thing to wake up to in the morning? Is it rolling over and seeing your special person snore quietly? Maybe it’s the excited giggles from your child or grandchild? Is it the sun peaking over the horizon?

Let’s be honest; it’s probably none of those things. Those greeting cards and movie moments are mostly a sweet mirage. Waking up, in reality, can be difficult, especially when you are trading the warmth of happy dreams for the busy daily demands of life. One way to make the morning brighter is to drink a fresh-brewed cup of coffee. Coffee can help pull people out of a sleepy stupor and energize them to face the day.

Now, you may think coffee worship is a new phenomenon, but the little bean has been loved since the 15^th century. In France, King Louis XIV had his coffee plant closely guarded in the royal garden, although one enterprising man managed to sneak a clipping and bring it to the Americas. We will not attempt to delve into coffee exports and economies built on coffee (we would be here for hours.) So, let’s agree that coffee is extremely popular and important.

It’s not a head scratcher as to why people love coffee: it tastes wonderful with or without sweet additions, smells lovely and warms bellies and bodies.

However, coffee can be so much more than a tasty beverage. It has some amazing health benefits, as well, including:

• Stamina: Coffee can increase physical performance by 11 – 12 percent. It can keep your body active and slow oncoming fatigue, which makes it an excellent companion to fuel your workouts.
• Mind: Coffee can also boost cognitive functions by 10 percent by raising chemicals that stimulate the body and lowering chemical that cause rest. Taking a sip before a big report or project may give you the added sharpness you need.
• Health: Coffee provides nutrients, such as vitamin B2, potassium, magnesium, niacin, vitamin B5 and manganese. They are essential for your body to function and remain healthy.
• Kidneys: Coffee can lower the risk for kidney stones by 26 percent. It increases the need to urinate, which keeps the kidneys working. However, those individuals already at risk for kidney stones should be careful to remain hydrated and follow the advice of their medical professionals regarding coffee intake.

For more information about the perks of coffee, see our infographic below.

Although coffee is a healthy beverage, it is possible to overindulge in caffeine, which can have negative effects in the body. Ask your physician about how much coffee and caffeine you can imbibe.  

Do you need someone to help you make a pot of joe, shop for some java or share pour a cup with you? ComForCare/At Your Side Home Care caregivers can assist you with food preparation, transport you to grocery stores and provide companionship. Call us today to schedule a free in-home assessment. Our caregivers are ready to help energize your day; just like a cup of coffee.