Doctors are stunned: milk coffee could help soothe inflammatory diseases
A Controversial Cup: Coffee’s Love-Hate Relationship
For some of us, coffee is practically a family member—invited to every morning, break, or blurry-eyed afternoon. For others, it’s simply “not their cup of tea”—which, let’s be honest, can lead to some pretty judgmental glances at the office. Whether you’re a coffee loyalist or strictly decaf by choice, it’s hard to ignore the ongoing debates swirling around this globally beloved beverage. But beyond its caffeine jolt, coffee is quietly flexing a whole range of health benefits that go far beyond keeping you awake in Zoom meetings.
Coffee Beyond Caffeine: Surprising Health Benefits
We all know coffee is famous for its caffeine. But did you know it’s basically a miracle beverage (without the miracle claims)? Here’s what science says coffee might do for you:
- Brain Booster: Drinking coffee can improve mental abilities. You may notice better vigilance, sharper attention, shorter reaction times, and even a little boost in logical reasoning. Your brain will thank you (probably in the form of getting tomorrow’s Wordle in two tries).
- Supporting the Mind as We Age: Caffeine is linked to helping prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and it might even help protect against Parkinson’s disease. For anyone worried about brain aging, this is news worth raising a mug to.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which could play a part in preventing certain cancers, such as those of the endometrium or breast. According to an English study, coffee may lower the risk of developing liver cancer by 25%. Those antioxidants also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Suddenly, « Would you like another cup? » sounds even sweeter, right?
- Helping Digestion: If you ever needed a scientific excuse for that post-coffee dash to the restroom, here it is: a clinical trial found that 30% of participants felt the urge to go within thirty minutes of drinking a cup. So, for anyone with occasional constipation, coffee may offer a little relief.
- Staying Zen and Beating the Blues: Coffee isn’t just for waking up but could help mellow you out. Coffee drinkers may feel less depression. In fact, a Korean study found that drinking three cups a day can cut the risk of depression in half. Sip, smile, and repeat.
When Too Much of a Good Thing Isn’t So Good
As much as we’d love to fill our mugs on an endless loop, moderation is key. Drinking too much coffee can have a downside. Overdoing caffeine could increase the risks of bladder, colon, and rectal cancers. The European Food Safety Authority puts a polite but firm cap: no more than four cups of coffee a day. Yes, even if the barista knows your order by heart, your body may beg to differ.
- Exceeding the recommended amount may have negative effects, so keeping track of daily consumption matters—your health is worth more than another refill.
The Milk Dilemma: A Cloudy Finish to Your Coffee Ritual
Even coffee purists sometimes give in to the creamy temptation of adding a cloud of milk to their cup. It softens harshness and makes for a smoother sip. However—brace yourself—the very habit of adding extra milk could actually be harmful to your health. While the details of exactly why aren’t spelled out here, the warning is clear: think twice before adding that splash of dairy.
- The common idea of « just a little milk won’t hurt » may need revisiting if you’re serious about maximizing the health benefits of your coffee.
Conclusion: Savor Your Coffee—But Do So Wisely
Like so much in life, coffee is best enjoyed in moderation. It’s a beverage with more to offer than just a morning kick, giving your brain, body, and mood a helping hand—if you don’t tip the scales. Watch your intake, savor those antioxidants, and maybe consider keeping your coffee dark to truly tap into its positive potential. Whether you’re on team black or team « just a dash of milk, » now you have one more reason to celebrate (or re-evaluate) your next cup!
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
