The Restorative and Anti-Aging Benefits of Coffee
For the most part, coffee can be considered an elixir of youth. No matter how old you are or how in shape you are, if you drink coffee on a regular basis, you’re probably doing yourself some good (provided you don’t overdo it on the cream and sugar).
The coffee bean is one of nature’s most powerful superfoods. Its nutrients are so vast and potent that they go well beyond a morning pick-me-up. Coffee beans contain over 1000 different compounds, including antioxidants that can not only help you live longer but also look younger.
ANTI-AGING
Coffee contains two anti-aging compounds: chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. Chlorogenic acid is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals (which cause skin aging). It also protects the skin from UV damage and the effects of pollution. Caffeic acid is another potent antioxidant that helps to fight damage from free radicals, reduce inflammation, and prevent collagen breakdown.
ANTIOXIDANT
Coffee contains special nutrients that help to fight off free radicals in the body, which causes our cells to age much quicker. Free radicals are a byproduct of normal bodily processes, such as breathing and digestion, but you can also get them from the environment when you’re exposed to air pollution or the sun’s UV rays.
The toxins these free radicals leave behind cause damage to your skin and other organs in your body. Over time, this damage can cause wrinkles, sagging skin and cancer.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Also, coffee is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness, as well as a source of chlorogenic acid (CGA), which can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by inhibiting the breakdown of collagen.
OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS
Research shows that drinking coffee might improve cognitive function and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It also might help you lose weight and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to an article from Harvard Health Publishing. New research suggests that drinking coffee could also reduce your risk for cancer.
It is not clear exactly how or why coffee reduces cancer risks, though researchers have several theories. They suggest that caffeine may play a role, along with possible antioxidants in coffee and its ability to fight inflammation. Coffee lovers can enjoy their favorite drink with a clear conscience since there are plenty of health benefits of coffee to be found.