Is coffee good for my health?
Alex | January 26, 2023
Did you know that coffee is the UK’s favourite hot drink alongside a classic cup of tea? In fact, here in the UK, we now drink approximately 98 million cups of coffee per day.
The popularity of coffee shops is also on the rise with 80% of people visiting coffee shops at least once a week, and 16% of us visiting on a daily basis.
While it’s no secret that coffee can provide a quick energy boost and help improve focus at work, is it actually healthy? We explore the pros and cons of coffee drinking and how it can fit into today’s office life.
Benefits of drinking coffee
It’s proven that coffee has many health benefits but like anything, it should be enjoyed in moderation. Firstly, one of the main health benefits of coffee is that it contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. These diseases can be serious and include heart disease and cancer. Surprisingly, coffee is one of the top sources of antioxidants in our diets, providing more antioxidants than many fruits or vegetables. It also contains nutrients like riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and manganese that help to maintain good health and support various functions in the body.
Coffee has been proven to improve physical performance, as well as reduce the risk of strokes, diabetes, and some types of cancer. It can even lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Also, it may help to protect against cognitive decline and improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span.
Downsides of drinking coffee
As coffee lovers here at FreshGround, we don’t really think about the downsides of coffee too much! However, it’s important to remember that moderation is key when it comes to consumption. Overconsumption can lead to some side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and an increased heart rate. This is due in part to coffee’s caffeine content. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause these side effects and it can also interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Experts recommended not to exceed 5 cups daily, or up to 400 milligrams of caffeine.
Some coffees are highly acidic which can trigger heartburn and digestive issues in some people. One way to reduce this is to ensure you’re drinking high-quality coffee, mainly from Arabica beans which tend to be less acidic. Alternatively switch to decaff which is lower in caffeine and acidity.
If you’re calorie counting, it’s essential you don’t add too much high-fat milk, cream or sugar to your coffee drinks. And finally, if you’re looking to get a really good night’s sleep, experts recommend not to enjoy caffeine too late in the afternoon. A study found that consuming caffeine 6 hours before bedtime reduced total sleep time by 1 hour. And note that these effects can be stronger in older adults as it takes their bodies a longer time to process caffeine.
Can coffee make you live longer?
A recent report published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology stated that coffee drinkers may indeed live longer than non-coffee drinkers. The report also found coffee consumption was linked with the development of cardiovascular disease. Those with the lowest risk seen amongst those who consumed two to three cups of coffee a day.
Make your own decision
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your team what type of coffee you choose and how often they enjoy a cup! But you can help make your office a better place to be by providing your team with quality coffee. It’s a simple but effective way for your business to show appreciation for your employees and it helps to create a positive work environment.
We offer a wide range of bean to cup coffee machines that pour freshly ground barista-style coffee all at the touch of a button. Plus we have lots of great coffee beans and blends that will suit all tastes to keep your team happy and hydrated. If you’d like to speak with a member of our friendly team, simply give us a call on 020 7553 7900.