Expresso yourself...story about coffee benefits
It generally goes without saying that an addiction is a bad thing. But what about coffee? Many Australian’s cannot start their day without their usual flat white, latte or piccolo. Even though it seems the world of coffee has gotten over complicated, from deconstructed cappuccino’s right through to a soy double shot extra hot mocha; coffee is a beloved drink and is a heavy part of our café culture.
With so many of us consuming coffee on a daily basis, is it really an addiction if it’s good for you? It’s time to break down the benefits of this habbit-forming roasted bean.
1. Burn fat
Several studies have shown that caffeine is one of the few natural substances that can boost your metabolic rate by 3-11%; hence why it can be found in nearly every commercial fat burning supplement. Studies have shown that caffeine can specifically increase the burning of fat, by as much as 29% in lean individuals and 10% in obese people.
2. Increase in intelligence
Yes. You read that right. Coffee can make you smarter. When you consume coffee, caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain. Because of this, improves energy levels, mood and various aspects of brain function.
3. Biggest source of antioxidants
Hold onto your chair because this statement might shock you. Coffee is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet! Studies have shown that people get more antioxidants from coffee than they do from fruit and vegetables combined.
4. Physical Performance
Forget about burning fat, coffee has also been shown to increase adrenaline levels. Caffeine makes the fat cells break down body fat, releasing them into the blood as free fatty acids and making them available as fuel. Given these effects, it is not surprising to see that caffeine can improve physical performance by 11-12%.
5. May lower your risk of cancer
Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death. Coffee has shown to be protective against liver and colorectal cancer. Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer.
6. You can live longer
With coffee being one of the healthiest drinks that you can consume, as well as containing nutrients and lowering your risk of receiving many diseases, it makes sense that a little expresso can make you live longer. In two widespread studies, drinking coffee was associated with a 20% lower risk of death in men and a 26% lower risk of death in women, over a period of 18-24 years.
So you know you should drink it, but which coffee is best in terms of aroma, taste and visual appearance? The Sydney Royal Coffee Competition is among Australia’s most prestigious as it aims to discover the finest brew of coffee. Entries are now open with judging commencing at the end of January.
Written by: Kayla Burke
