In a friendly conversation, I usually describe the reason I began drinking coffee as out of necessity.

“Well, I was taking Gross Anatomy one summer in grad school. There were a lot of late nights, early mornings, and cups of really watered down Folgers. But heck, it got the job done.”

I don’t stay up until 3 o’clock studying anymore, and my brain thanks me for it. However, I do still drink coffee almost daily. I like the taste. But in addition to that, there are many purported benefits you can derive from coffee in terms of health. And well, here are 8 of them.

1. Coffee Increases Energy Levels

Caffeine is a stimulant, meaning the volume dial of your body’s nervous system is turned up from consumption. This manifests as many things, most desirably increased alertness and wakefulness.

2. Coffee Might Help Prevent Diabetes

No, I am not advocating vanilla lattes twice per day! However, coffee in its purest form has been associated with a reduction in the rates of Type II Diabetes (1). I put some stock in this research but not the whole farm.

3. Physical Performance is Superior

Caffeine, when consumed ~1 or more hours prior to exercise, does show performance benefits in the weight room and on the running trail, but the dosage needed to see noticeable results is likely fairly high (3mg/kg body weight).

4. Coffee Can Aid in Weight Loss

You know those weight-loss products that Doctor X is selling at 3am on the tele? Those are likely just caffeine pills with a fancy name. Caffeine increases basal metabolic rate to a small degree, meaning your caloric expenditure upticks slightly. I just happen to prefer something tastier than a pill.

5. It Just Might Save your Memory

I freaking hate Alzheimer’s. Maybe that’s the healthcare practitioner in me, or maybe it’s just because I’m a normal person. Regardless, there is some evidence showing a protective benefit from coffee consumption against Alzheimer’s and dementia (2). Drinking a pot of coffee won’t save you from Alzheimer’s, but the research is worth mentioning.

6. Coffee May Rescue your Liver

No, coffee likely won’t counteract the detraction on your liver that alcohol induces. However, there is some fairly substantial research demonstrating that coffee consumption can decrease your risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer (3).

7. It’s a Great Alternative

Without getting into a full rant, I’ve spoken with several individuals who claim the cons of coffee consumption outweigh the pros. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But if that person is consuming orange juice, whole milk or soda for breakfast, they shouldn’t wonder why they’re not losing weight. Black coffee has virtually no caloric value, making it a sound alternative to high calorie breakfast drinks.

8. It Tastes Really, Really Good

Which leads me into the next portion of this article, which includes…

My Favorite Items at Local Coffee Shops

For those of you who live in the Evansville area, our coffee scene has gained some new locales in addition to some old favorites. So, I thought it’d be pertinent to share my go-to drink at each spot. I should mention, yes this blog primarily regards the health benefits of coffee, but this list is certainly on the unhealthier, treat yo’self spectrum. Without further ado, here’s my list.

Proper Coffee Roasters: Honey Cinnamon Cold Brew

Imagine combining the talent of Michael Jordan with the creativity of Michelangelo

Penny Lane Coffeehouse: Iced Americano w/Oat milk and a shot of Vanilla

I’m almost, ALMOST on a first-name basis

The Refinery: Vanilla Lavender Latte

Can you feel that? Those are your troubles floating away.

Donut Bank Bakery: Blueberry Crunch Drip Coffee

She acts like summer and walks like rain

White Swan Coffee Lab: Cold Brew

I say cold brew, and the owner will concoct some piece of magic

Did I miss something? Drop your favorite spot and drink of choice in that typable rectangle below. I'd love to give it a try. Thanks for reading.

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Also, I’ve expanded my scope of service to include “In-House Consults” for clients around the Evansville area. To inquire for more information about the services I provide and how I can help you, contact me by tapping here.

Reference Links

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15998896

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20182026

3 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03319.x