Every morning, millions of people start their day with a hot cup of coffee or tea. According to one report, tea and coffee are the most consumed beverages around the world after water. Tea originates from Asia and has grown to become a cultural staple in places such as Turkey, China, and the United Kingdom. Coffee is consumed in vast quantities across the world, particularly in North America and Europe. Not only are these beverages delicious, but they can also assist in maintaining good health. Join us below, as we look at the various health benefits of coffee and tea consumption.
Type 2 Diabetes
Studies have indicated that consuming both tea and coffee regularly is linked to a reduced type 2 diabetes risk. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant that may assist in improving blood sugar control. There are also certain teas that are full of polyphenols that can enhance insulin activity, such as green tea. However, not everyone responds the same way to caffeine consumption. In fact, certain individuals with diabetes may actually experience an increase in blood sugar levels after consuming caffeine.
Heart Disease
It used to be a common belief that drinking coffee was bad for cardiovascular health. However, recent studies have suggested that moderate consumption of both tea and coffee can actually protect against developing heart disease. One study found that people who drank at least one cup of tea every day experienced less risk of cardiovascular events and slower coronary artery calcium progression. Another study revealed that consuming coffee every morning reduced the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by up to 31%! However, it should be noted that drinking more than four cups of coffee per day will have adverse effects on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Read More:The Best Time To Drink Coffee, for Better Blood Sugar Control
Fighting Free Radicals
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells. Therefore, they contribute to aging and the development of diseases. Your body also produces them when your skin is exposed to sunlight and when food is processed for energy. They can also enter your system through fried and processed food. Thankfully, both tea and coffee contain antioxidants that assist in neutralizing free radicals and helping to protect cells from damage.
Parkinson’s Disease
According to studies, caffeine could potentially lower your Parkinson’s disease risk due to its neuroprotective properties. This is because caffeine acts as an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist. Some researchers have also found that drinking coffee may also improve specific symptoms in people already diagnosed with this neurodegenerative disorder. However, other studies have questioned these effects, stating that the relationship between Parkinson’s disease risk and caffeine consumption may be far more complex.
Read More:Drink these types of coffee to live longer, study says
Strokes
The health benefits of tea and coffee consumption include a reduced stroke risk! One study revealed that drinking two to three cups of coffee and tea daily had a 32% lower risk of having a stroke than those who didn’t drink either of them. These effects are thought to be because of their role in regulating blood sugar and anti-inflammatory properties. However, if you drink more than four cups of coffee every day, your stroke risk actually increases. So it really is about moderation.
Liver Disease
According to new research, people who drink three to four cups of coffee every day have a lower risk of developing cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other chronic liver diseases. There are over 100 different chemical compounds in coffee and its protective effects are due to this complex composition. These compounds are able to reduce inflammation and slow down liver fibrosis progression. However, coffee alone cannot fight liver diseases, so be sure to stick to a prescription provided by your GP in addition to consuming coffee.
Read More:4 Potential Benefits of Pu-erh Tea: Cholesterol, Liver Health, Anti-Cancer, And More
Cancer
Research into the health benefits of tea and coffee consumption has produced a mixed bag of results. While some research suggests that drinking green tea may lower your risk of developing breast cancer, these studies have not proven conclusive. Certain studies have suggested that the flavonols and flavonoids in black and green teas may lower your risk of developing ovarian cancer. Some laboratory studies have also shown that green tea polyphenols have the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Gallstones
According to some studies, drinking coffee regularly may reduce your chances of getting gallstones. These solid particles are formed when substances such as cholesterol harden in the bile. One study indicated that men who consumed two to three cups of coffee per day had a 40% lower risk of developing symptomatic gallstone disease than those who didn’t drink coffee. Another report indicated that women who drank one cup of coffee per day had a 9% lower chance of developing gallstones. Caffeine is mainly responsible for the preventive effect, as it increases gallbladder contractions, increases bile flow, and decreases the risk of cholesterol crystallization into gallstones.
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