Coffee is more than a mere drink for the millions who need their daily caffeine fix. Brewed from the roasted seeds of the Coffea plant, coffee has been a beloved part of many cultures for centuries.

In recent years, however, coffee has gained a new reputation — as a potential preventive medicine for several diseases that plague modern society. Here are just a few of the ways that coffee might help you ward off health problems:.

Reduced Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system that can cause tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with movement.

While the causes of Parkinson’s are not yet fully understood, researchers have found that coffee may help protect the neurons in the brain that are affected by this disease.

A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Neurology found that coffee consumption — both caffeinated and decaf — was associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.

The study’s authors noted that the protective effect of coffee was likely due to the presence of certain compounds in coffee, such as caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid.

Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can cause a variety of health problems, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease.

Fortunately, research has shown that coffee may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A 2017 review of multiple studies published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that regular coffee consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

The review’s authors suggested that coffee’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be responsible for this protective effect.

Lower Risk of Liver Disease

The liver is the organ responsible for breaking down and processing toxins in the body. When the liver is damaged, it can lead to a range of health problems, including liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Fortunately, coffee may help protect the liver and reduce the risk of liver disease.

A 2016 review of multiple studies published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of liver cancer, liver disease, and cirrhosis.

The review’s authors noted that coffee’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver may be responsible for this protective effect.

Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, research has shown that coffee may help protect the brain from this devastating disease.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment who consumed coffee regularly had a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

The study’s authors noted that coffee’s ability to reduce inflammation, increase antioxidant activity, and improve glucose metabolism in the brain may be responsible for this protective effect.

Improved Athletic Performance

While coffee is often thought of as a way to wake up in the morning or stay alert during a long workday, it may also have benefits for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Research has shown that coffee can improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and even help you burn more fat during exercise.

A 2016 review of multiple studies published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that caffeine — the main active ingredient in coffee — improved endurance performance and reduced fatigue in athletes. The review’s authors noted that caffeine may also enhance fat metabolism during exercise, which could be beneficial for weight loss and body composition.

Lower Risk of Depression

Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of worthlessness.

While there are many treatments available for depression, research has shown that coffee may offer some protection against this condition.

A 2016 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who drank two to three cups of coffee per day had a lower risk of depression than those who drank less coffee or no coffee at all.

The study’s authors suggested that coffee’s ability to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain may be responsible for this protective effect.

Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women, and is often highly treatable if detected early.

Fortunately, research has shown that coffee may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

A 2016 review of multiple studies published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention found that coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer.

The review’s authors suggested that coffee’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be responsible for this protective effect.

Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

While there are many risk factors for cardiovascular disease, research has shown that coffee may help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

A 2014 review of multiple studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that moderate coffee consumption — up to three to five cups per day — was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

The review’s authors noted that coffee’s ability to improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation may be responsible for this protective effect.

Reduced Risk of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the liver. It is the sixth most common type of cancer in the world, and is often difficult to treat. Fortunately, research has shown that coffee may help reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of liver cancer.

The study’s authors noted that coffee’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver may be responsible for this protective effect.

Conclusion

Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up. It may also be a potent preventive medicine for many of the diseases that afflict modern society.

From reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease to protecting against Parkinson’s disease and liver cancer, the evidence for coffee’s health benefits is mounting.

While more research is needed to fully understand how coffee affects the body, one thing is clear: coffee is not just a guilty pleasure, but a powerful ally in the fight against disease.