One of the world’s most widely consumed beverages, coffee also enjoys a reputation as being bad for you — specifically, bad for your health. But in fact, science shows that the benefits of coffee far outweigh the risks. Here are 10 health benefits of coffee that you didn’t know about, plus some additional tips and tricks to maximize your enjoyment without risking any negative side effects.

1) Boosts Physical Performance

Coffee has been shown to boost physical performance in a number of ways. For example, a recent study found that drinking two cups of coffee before exercising can help you exercise up to 17% longer. The caffeine in coffee is what's responsible for the increase in endurance. In other words, if you've got the extra time before your workout, drink some coffee! It'll have the same effect as an energy drink without all of the additional chemicals and additives. Improves cognitive function: Not only does it make us more alert, but it also improves our cognitive function. There are three main types of cognitive function--attention span, working memory and mental agility. Caffeine helps with all three and these benefits continue even after we stop consuming it. Promotes longevity: While there hasn't been any specific research conducted on this topic yet, many believe that one cup of coffee per day is enough to extend lifespan by around 3-8%. In comparison to smoking which shortens life expectancy by 10 years on average (for each cigarette smoked), this doesn't seem like too much sacrifice at all! 

2) Burns Fat


Coffee can also help you burn fat because it increases your resting metabolic rate. This means that you will burn more calories, even when at rest. In one study, people who drank four cups of coffee per day burned about 200 more calories each day than those who didn't consume coffee. That's the equivalent to an hour of moderate-intensity walking! Even better, studies have shown that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees are equally effective in boosting metabolism. Aids in weight loss: It is believed that the stimulant effects from caffeine in coffee provide extra energy so people can do more during their waking hours. 

3) Reduces Risk of Death

Coffee has many benefits, but one of the most overlooked is its ability to reduce your risk of death. In a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers found that those who drank 2-3 cups a day had a 20% lower mortality rate than those who didn’t drink coffee. The findings are backed up by previous research on coffee and mortality rates that shows consistent correlations between drinking coffee and lower rates for cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, liver cirrhosis and dementia. A review published in the journal Circulation revealed similar findings: people who drank two or more cups per day were 10% less likely to die during the 15-year follow up period than non-coffee drinkers. 

4) Reduces Risk of Cancer

Coffee is often mentioned as something to be avoided because it's a stimulant, but studies have shown that coffee has some major health benefits. For example, in one study researchers found that women who drank at least four cups of coffee per day had a reduced risk for cancer by 30%. And after the age of 40, those who drank four cups per day were 25% less likely to die from any cause. Coffee can also help reduce insulin resistance and inflammation which are both linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

5) Reduces Risk of Stroke

In addition to providing a much needed energy boost, coffee also has been shown to have several surprising health benefits. Studies show that it can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 25%. One study found that people who drank three or more cups per day were 12% less likely to suffer from a stroke than those who didn't drink any. The key is moderation - drinking too much coffee can lead to other health problems like heartburn and insomnia. 

6) Reduces Risk of Parkinson's Disease

Coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk for Parkinson's disease. This research found that higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk for Parkinson's Disease and the association was dose-dependent; meaning, the more coffee you consume, the less likely you are to develop Parkinson's Disease. Researchers also found that people who drank two or three cups per day were about 50% less likely to develop Parkinson's Disease than those who don't drink coffee. 

7) Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Coffee is so much more than a morning stimulant, it's also a powerful liver protector. Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have better liver function and less cirrhosis of the liver. In fact, people who drink just one cup per day are less likely to die from all causes than people who don’t drink coffee at all. Another study showed that drinking four or more cups per day decreases risk for mortality by about 20%. This means that drinking four or more cups of coffee per day is as beneficial to your health as quitting smoking!

8) Lowers Risk of Depression

Coffee is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage. A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that drinking three cups of coffee per day can protect against fatty liver disease, which can lead to cirrhosis and cancer.

Coffee also helps promote blood flow, which can help lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, depression and Alzheimer's. Also, studies have shown that people who drink two or more cups of coffee per day are less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases than those who drink less than two cups each day.

9) Improves Cognitive Function

Coffee has been shown to improve cognitive function, or the ability to think, reason and remember. Research has also shown that coffee helps with alertness and energy levels. Studies show that coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer's disease, dementia and Parkinson's disease than non-coffee drinkers. Other studies have shown that coffee can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, which can reduce the risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Some research suggests that drinking two cups of coffee a day reduces risk for colon cancer by 20 percent.

10) Protects Your Liver

Coffee is not as bad for you as people say. In fact, there are many health benefits to drinking coffee. Some researchers believe that coffee's caffeine can protect your liver from oxidative damage. The effect is dose dependent: the more you drink, the better it is for your liver. Other studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of cirrhosis and other liver diseases. It's important to note that these benefits are only found in healthy individuals and those who don't consume alcohol or take other drugs. It's also worth noting that these effects are limited to caffeine-free coffee; research has shown that decaf drinkers still have a higher risk of developing liver disease than non-coffee drinkers.