Ready to rise and shine? You will most definitely get a sparkling start to your morning if coffee is part of your a.m. routine. Research shows the beneficial brew is more than just a tasty sip—it offers some serious health perks. Thank goodness, because I cannot get through my day without a cup (or two) of joe. Read on to find out how everyone’s fave morning bevvy can help….

Feb-BREW-uary is for coffee

Ready to rise and shine? You will most definitely get a sparkling start to your morning if coffee is part of your a.m. routine. Research shows the beneficial brew is more than just a tasty sip—it offers some serious health perks. Thank goodness, because I cannot get through my day without a cup (or two) of joe. Read on to find out how everyone’s fave morning bevvy can help….

Important Note: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, always follow the advice on whether or not you should be drinking coffee given by your personal doctor. He or she knows best as they’re aware of your full medical history.

Feb-BREW-uary is for coffee: Give you a lift

Give you a lift

Hit a slump? The caffeine in coffee can give you a quick boost. Caffeine has been shown to increase alertness, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and make you feel less tired. Studies suggest that a low to moderate intake of coffee—anywhere from about 38 mg caffeine per day (roughly 1/3 of a cup) up to 400 mg per day (equivalent to roughly 4 cups)—appears to be safe for most healthy adults, according to the FDA. And a meta-analysis (a thoughtful review of several studies) suggests habitual drinkers saw greater cognitive and mood benefits than non-drinkers.

Feb-BREW-uary is for coffee: Boost brain health

Boost brain health

You are one smart cookie if you like coffee. Research shows a connection between coffee consumption and a lower risk of brain disease. One study suggests that drinking 3 to 5 cups of java in midlife was associated with a 65 percent reduced risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. And other studies suggest coffee can help those who already have Parkinson’s disease better manage the condition. Some research shows caffeine in coffee may also help reduce the risk of depression.

Feb-BREW-uary is for coffee: Protect your heart

Protect your heart

Here’s another reason to love coffee with your whole heart: Coffee drinkers have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease than non-coffee drinkers. This includes heart disease, heart failure and stroke as well as deaths from these conditions, according to research. The benefit was found for both caffeinated and decaf coffee. In one meta-analysis, people who had 3 to 5 cups per day had a 15 percent lower risk compared to those who averaged the lowest intake (no coffee). Remember to always follow the advice given by your personal doctor.

This research suggests that it’s not just the caffeine in coffee that will help perk you up. There are loads of protective antioxidants in the beneficial brew. In fact, coffee is the main source of dietary antioxidants for Americans, according to one study.

 

Feb-BREW-uary is for coffee: Promote longevity

Promote longevity

Coffee doesn’t just make mornings more bearable, it can help you live a longer, healthier life. In one study, people who drank 3 to 5 cups of coffee (caffeinated and decaf) a day were 15 percent less likely to die from all causes compared to non-drinkers. The brew helped reduce inflammation and insulin resistance. In another study, two the three cups per day was associated with the increase longevity. Researchers explained that coffee contains more than 100 biologically active components and it’s likely that non-caffeinated compounds are responsible for the benefits, so feel free to enjoy caff or decaf, instant or ground. Sipper’s choice!

Feb-BREW-uary is for coffee: Coffee creations

Coffee creations

A hot mug of freshly brewed coffee is a religion for so many of us, but there are other ways to enjoy the beloved bevy. Here are a few worth trying:

Check out these low-cal coffee hacks.