Coffee is one of the most popular beverages across the globe. Whether it is a cup in the morning to kick start the day or one to help pull an all-nighter, coffee will not disappoint you. It comes in different flavors, sizes, and forms to suit different tastes. But, what many tend to overlook is that this popular drink has tons of benefits. From nutrients and antioxidants to fighting depression, here are a few benefits of coffee.

1. Boosts energy
One of the most commonly known benefits of coffee is its natural energy-boosting and fatigue-eliminating properties. This is because coffee contains a popular stimulant known as caffeine. Once the coffee is consumed in the body, it travels straight from the bloodstream into the brain. Caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine, which increases the levels of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve the mood, memory, and overall general mental functioning of the individual.

2. Improves metabolism
Another great health benefit of coffee is that it can improve the overall metabolism of the body by a maximum of 11%. This, in turn, promotes fitness and burns tons of fat that are stored in the body. Certain studies have proved that coffee can increase the burning of fat in the body between 10% to 29%.

3. Lowers risk of diabetes
Coffee is also shown to positively affect the body by reducing the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Although the reason behind this is not known, scientists have observed that those who consume coffee have a 23% to 50% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem across the globe. Type 2 diabetes causes elevated blood sugar levels due to resistance to insulin or reduced insulin production in the body.

4. Lowers risk of neurodegenerative diseases
Aside from diabetes, coffee has also been linked to a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Studies found that those who consumed coffee had a lowered their chances of developing the neurodegenerative condition Alzheimer’s by 65%. Individuals can also further prevent these conditions by following a clean food regime, eating healthy, and indulging in regular physical activity. Coffee is also linked to a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

5. Improves physical performance
We already know that coffee improves mental performance. But, what many do not know is that it can also have a positive effect on the physical performance of the individual. It does so by increasing the levels of adrenaline in the blood. This stimulates the nervous system, which causes fat cells to break down. It then uses the free fatty acids as fuel to power the body and make the individual energetic.

6. Helps fight depression
Depression is a chronic mental condition that can affect the day-to-day functioning of the individual. A large number of people across the world suffer from this mood disorder. But, one of the ways to combat this condition is with coffee. This is because coffee can release dopamine in the brain and help block adenosine that causes fatigue and a sad mood.