Your daily coffee habit could deliver real health benefits-if you make it this way
Fit&Well • • health
Key Points:
- Coffee contains antioxidants called polyphenols, especially chlorogenic acids (CGAs), which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Grinding coffee beans fresh before brewing preserves more antioxidants, and brewing for longer (around six minutes) with a filter can increase antioxidant extraction while reducing acidity and harmful compounds like diterpenes.
- Light and medium roasts retain more antioxidants than dark roasts because they are roasted for shorter times and at lower temperatures, although dark roasts still provide some benefits.
- Decaffeinated coffee also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, though regular coffee provides additional energy and metabolism boosts; moderation is key, with up to three cups daily considered healthy for most adults.
- Excessive coffee intake can raise blood pressure, increase anxiety, disrupt sleep, and worsen reflux symptoms; drinking coffee with food may help regulate blood sugar, especially for those with insulin resistance or diabetes.
