Brain Juice. Java. Black Tea. Cup of Joe. Rocket Fuel. All of these are names for the ubiquitous beverage that is coffee. While there’s a longstanding belief that coffee is bad for you (it dehydrates! makes your teeth black! disrupts sleep!) there’s a growing amount of evidence to suggest that coffee may very well be one of the healthiest things you can put in your body. Here’s a look at why you should drink coffee.
- Coffee is great for short term cognitive function. As most know, it can be used to increase alertness but has also been shown to enhance memory, reasoning and problem solving.
- Coffee is great for long term cognitive health. There’s a growing list of research literature showing that regular coffee consumption helps people stave off Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Coffee is high in antioxidants. In fact, it’s the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet.
- Coffee helps fight off diabetes. This one probably doesn’t count if what you call coffee is a double mocha latte with cream from Starbucks.
- Coffee helps prevent cancer. This is largely linked to it’s high antioxidant count which have been shown to fight free radicals and reduce the likelihood of cancer.
- Coffee helps prevent cirrhosis of the liver.
- Coffee improves athletic performance both in terms of stamina and power output.
I’m well aware of the knocks on coffee. I’ll address these in my next blog.
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Mike Young
Founder of ELITETRACK at Athletic Lab
Mike has a BS in Exercise Physiology from Ohio University, an MSS in Coaching Science from Ohio University & a PhD in Biomechanics from LSU. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength & Conditioning Association, a Level 3 coach by USA Track & Field, a Level 2 coach by USA Weightlifting.
Latest posts by Mike Young (see all)
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- Means & Methods of Eccentric Training [Slidedeck] - January 30, 2018
- Implementing a Mechanical Model for Plyometric Progressions [Slidedeck] - January 23, 2018