Coffee doesn’t just taste wonderful, it also has a number of surprising health benefits. Find out about them all below!

As one of, if not the world’s favourite beverage, it’s understandable that there’s a sizeable bank of research on the health benefits of drinking coffee.

And while we may be biased at Merlo about how great coffee is, there’s no disputing the health benefits when they are backed up by science.

So prepare for your mind to be blown at just how much good that daily cup of coffee can do for you with these surprising health benefits.

Boost your energy with coffee

In news that should surprise no one, coffee contains the stimulant caffeine which helps boost your energy levels, while also improving various aspects of brain function like memory, mood and reaction time.

No wonder why so many people start their day with a coffee!

Coffee can help with fat burning

A study published by the American Journal of Physiology found that people who drink coffee can increase fat burning in their body and boost their metabolic rate by up to 30%.

This is due to the caffeine in coffee which stimulates the nervous system into breaking down more fat.

Coffee can make you smarter

The British Nutrition Foundation conducted a study that found coffee doesn’t just keep you awake, it may literally make you smarter as well.

It found that caffeine can improve mood, reaction time, memory, vigilance and general cognitive function.

Packed with nutrients

Given that coffee is technically a fruit, as coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffea plant, it’s no surprise then that your morning cuppa is full of nutrients.

Coffee contains many important and healthy nutrients, like Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, potassium and magnesium.

Antioxidants

Along with nutrients, coffee is also crammed with several powerful antioxidants which can protect against diseases and aging.

In fact, many studies have found that coffee is the single biggest dietary source of antioxidants in the world.

Protect against cardiovascular disease

Coffee enjoys a special place in the hearts of many dedicated drinkers, and it can also help protect your heart.

A study involving 21,000 adults by the American Heart Association found that coffee was linked to a lower risk of heart failure.

Going bald? Never fear, coffee can help

A study published by the International Journal of Dermatology discovered that caffeine stimulates the growth of tiny follicles in the scalp in men who are starting to lose their hair.

Drinking a lovely caffeinated coffee can help, or mix together coffee grounds with oil and apply directly to your scalp for an exfoliating scrub that helps with growth and circulation.

Coffee may protect against diabetes

A 2014 study in the European Association for the Study of Diabetes found that coffee may help protect against type 2 diabetes.

Of the 48,000 people involved in the study, those that increased their coffee intake by at least one cup per day had a 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes than those who didn’t.

Coffee isn’t just for drinking…

While coffee is best consumed via your mouth, the Royal Society of Chemistry found coffee is also great for your skin.

Use dried grounds to make your own coffee scrub at home. Coffee scrubs are natural exfoliants packed full of antioxidants that may help your skin look younger and healthier.

Plus, after using a coffee scrub you’re going to smell amazing for the rest of the day.

Social benefits

Coffee houses were originally built as places for more than just coffee, as people would gather to socialise and discuss business.

While the social aspect of cafes has changed with the advent of takeaway coffee, they still remain a great place to enjoy a chat and connect with the community.

Recent COVID-19 enforced lockdowns across the globes have reinforced the mental health benefits of in-person interactions, which is why catching up for a coffee is such a positive activity.

Breaking up the day

Your mid-morning work coffee break isn’t just a great excuse to leave the office and grab some fresh air, but it’s also great for productivity and morale.

Studies have shown that a short coffee break can assist with workplace moral, productivity and reduced levels of stress.

Coffee is enjoyable

If you enjoy coffee, then that’s a health benefit in itself.

So whether you brew at home with a filter device, or have a barista make yours exactly the way you want it every day, if coffee gives you a reason to smile, then keep on drinking it!

Have you experienced another surprising health benefit from drinking coffee? Let us know about it on Facebook or Instagram.