The Benefits of Coffee: Fuelling the Body and Mind

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the UK. Millions of people start their day with a cup or enjoy it as a break-time boost. Aside from being a great morning pick-me-up, it also offers a variety of health and performance benefits that make it a staple in daily routines.

In honour of National Coffee Day on 1st October, we’ve covered some of the great benefits of coffee below, so you can make the most out of your daily caffeine fix. 

Coffee by the Numbers in the UK

  • The UK drinks approximately 98 million cups of coffee each day.
  • 80% of UK households buy coffee for at-home consumption, and the average drinker consumes 2 cups per day. 
  • Coffee shop culture is booming, with around 25,000 coffee outlets nationwide, contributing over £10 billion to the economy each year.

With such widespread consumption, it’s clear that coffee holds a special place in the lives of many. But what exactly does it do for us?

Boosting Mental Alertness and Cognitive Function

One of the most well-known benefits of coffee is its ability to enhance alertness. The caffeine in coffee is a natural stimulant. It works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for promoting sleep. As a result, we tend to feel more awake and focused after consuming coffee.

Studies have shown that caffeine can improve various aspects of cognitive function, including reaction times, attention, and short-term memory. For those who face long workdays or need to concentrate on detailed tasks, coffee can offer a mental boost, especially when alertness starts to dip.

Research shows that caffeine can improve reaction times by 10% to 20%, helping with focus and productivity, especially during tasks that require sustained attention.

Enhancing Physical Performance

In addition to being used for a mental boost, many people also use coffee to support physical activity. Caffeine has been found to improve endurance and reduce fatigue during exercise. 

It works by increasing adrenaline levels and encouraging the body to use fat stores as a source of energy, which is particularly useful for endurance training like running or cycling.

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, coffee can be a natural way to enhance performance. Studies suggest that consuming caffeine 30 to 60 minutes before a workout can improve endurance by as much as 12%, enabling individuals to work out for longer and at higher intensities.

A study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that caffeine improved endurance performance by up to 11%, making it a popular choice for athletes looking to gain a competitive edge.

Coffee and Health: More Than Just Energy

Aside from its immediate effects on energy levels and performance, regular coffee consumption has been linked to long-term health benefits. Several studies suggest that moderate coffee intake (2-4 cups a day) may lower the risk of developing chronic diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Type 2 diabetes.

  • Parkinson’s disease: Research shows that coffee drinkers have a 25% lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
  • Type 2 diabetes: Regular coffee consumption is associated with a 6% to 9% reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to research published in Diabetologia.
  • Alzheimer’s disease: Long-term studies indicate that coffee may help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, with some evidence suggesting a 65% lower risk of developing the disease.

These benefits are thought to be due not only to caffeine but also to the antioxidants and other bioactive compounds found in coffee.

Moderation is Key

While coffee offers a range of benefits, it’s important to consume it in moderation. The NHS recommends keeping daily caffeine intake below 400 mg (roughly 4 cups of brewed coffee) to avoid potential side effects such as anxiety, jitteriness and disrupted sleep. Everyone’s tolerance to caffeine varies. Therefore, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. 

If you’re someone who is more sensitive to caffeine, it’s worth considering whether the side effects are worth the slight endurance boost.

Sustainable Coffee for a Better Future

As with everything of growing popularity, many consumers are now considering the environmental impact of their choices when it comes to coffee. Around 50% of UK coffee drinkers say they prefer sustainably sourced coffee, with certifications such as Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance ensuring that farmers receive fair wages and that farming practices protect the environment.

Sustainable coffee practices are becoming increasingly important as more people are conscious of the environmental and social implications of their purchases. That’s why we’ve partnered with Origin Coffee for National Coffee Day, to give our clients a taste of great coffee, sourced sustainably.

Keep an eye out for your Origin Coffee sample in deliveries on 1st October only!

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Meghan Foulsham
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Published by Meghan Foulsham

Meghan's fascination with metabolism and the effect of diet on the body covered in her BSc Biochemistry, paired with being a passionate mental health advocate, led her to a Master's degree in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition. Using this, Meghan works with clients to help them reach their goals in the most sustainable way, without sacrificing or risking their mental health.

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