“Why, yes, I could start my day without coffee. But I like being able to remember things like how to say words and put on pants” – Nanea Hoffman
Ah, coffee… that lovely rich, bitter taste that just makes everything wonderful. I am very happy to report that coffee can be good for you.
Coffee…
☕ Boosts energy levels
☕ Helps burn fat
☕ Has anti-inflammatory properties – due to antioxidants
☕ May lead to a lower risk of heart disease
☕ Increases Adrenalin in the body
☕ Can boost performance – try a strong cup of coffee about half an hour before your workout
☕ May help reduce muscle soreness
Do you know how helpless you feel if you have a full cup of coffee in your hand and you start to sneeze? – Jean Kerr, author
Nutrition facts
Just ONE cup of coffee contains;
☕ Less than 5 kcal – this is for a plain brewed coffee, be careful if you add milk and/or sugar/sweetener (or a pastry/biscuit!)
☕ 11% of your daily Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) requirement – Vitamin B2 helps break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats to produce energy, and allows oxygen to be used by the body. It is needed for cell growth and function and helps give you nice skin, hair and nails!
☕ 6% of your daily Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) – Vitamin B5 helps with the creation of red blood cells, essential for transporting oxygen around the body
☕ 3% of your daily Manganese – required for the normal function of your brain and nervous system
☕ 3% of your daily potassium – Potassium regulates fluid balance and helps control the electrical activity of the heart (and other muscles)
☕ 2% of your daily Magnesium – Magnesium is used in the body for protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation
☕ 2% of your daily Vitamin B3 (niacin) – needed to support proper body function and may help lower cholesterol and boost brain function
“I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.”― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Another really awesome thing…
…The smell of coffee alone can have benefits. Studies have shown that due to the expectation of getting that caffeine hit, just smelling coffee can increase focus and concentration leading to increased levels of performance.
“To me, the smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the greatest inventions” Hugh Jackman
📓 Note the guidelines for caffeine consumption
For healthy adults, up to 400 mg/day is considered safe (about 4 cups)
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consume no more than 200 mg/day (max 2 cups)
People with cardiovascular health issues are advised to consider limiting their caffeine intake.
So there you go… Coffee can be pretty good for you, you’re almost ready to get on with your day… But first coffee!