The need to have a cup of coffee as soon as one wakes up might become second nature to many. And more often than not, we are reminded of the ill effects of the habit. But is coffee really bad for health? How much coffee is too much coffee? We keep hearing about why we should not consume this beverage regularly. And now let’s see the reasons why we should include coffee in our diet.

Coffee is also a healthy and nutrient-rich drink. This article will remind you why you should grab your second cup of the day, guilt-free.

1. High in antioxidants
Foods rich in antioxidants must be included in a regular diet. And fortunately, coffee falls under this category of foods. The polyphenols found in coffee have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer properties.

2. Beneficial for liver
Liver cirrhosis is a condition that can develop from various types of skin diseases. Conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver, and severe jaundice can lead to the onset of the disease. Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver is covered in scar tissue, affecting its normal functions. Coffee is said to help prevent this condition. Frequent or regular coffee drinkers are therefore at a lesser risk of developing liver diseases.

3. Energy booster
Have you ever wondered why most gym instructors or nutritionists ask you to make coffee your go-to pre-workout drink? Some might think it is because coffee pulls you out from the sleepy stupor, but that is not it. Caffeine does shake you awake before you hit the gym for a good sweat session in the morning, noon, or night. But, it is also a reliable source of energy. Most pre-workout drinks contain caffeine for the same reason. Caffeine helps shoot signals from the nervous system and instructs the body to work on burning fat.

4. Better workout recovery
If you think coffee is only a good pre-workout drink and does little to nothing after an activity, you might be wrong. Coffee (caffeine) is a source of energy for the brain and the body. It has been mentioned that adding coffee to post-workout meals helps improve the absorption of carbs being consumed. Research also shows that a cup of coffee can also play a role in relieving muscle soreness.

5. Coffee and diseases
Coffee doesn’t just work as a protectant against liver diseases and conditions, it has other health benefits too. Research has proven that individuals who maintain moderate coffee consumption levels are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who do not consume the drink at all. Not just that, the antioxidant drink is also believed to be helpful in preventing cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Disorders or conditions associated with mental health, like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, may also be preventable with regular or moderate coffee consumption.