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Coffee Does More Than Wake You Up

By Paul Rothbart

One of the first things I do upon waking is to turn on the coffee maker. It's a ritual followed by millions. Some will stop at their favorite coffee shop during the morning commute. Others have coffee makers with a timer, so a steaming pot is ready even before they get out of bed. No question, a large segment of the population relies on that dose of caffeine to wake up and start the day. But beyond the wake-up call, coffee has some other health benefits. Like most things, too much is harmful, but here are some of the ways that coffee can be beneficial.

Improve Brain Function

It's well known that caffeine reduces fatigue and boosts energy. But after it enters the bloodstream, it gets to the brain. Caffeine blocks a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which inhibits production of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. These two neurotransmitters enhance the firing of neurons, which helps the brain work faster. Reaction times improve, memory is enhanced, and overall brain function is boosted. You think better, not just because you're more awake, but because your brain is working at a higher level.

Burn Fat

Diet pills and pretty much any supplement that is created to burn fat contain caffeine. It is one of the very few natural substances that has been proven to help burn fat. There are studies that have found that caffeine can boost metabolic rate by 3-11 percent. Research has also found that caffeine can boost fat burning by up to 10 percent in those who are obese and 29 percent in lean people. Those are impressive numbers and a good reason to enjoy a cup each day.

Improve Physical Performance

Caffeine has a two-fold effect that can significantly improve physical performance. First, it increases the levels of epinephrine in the blood. This is known as the fight-or-flight hormone. It prepares your body for intense physical exertion. Caffeine also breaks down body fat. This creates fatty acids that are available as fuel. Having a nice cup of coffee a half-hour before a workout can give you a nice boost.

Reduce Risk of Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to insulin or an inability to produce sufficient insulin, thus elevating blood sugar to unhealthy levels. The reasons are not understood ,but research has clearly shown that coffee drinkers are at lower risk for type 2 diabetes. The people who drink the most coffee are at 23-50 percent less risk for diabetes. In a review of 18 studies involving nearly a half-million participants, it was found that each cup of coffee consumed in a day reduced diabetes risk by 7 percent. 

Coffee is the first thing many people seek upon awakening. There is no denying its ability to help us become alert and ready to start the day. While care must be taken not to overdo it, coffee has other help benefits that also make it a good choice of daily beverage. 

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Edmond, Okla.

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