Coffee is the life-blood for most college students, so it’s good to know that coffee has more benefits than just keeping us awake. According the Harvard Health Blog, moderate coffee consumption, about three to four cups a day, has been linked various benefits including a longer life span. Though the exact reason for why drinking coffee might be beneficial is unknown, research has concluded that a cup of joe can help reduce the risk a serious health problems. Remember these benefits the next time you visit the Courtyard Caf.

Heart Disease
Coffee is filled with antioxidants which can help the heart function properly by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in women, but this can be reduced by up to 25 percent by drinking two to three cups a day.
Parkinson’s
Drinking at least one cup of coffee a day can reduce one’s chance of developing Parkinson’s disease by almost half. Coffee can greatly prevent cognitive decline.

Better Workouts
Caffeine can help muscles burn fat quicker, which leads to a longer, less tiresome workout

Diabetes
The risk Type 2 Diabetes can be reduced due to the caffeine and antioxidants in coffee which aid in boosting metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Stroke
In 2009 a study found that drinking between two to four cups of coffee can lower the risk of having a stroke by 20 percent. Coffee can also help reduce cerebral infarction and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Liver Cirrhosis
Drinking coffee can vastly reduce the risk of cirrhosis. Two cups a day and reduce one’s risk by 80 percent.

Alzheimer’s
People who drink three to five cups of coffee a day are 65 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. It is possible that coffee can also reduce the production of proteins that build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

Coffee can increase memory function
Studies have found that coffee can strengthen both long-term and short-term memory. The Radiological Society of North American found that two to three cups of coffee is enough improve one’s memory.

Cancer
Drinking three cups a day can lower the risk of developing colon, endometrial, and breast cancer. The high antioxidants in coffee has shown to have cancer fighting properties.

Boost Metabolism
Caffeine has been linked to kick starting metabolism, which aids in weight loss. The chlorogenic acid in coffee has been linked to lowering glucose absorption, which helps sugar leave the body.

Reduce Fatigue
This one may seem obvious, but most studies didn’t distinguish whether the coffee in question was caffeinated for decaf, so it is possible that these benefits can still be enjoyed without caffeine. For those looking for a pick me up, the average cup of coffee has 100mg of caffeine. Make sure to moderate caffeine intake. Six cups of coffee is considered dangerous.

Caffeine in context

Moderate caffeine intake is 400mg or less per day. This is equal to four cups of coffee

One mug of filter coffee: 140mg

One mug of instant coffee: 100mg