Despite popular beliefs, coffee is not necessarily harmful to your health. Consumed in moderation, it can even be a health food. Discover these 3 unsuspected benefits for your body revealed by William Berrebi, gastroenterologist.
Who doesn't enjoy a good cup of coffee first thing in the morning? This everyday drink – favored by many French people – has more qualities than it seems. Numerous studies indicate that when consumed regularly, it could stimulate metabolism, contribute to blood sugar balance and even preserve the cardiovascular system. But it could also have other unexpected health benefits…
Coffee boosts the digestive system
According to gastroenterologist William Berrebi, who posted a video on the subject, the antioxidants contained in coffee have very positive effects on the cells of our digestive system. Consuming a cup of coffee could indeed fight against intestinal inflammation.
Coffee helps prevent deep fat accumulation
Another significant effect of coffee: it helps fight against the accumulation of deep fat (also called visceral fat) present around certain organs and responsible for complications.
However, coffee does not make you lose weight: it simply serves to maintain a stable and healthy physical state.
Coffee limits the risk of developing cancer
Last positive effect of coffee mentioned by the doctor: coffee consumption is associated with a reduction in the risk of cancers and in particular endometrial cancer (inner wall of the body of the uterus); which represents the 4th cause of cancer in women in Europe.
So many arguments that invite us to drink coffee (in moderation) without feeling guilty.
The right dosage to respect? The equivalent of 3 cups of coffee per day, or 400 mg of caffeine per day for a healthy adult, recalls the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA).
“Moderate coffee consumption (3 to 5 cups per day maximum) shows a benefit, particularly on the cardiovascular health and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease“, confirmed Alexandra Murcier, dietician-nutritionist, in a previous interview.
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Which coffee to choose?
Difficult to say, as the varieties of coffee are so numerous and varied. However, it seems that instant coffee is not the best option.
It shows “fewer benefits (especially on cardiac arrhythmia) than ground coffee or espresso“, specified the nutrition expert.
As for coffee with milk, it would be bad for digestion.
“It is difficult to digest and milk provides calories and carbohydrates, so you must limit the quantity and avoid consuming several during the day if you pay attention to your weight. The same is true when we obviously sweeten our coffee“, explains the specialist.
As for ground coffee, it shows “a better reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases”, assures the expert.
Finally, if we consume decaf, care must be taken to choose them without solvents, “because decafs which contain solvents increase health risks, particularly cancer“. You have been warned!
