Five Great Health Benefits Of Drinking Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world with more than 2.25 billion cups served hot and cold every day. Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia around the 15th century and has grown in popularity. Coffee plants only grow in tropical areas known as the bean belt and grow as a green shrub -- up to 15-20 feet tall. After the plants blossom, the beans (known as coffee cherries) are formed.

Once picked, the beans are dried and milled.

1. Heart benefits

According to a report by the American Heart Association researchers ran a long-term study called the Framingham Heart Study. Researchers found that consuming coffee can reduce the risk of heart failure and stroke. The study showed that people who drank coffee weekly reduced their risks for heart failure and stroke by 8% with every Cup Of Coffee, compared to people who do not drink coffee.

2. Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes

The Harvard School of Public Health conducted a 12-year study on the Effects Of Coffee and Type 2 Diabetes. Their findings concluded that drinking more than one cup of coffee reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 11 percent.

In another report published in JAMA, doctors in Finland also conducted a similar study and came to the same conclusions.

3. Coffee reduces risk of Alzheimer's Disease

An article published in U.S. National Library of Medicine showed that drinking 3-5 cups of coffee a day reduced the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia by approximately 65%. Researchers are hoping that further studies will help to find ways to prevent the disease.

4. Prevents and reduces certain forms of cancer

Southampton University reported that drinking coffee can reduce certain forms of cancer. In their study, researchers found that drinking at least one cup of coffee reduces hepatocellular cancer by 20% in patients with liver disease.

With liver cancer, it is estimated that by 2030, there will 1.2 million cases of HCC.

In a four year study conducted at Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed in Pozzilli, Italy, it was found that people who drank three or more cups of coffee daily reduced prostate cancer risk by more than 50%. Research is still being conducted to see if the way coffee is brewed is the reason for the reduction in prostate cancer.

Researchers at the University of Southern California also studied the effects of coffee and colorectal cancer. Patients in the study were split with some already being diagnosed with cancer and those without cancer. Stephen Gruber, MD, Ph.D., MPH, director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, stated, "we found that drinking coffee is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer,” via American Association for the Advancement of Science.

5. Longer life

Studies around the world show that people who drink coffee regularly have an 18% lower risk of dying earlier. The beverage has antioxidants that help fight many chronic ailments as well.