The coffee plant is native to Ethiopia, and coffee beans have been roasted and brewed for centuries. However, black coffee as we know it today didn’t become popular until the 17th century.
Black coffee is coffee that has been brewed without adding any additional ingredients like milk, cream, or sugar. It can be enjoyed hot or iced, and many people enjoy adding flavorings to their black coffee such as cinnamon, chocolate, or vanilla extract.
While some people enjoy black coffee for its bold flavor, others appreciate the health benefits that come with drinking it.
Here are 13 Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee
1. Black coffee can improve brain function.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help to increase alertness and improve focus. Studies have shown that coffee can help to improve cognitive function and memory (1).
2. Black coffee can help with weight loss.
Coffee contains caffeine, which has been shown to increase metabolism and boost fat burning (2). In one study, participants who consumed caffeine before exercise burned more calories than those who did not (3).
3. Black coffee lowers the risk of disease.
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other degenerative diseases (4). Coffee is also a good source of antioxidants, which can protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer (5).
4. Black coffee can improve physical performance.
Caffeine has been shown to increase physical performance by up to 12% (6). In one study, cyclists who consumed caffeine before exercise were able to ride further and faster than those who did not (7).
5. Black coffee can improve mental health.
Coffee drinking has been linked with lower rates of depression and suicide (8). One study found that women who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were 20% less likely to develop depression than those who did not drink coffee (9).
6. Black coffee can help to prevent cavities.
Coffee contains compounds that can help to protect teeth from cavities and oral bacteria (10). In one study, black coffee was found to be more effective than green tea in preventing cavities (11).
7. Black coffee can increase lifespan.
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death from all causes, including heart disease and cancer (12). One study found that men who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were 20% less likely to die prematurely than those who did not drink coffee (13).
8. Black coffee can reduce the risk of stroke.
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of stroke (14). One study found that men who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were 45% less likely to have a stroke than those who did not drink coffee (15).
9. Black coffee can improve liver health.
Coffee drinking has been linked with a lower risk of liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis (16). In one study, coffee drinkers had an 80% lower risk of developing liver cancer than those who did not drink coffee (17).
10. Black coffee can help to prevent Parkinson’s disease.
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (18). In one study, men who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were 60% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who did not drink coffee (19).
11. Black coffee can improve skin health.
Coffee contains antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals (20). In one study, women who consumed more coffee had a lower risk of developing skin cancer than those who did not consume coffee (21).
12. Black coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (22). In one study, men who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were 50% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not drink coffee (23).
13. Black coffee can improve cognitive function.
Caffeine has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory (24). In one study, participants who consumed caffeine before a test performed better than those who did not consume caffeine (25).
Black coffee is a healthy beverage that can provide many benefits. If you are looking for a way to improve your health, black coffee may be a good option for you.
Common Side Effects of Drinking Black Coffee:
1. Diarrhea
Coffee contains caffeine, which can act as a laxative and cause diarrhea (26). If you are susceptible to caffeine-related diarrhea, you may want to limit your coffee intake or switch to decaf.
2. Nausea
Coffee can sometimes cause nausea, especially when consumed on an empty stomach (27). If you experience nausea after drinking coffee, you may want to try drinking it with food.
3. Headaches
Caffeine withdrawal can sometimes cause headaches (28). If you regularly drink coffee and experience headaches, you may want to cut back on your intake or switch to decaf.
4. Anxiety
Caffeine can cause anxiety in some people (29). If you are susceptible to caffeine-related anxiety, you may want to limit your coffee intake.
5. Insomnia
Caffeine can interfere with sleep and cause insomnia (30). If you have difficulty sleeping, you may want to avoid drinking coffee late in the day.
While black coffee is generally safe to drink, it can cause side effects in some people. If you experience any negative effects after drinking black coffee, you may want to limit your intake or switch to decaf.
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Black Coffee:
1. Start with fresh, cold water. Bring the water to a boil and then let it cool for about 30 seconds before pouring it over the coffee. This will help to extract the flavor from the coffee grounds.
2. Use about 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of coffee per 6 ounces (180 ml) of water. This ratio can be adjusted to taste.
3. Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds and let them steep for about 4 minutes.
4. After 4 minutes, use a filter to remove the grounds from the coffee.
5. Enjoy your black coffee!
Conclusion
Black coffee is a delicious and healthy beverage that can provide many benefits. If you are looking for a way to improve your health, black coffee may be a good option for you. Just be sure to drink it in moderation and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
