Special Report

18 Reasons to Drink Coffee for Your Health

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1. Protection against Parkinson’s disease

According to a study published in 2007 by the Journal of the American Medical Association, caffeine has an inverse relationship with Parkinson’s disease. Researchers found that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop the neurological disorder than people who abstain from caffeine. The study’s findings were corroborated by a similar 2014 study in Sweden.

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2. Reduces risk of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease in which the body’s immune system attacks nerve cells, eventually causing a disruption in the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body. A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry revealed that increased coffee consumption reduces the likelihood of developing MS. Researches concluded the findings were likely attributable to caffeine’s neuroprotective properties.

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3. May protect against melanoma

In addition to sunscreen protecting against melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, coffee may provide some defense as well. According to a study published in 2014 by the American Association for Cancer Research, those who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had a 20% reduced risk of melanoma compared to non-coffee drinkers. People should probably still continue to use sunblock as well, though.

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4. Reduces pain after a workout

Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle, but it is often accompanied by muscle pain the day after a workout. However, a study out of the University of Georgia, among others, suggests that caffeine consumed prior to a workout can reduce muscle soreness by nearly half after working out.

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5. Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes

Coffee contains certain minerals and active compounds that can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. An 11-year study of nearly 29,000 postmenopausal women found that six or more cups of coffee a day reduced the likelihood of type 2 diabetes by 22%.