7 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Drink Coffee Every Day

We love our coffee, for sure—but what does it actually do to your body?

You might decrease your chances of developing cancer and other diseases

Since the discovery of the coffee plant, which is said to have originated in Ethiopia when a goat herder noticed his goats’ increased energy levels after they accidentally consumed the unknown berries, science has made great advances in the coffee world. By drinking black coffee every day, you are actually decreasing your chances of developing certain diseases.

Moderate coffee consumption (3-5 cups daily) may be linked to decreased mortality from all causes, reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease, dementia, live cirrhosis, and certain cancers, including liver and endometrium. Experts make note, however, that coffee’s benefits are best attained with black caffeinated coffee: for the antioxidants to work, you’ve got to give up your cream and sugar.

Your overall mood might improve

In addition to preventing diseases, coffee’s caffeine content is directly correlated with your brain. These effects are especially seen at low levels of consumption (about 75 mg). Caffeine has been associated with positive actions on the brain, including improved mental alertness and attention, help with concentration, and improved mood.

It might enhance memory retention

While caffeine’s positive effect on alertness, attention, concentration, and mood is not such a surprise, its ability to enhance memory retention is based on a fairly new study. It is important to note that more caffeine is not necessarily better nor will it always prove to have a positive impact on productivity.

It might help you become a better athlete

Coffee-loving athletes: you’re in luck. As it turns out, athletes benefit from both mental and physical properties derived from coffee. Caffeine may heighten performance during both prolonged and short-term workouts. Caffeine also reacts with receptors in the brain to “turn off” the part that recognizes adenosine, the chemical that causes a tired sensation. In that sense, there is a decrease in feelings of fatigue as well as pain.

It might negatively affect your daily routine if consumed in excess

First, if an excess of coffee is consumed, some individuals may experience negative side effects, such as anxiety, panic, restless sleep, insomnia, and caffeine dependence. As with overdoing anything, fatality is also a possibility. Studies also show that a lethal dose of caffeine consumed within one day is 100 (8 oz) cups; this may vary from person to person due to it being metabolized differently for everybody.

It might raise your cholesterol levels (depending upon how you brew it)

If cholesterol is something that you are concerned about, you may also want to double-check how your coffee is being brewed. The reasoning for this is the filter’s ability to separate the coffee from its cholesterol-increasing oils, called terpenes.

Your blood pressure might increase—but there are no negative long-term effects

Lastly, coffee can cause an increase in blood pressure. Typically, this increase is short, temporary, and will result in no negative effects in the long-run.

Sources: The Healthy