A cup of coffee a day … what about 5 cups?

Have you ever noticed how a cup of coffee seems to give you a mood boost? Really and scientifically, there are some foods that can stimulate endorphins. The term came from a combination of the words “endogenous” (produced within the body) and “morphine”.

Endorphins are the body’s natural opiates, designed to relieve pain and stress and induce feelings of pleasure. They are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. Their principal function is to inhibit the transmission of pain signals; they may also produce a feeling of euphoria very similar to that produced by other opioids.

There are a few things that can do the trick: exercising, laughing, making love, eating certain foods, and drinking a cup of fresh coffee.

Coffee helps life’s problems melt away.

Who can resist the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the morning? There are lots of reasons to drink a cup of coffee, actually, the latest studies have approved up to 5 cups a day. Coffee makes us happy: a rewarding rush of dopamine is not a bad thing. Just make sure you stick to regular coffee and espresso for your daily boost.

Some studies suggest that people who drink two to three cups of caffeinated coffee a day were about 15% less likely to become depressed; those who drank four or more cups were at 20% lower risk. We can probably thank caffeine for the happy boost – a psychoactive drug that works sort of like a harmless crack cocaine, increasing dopamine and serotonin transmission within just 30 minutes.

If you are a coffee lover you have more reasons for your daily mug

Moderate coffee intake – about 2–5 cups a day – is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. It’s even possible that people who drink coffee can reduce their risk of early death.

Caffeine is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about coffee. But coffee also contains antioxidants and other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against many diseases.

3 Easy ways to make your coffee healthier

1. Drink it black: The healthiest way to take your coffee is hot-brewed and black. One cup has virtually no calories or carbs, no fat, and is low in sodium. Black coffee also has micronutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and niacin.
2. Try plant-based milks to make your cup different: Replacing dairy milk with nut-based milk is a healthy habit that can reduce saturated fats than can cause heart disease and diabetes.
3. Spice it up: There are some spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cacao, and ginger that have a natural sweetness and flavor to them. You can add them to your coffee grounds before brewing or sprinkle them directly in your cup for a change of taste.

Good news: The case for coffee is stronger than ever. Study after study indicates you could be getting more from your favourite morning beverage than you thought: Coffee is chock full of substances that may help guard against conditions more common in women, including Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.