We Knew It: Espresso Has Health Benefits
Posted on: 30 May 2017
Fans of certain foods and drinks like to tout how healthy the foods and drinks are, even if there isn't a lot of research to back it up. However, in the case of coffee, there's more and more evidence of actual health benefits from moderate intakes of caffeine. Espresso, with its relatively high caffeine content, is up there with coffee in being potentially beneficial for your health.
Weight Loss
As you'd expect, caffeine in coffee drinks can dull your appetite and give you more energy. But it also makes working out appear to be less strenuous, reducing ratings of perceived exertion. In other words, you'd go a little longer and farther with caffeine than without it. All together, that can mean added weight loss.
Long-Term Memory
Espresso contains about 100 mg of caffeine in a typical serving. A 2014 study found that 200 mg of caffeine, or about two espressos' worth, at least in pill form, helped subjects with long-term memory over 24 hours. The effect didn't last for a very long time, but it did help with retention for more than just a few hours.
Potential Reduction of Diabetes Risk
This one is based more on regular coffee, but since the higher levels of caffeine in caffeinated coffee may have been a factor in this effect, espresso drinkers might see this benefit as well. A 2014 study found that people who increased consumption of caffeinated coffee to more than one cup per day managed to lower their diabetes risk. People who increased consumption of decaf and caffeinated tea didn't show the same effect. Reducing the amount of caffeinated coffee raised the risk again.
Reduction of Risk for Parkinson's Disease -- for Some
If you're male, your caffeine consumption may affect your risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Estrogen levels may interfere with the effect for women. A 2004 study found that caffeine intake, even after controlling for factors like smoking, reduced the risk in men. However, that doesn't mean that women see no cognitive benefit from caffeine; there may be protective effects for all genders against Alzheimer's disease. That, as with Parkinson's, is still under investigation.
As with any high-caffeine drink, moderation of your espresso intake is vital for healthy enjoyment. Brewing and enjoying a single cup of espresso at a time can help maintain a reasonable intake. It's nice to know that your morning cup of caffeine may bring benefits.
To learn more, contact a company like Koolatron Corp.
Share