Coffee: Fuel for the Modern World

Every day the world consumes 300 tons of coffee. That is enough coffee for every man woman and child on the planet. I am one of those people. The love of coffee is nothing new however most people don't know the benefits of such an incredible addition. Below is a list of 5 reasons coffee is the fuel for the modern world and why you should be drinking it. 

1. Lots of Medical Benefits

You can’t die from drinking too much caffeine. It would take 90-100 cups in 4 hours to consume too much caffeine. And even if you were able to drink that much your body would be getting rid of it just as fast as you consume the beverage. Coffee and caffeine have proven benefits from countless studies:
- Protection from Cardio-Vascular diseases
- Can Prevent Diabetes
- Can Prevent Parkinson Disease 
- Ease Asthma attacks
- Can help get rid of migraines
- 50% less likely to get rid of liver cancers for coffee drinkers 

2. Increase in Brain Power

Caffeine releases Dopamine (chemical in your body that makes you happy). Caffeine also increases concentration, decreases fatigue, and gives you a better memory. Caffeine works by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which leads to a stimulant effect. This improves energy levels, mood and various aspects of brain function.

3. Increase in Physical Performance

Caffeine can increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from the fat tissues. It also leads to significant improvements in physical performance. Best to have your caffeine 30 minutes before your workout and also wise to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. 

4. The Enlightenment and American Revolution

In the 1600's people drank beer and gin more than water. This is most likely because of the terrible water purification that was taking place. But, with the introduction of coffee/tea with caffeine people switched from a depressant to a stimulant. Goodbye Dark Ages, hello philosophy and thinking!

It is also believed that once the Rebels threw the tea into the harbor in Boston they switched to coffee only. There is also evidence that many of the first conversations of revolution between the American Founding fathers were in cafes that served coffee. 

5. Healthiest Drink on the Planet

Coffee is loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can improve your health. Coffee also contains several important nutrients, including Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium and Niacin. For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may actually be the healthiest aspect of their diet.

Coffee and Education

The United States is the world's largest buyer of coffee. However, they are not the world's most enthusiastic customers. The most enthusiastic buyers of coffee per capita in increasing order: Netherlands, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and #1 Finland. In Finland, they drink 3 times as much caffeine as the average American. They also have the world's best education beating out Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. Students there on average are 15% better in Science Literacy and 16% better in Math Literacy than the United States. Conclusion: maybe we don't drink enough coffee. 

Research shows that drinking 2-4 cups a day will bring some added benefits to your day, week and life. Research also shows that the best time to drink coffee is at 9am and 1pm.  


What are your thoughts about coffee?  
What has your experience been with the delicious brown beverage? 
Leave a comment below, subscribe and as always pass on this post. 

Resources 

http://greatist.com/health/why-coffee-tea-are-amazing-you-infographichttp://greatist.com/health/why-coffee-tea-are-amazing-you-infographic
http://authoritynutrition.com/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee/
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/134/3/562.short
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14506489 
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661807000291
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/134/3/562.short
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14506489
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661807000291
http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/SurveyGroups.asp?group
http://www.businessinsider.com/20-countries-that-have-smarter-children-than-america-2010-6?op=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTVE5iPMKL

JT Ayers