Drink more coffee

Like clockwork, every January a flood of health-related headlines arrives. And now, in the midst of yet another pandemic surge, many seem more interested than ever in getting a handle on their health in 2022. Unfortunately, clickbait authors are more than willing to scoop up some of that traffic.

Much of this clickbait content is rife with outdated or outright incorrect information designed to scare the American public out of enjoying their favorite drink – coffee. I won’t link to it here (so as not to feed the trolls and clickbait authors), but as an example, just days ago a popular UK-based publication posted an opinion piece suggesting readers “give up caffeine.”?

The fact is that decades of independent scientific and peer-reviewed research shows coffee drinkers live longer, healthier, happier lives than people who never drink coffee.?

More specifically, research has shown that drinking coffee is associated with a reduced risk of numerous diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and stroke. Winter weather may have us all bundled up and thinking less about skin health, but you (and your skin) will be happy to know that coffee is, in fact, the only antioxidant food shown to have a protective effect against melanoma.?

Drinking coffee is also known to improve cognitive function by increasing mental performance, focus, and concentration levels. Relatedly, coffee is also associated with a reduced risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease.?

As we head into year three of the pandemic, many of us are in search of ways to boost our moods. Coffee drinkers rejoice – coffee can reduce risk of depression by up to one-third, according to a review of independent research conducted by Harvard University Professor of Neurology (and NCA Science Leadership Committee advisor) Dr. Alan Leviton.?

Aside from improving performance and focus during workouts, coffee has also been shown to improve post-workout muscle recovery. A study published in 2021 found that cyclists who drank coffee after a workout saw an improved rate of recovery in comparison to those that did not. We think that’s a pretty good reason to add a brew to your post-workout routine.

While every body is different, the 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) indicate that healthy adults can drink up to 400mg of caffeine per day (around four cups of coffee) without ill effect – despite what some scaremongering headlines may lead you to believe. This guidance has? been confirmed by multiple scientific studies over the years.?

Even if caffeine isn’t for you, decaffeinated coffee also brings great taste and health benefits. The evidence is clear: drinking both regular and decaffeinated brews are associated with longer, healthier, and happier lives.

With all of the health benefits that coffee provides, NCA would in fact like to suggest a healthy resolution: drink more coffee in 2022!?

NCA: We Serve Coffee.

Not sure if you’re an NCA Member? Check our Membership list. If you’re not a member but could benefit from access to this research or other key industry resources, explore your Membership options.