Americans drink an estimated 450 million cups of coffee each day. The National Coffee Association reports that one in eight Americans consume coffee on a daily basis, while only one in six drink water. Is that a good thing?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) states that coffee has earned an improved reputation when it comes to health benefits. In fact, the latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines has recommended coffee as part of a healthy lifestyle! Coffee contains up to 1,000 antioxidant compounds which offer a host of health benefits.
Gathering around the coffee maker is a healthy way to start your day at the office, for a variety of reasons. Engaging with coworkers lightens the mood and offers an opportunity for early conversations. Caffeine helps to get everyone engaged and moving in the morning. This helps to promote workplace productivity.
Key Health Benefits of Coffee Consumption
- Cancer: Coffee intake has decreased the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer and reduced the risk of colon cancer in some women. Another study suggested that coffee may protect against the recurrence of liver cancer in some adults.
- Diabetes: Coffee drinkers are at a lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. This is thanks to its compound cafestol, which increases insulin secretion.
- Gut Health: The micronutrients that your body absorbs from many plant-based foods are abundant in coffee beans. These polyphenol nutrients have prebiotic qualities that promote a healthy gut.
- Longevity: The National Institutes of Health found that coffee consumption lowers the risk of death from disease.
- Heart Health: The American Heart Association reports that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of stroke. Other research suggests that drinking coffee leads to to a 7% decrease in heart failure.
- Keeping You Regular: Coffee can help to stimulate your bowels. It releases a hormone called cholecystokinin, which initiates a gastrocolic reflex. Coffee can also be a diuretic for many people, which can lead to dehydration. It is important to maintain your water intake throughout the day, especially if you consume coffee on a regular basis.
Workplace Opportunities
Why not highlight the health benefits of coffee through your company Wellness Program? Include coffee’s health benefits in your next company newsletter. Test some knowledge and turn it into a quiz! Host a Lunch and Learn about coffee. Post some interesting facts about coffee near your company’s coffee stations. These can serve as great conversation starters for those slow mornings.
Take your employees’ love for coffee a step further. Offer reusable coffee sleeves for that coffee-on-the-go, or coffee mugs with your company logo. It’s so easy to lose those company pens and USB keys but a coffee mug will last a lot longer.
Health-Boosting Coffee Additives
There are several additives you can put in your coffee, at work or at home, that will give your health an extra boost. If you are like most Americans and enjoy at least one cup of coffee each day, why not spice things up a little and try something new in your next cup? Your health will thank you.
Cinnamon
By stirring half a teaspoon of cinnamon into your cup of coffee, you are promoting both your brain and heart health. This spice contains protective compounds and boasts one of the highest levels of antioxidants among spices. Cinnamon also improves immune health. Other spices can also make a cup of coffee a more exciting experience for your taste buds, such as nutmeg, lavender or cardamom.
Cacao
Cacao may bring to mind thoughts of chocolate, but raw cacao powder is actually a superfood. It’s packed with antioxidants and is one of the highest sources of plant-based iron you can find. Cacao increases HDL and lowers LDL (cholesterol), enhances your mood, lowers blood pressure and is an antidepressant. Add a tablespoon of organic raw cacao for the most health benefits and enjoy an extra delicious cup of java!
Ginger
Add up to a teaspoon of ginger in your coffee to help support your digestive health, reduce muscle pain and lower cholesterol. Ginger also combats nausea, making it a staple for those who suffer from motion sickness or an important part of your pantry while you’re expecting.
Peppermint
By adding a teaspoon of peppermint to your coffee, you are aiding your digestive and respiratory systems. It helps to cut inflammation and offers a calming effect. The aroma from peppermint improves memory function and can provide stress relief.
Midland Health recognizes all approaches to positive employee health. Request a free quote and learn how you can create a successful wellness program for your company today!
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