As the weather gets cooler and the leaves get redder, our desire for a warm drink becomes greater. Who doesn’t love a delicious latte or cappuccino when it’s cold outside?

Most Americans do, as studies show that over half of Americans drink coffee every day. Does that mean, though, that drinking coffee is good for our health?

Read on as our team as AFC Urgent Care Fountain City answers that question.

Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Coffee?

Yes, there are, but health benefits are only present when moderation is exercised in terms of the amount of coffee you drink and what you put in it.

Coffee contains a high amount of antioxidants, which protect the cells in our bodies to help reduce the risk of some diseases. However, experts recommend drinking less than three cups per day and avoiding unhealthy additives like creams and processed sugars to benefit from those healthy antioxidants.

Other Health Benefits of Coffee

• Aids in digestion and keeps you regular
• Provides a boost in energy through caffeine
• Can boost metabolism resulting in weight loss
• Can help fight depression

When Is Coffee Unhealthy?

When it’s consumed at an unhealthy rate alongside unhealthy additives. While caffeine provides a much-needed boost for us when it’s consumed in moderation, too much caffeine can cause us to become dehydrated and jittery when too much of it is consumed.

Also, many people can’t bring themselves to drink coffee black. If that’s the case, it’s hard to avoid adding unhealthy sweeteners and syrups to enhance coffee’s flavor, which will inevitably result in weight gain. Try drinking a cup of black coffee one day a week to get used to the flavor and to reap its health benefits!

Negative Effects of Unhealthy Coffee Consumption

• Can cause insomnia and restlessness
• Can cause headaches or migraines
• Can cause high blood pressure
• Can cause digestive issues

When consumed healthily, coffee can be great for you! If you’d like to know more about some other healthy choices you can make or if you’re feeling under the weather, contact our team at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City today.