A cup of Joe, liquid gold for crew and seaman alike, the caffeine elixir for watch keepers and early risers. Coffee and seaman have shared a long camaraderie since early times.

What’s the secret ingredient in coffee? It’s a complex mix of compounds not all of which are fully understood but a clear interaction exists between caffeine and antioxidants. As reported in various studies it has been shown that coffee can benefit you in many instances with numerous reported health benefits. To begin with its an antioxidant aiding numerous conditions and diseases.

Coffee

• Improves cognitive function – Caffeine potently blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to a net stimulant effect. Caffeine is known to improve various aspects of brain including memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function
• Helps burn fat – caffeine can increase fat burning in the body and boost the metabolic rate.
• Improves physical performance – increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from the fat tissues.
• Contains essential nutrients & vitamins including Riboflavin (vitamin B12), Pantothenic Acid (vitamin B12), Manganese & Potassium, Magnesium & Niacin (vitamin B3)
• Has the potential to lower risk of type 2 diabetes – coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of getting type II diabetes
• May protect you from Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia – Several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease
• Lowers risk by as much as 60% of getting Parkinson’s disease
• Is great for your liver and may protect against liver cirrhosis. People who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk
• Appears to lower the risk of developing depression and makes you happier and may dramatically reduce the risk of suicide
• Appears to be protective against two types of cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer. Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer. Liver and colorectal cancer are the 3rd and 4th leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of both.
• Reduces risk of heart disease. It may cause mild increases in blood pressure, which generally diminish over time. Coffee drinkers do not have an increased risk of heart disease, but a slightly lower risk of stroke

Consequently, coffee drinkers are less likely to get many diseases, and therefore it makes sense that coffee could help you live longer. There are several observational studies showing that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death.

Coffee is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet in moderate amounts it is good for you, however drinking way too much of it can still be harmful. For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may actually be the healthiest aspect of the diet. Studies show that most people get more antioxidants from coffee than both fruits and vegetables, combined.

Nick Stael von Holstein

nick@msos.org.uk