Coffee is among the most popular beverages in the world. Yet this popular brew could be offering you more than just your morning get-up-and-go! The health effects of coffee have long been studied, with proponents citing its brain-boosting abilities and high antioxidant prowess. The most recent wave of scientific research provides a slew of good news for coffee enthusiasts. Here are some reasons why drinking coffee may be better for you than you think:

1. Coffee reduces heart disease risk

A major Dutch study that evaluated data from over 30,000 participants over 13 years, discovered that moderate coffee drinkers had a 20% reduced risk of heart disease as opposed to excessive or light coffee drinkers and nondrinkers. There is some proof that coffee reduces the risk of heart disease by preventing inflammatory artery damage.

2. Coffee lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes development

Type 2 diabetes is a severe metabolic issue that affects millions of individuals globally. Type 2 diabetes is distinguished by high blood sugar levels induced by a decreased capacity to produce insulin or insulin resistance. Coffee users, for whatever reason, have a considerably lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies show that coffee aids the body’s utilization of insulin while also preserving insulin-producing cells, allowing for appropriate blood sugar management, preventing tissue damage, and combating inflammation; a recognized risk for type 2 diabetes. Caffeic acid, a component of coffee, has also been proven to be particularly effective in decreasing the harmful buildup of irregular protein deposits observed in patients with type 2 diabetes.

3. Coffee reduces the risk of cognitive conditions

On top of delivering a brief boost in memory and brain activity, regular coffee intake has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

While there are various hypotheses on how coffee might help prevent or mitigate cognitive impairment, one body of research claims that caffeine inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid plaque, which is linked to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers further hypothesize that because coffee consumption is related to a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, a known risk factor for dementia, it decreases the chance of acquiring dementia.

4. Coffee protects against Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is the second most prevalent neurological disorder in the world, (after Alzheimer’s disease). Parkinson’s is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Like Alzheimer’s, there’s no known treatment for Parkinson’s, making it even more critical to prevent in the first place. According to studies, coffee protects against Parkinson’s development by up to 60-percent thanks to certain components in coffee (i.e., caffeine combined with EHT, and phenylindane), which help block the formation of the toxic protein aggregates that trigger Parkinson’s development.

5. Coffee protects liver health

Coffee intake has been associated with a decreased incidence of cirrhosis, particularly alcoholic cirrhosis, in addition to decreasing the risk of liver cancer. Coffee drinkers could also have a decreased incidence of gallstone disease. Researchers discovered an inverse association between coffee consumption and levels in blood of liver enzymes. Increased concentrations of liver enzymes generally indicate inflammation and liver failure. One study found that the more coffee individuals consumed; the lesser their liver enzyme levels were overall.

Coffee is a popular beverage all over the world, and it has a slew of health advantages. Not only may a cup of coffee make you feel more energized and enhance physical performance, but it may also decrease your risk of numerous diseases, including type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. If you like the flavor and can handle the caffeine, don’t be reluctant to have a cup or two during the day.