For many people around the world the daily first cup of coffee is almost a ritual that sets them up for their day ahead. Aside from a comforting taste that so many love the caffeine in coffee helps people wake up, become more alert and feel more energized. Beyond this initial boost to the system, however, there are actually a number of other health benefits to the popular morning drink:

1. Reduces type 2 diabetes risk
It is uncertain exactly why, but in 15 different published studies high daily consumption of coffee has been connected to a decreased risk for type 2 diabetes. People who drink between six to seven cups a day exhibited a 35% decrease in the risk of diabetes. This result was consistent across all the demographics tested so it seems to work although nobody really knows why.

2. Prevents heart disease and stroke
As an after effect of minimizing the risk of type 2 diabetes, coffee also helps avoid heart disease and stroke. Additionally, studies have shown that it decreases the risk of irregular heart rhythms. In fact, studies show that one to three cups a day decreased the risk of a heart rhythm based condition by 20%. It has also been indicated that regular coffee drinking reduces the risk of stroke in women even if they suffer from high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

3. Protects from dementia and Parkinson’s disease
It is uncertain as to why exactly coffee has a proven connection with limiting the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s Disease but there is a link. In a Scandinavian study of 1400 people traced over two decades individuals who drank three to five cups of coffee a day were 65% less likely to develop cognitive issues.

4. Wards off cancer
There is some indication, although not concrete, that drinking coffee may decrease the risk of cirrhosis of the liver as well as liver cancer. It is difficult to understand why this would be the case but study results have shown a decreased risk of liver complaints by drinking coffee regularly.

5. Aids weight loss
Consumption of coffee when paired with diet and exercise can actually aid in increasing weight loss results. The caffeine in coffee can actually boost the body’s metabolism by 3-11%. This in turn increases fat burning in the body which leads to improved weight loss.

6. Fights depression
The general sense of focus and well being that coffee brings has also been linked to improving symptoms of depression. A study performed by Harvard found that those drinking over four cups of coffee a day were 20% less likely to feel depressed. Another study of over 200,000 people found four or more cups of coffee decreased the risk of death by suicide by 53%.

7. Prevents cellular damage
Antioxidants help protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals. As we age more of these free radicals are found in the body and they begin to damage and degrade our bodies. Coffee is a regular source of antioxidants as are fresh fruits but people are often more likely to drink coffee. Consuming these antioxidants essentially slows the aging process and can lead to greater longevity.