Coffee lovers can rejoice that enjoying a cup of brew without adding milk each day might
help to detox your cells.
Not only does your morning cup of java taste good, but it’s also good for you.
Essentially, your body has an inbuilt garbage collection and elimination system that we call detox.
The key to triggering your body’s cleansing and detox process may often be found in certain plant
compounds known as polyphenols, including red wine, dark chocolate, tea, and certain berries.
Polyphenols are also found in black coffee, so grab that coffee grinder and start brewing.
Research conducted at Graz University has discovered that a compound found within black coffee
could trigger a purification process within your body.
The natural detox process is known as cellular autophagy.
“The key to triggering your body’s
cleansing and detox process may often
be found in certain plant compounds
known as polyphenols.”
How Autophagy Works
Cellular autophagy is the term used to describe your body’s natural process of breaking down
degrading components within your cells.
Your cells live longer than the components inside them.
As the internal structures begin to break down, the cells degrade the unwanted components
to be used as fuel.
The degraded internal cell component is engulfed by certain lipids that target the unwanted
material for destruction.
The body begins to break down the targeted structures, creating a catabolic reaction that
Your body transports the metabolites into your system, where they’re used as a source of energy
for new lipids and proteins.
A healthy autophagy process plays a protective role against a multitude of illness and conditions,
including helping to fight infection, prevent neuro-degeneration, and protect against aging.
Drinking coffee provides the body with polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants that trigger
the autophagy process.
Research indicates that coffee-based polyphenols help to protect your cells against free radicals,
as well as reducing cholesterol levels by aiding the transport phase of the autophagy process.
“Research indicates that coffee-based
polyphenols help to protect your cells
against free radicals, as well as reducing
cholesterol levels by aiding the transport
phase of the autophagy process.”
When the body’s autophagy process is blocked or otherwise impaired, a distinct correlation could
be formed with some serious health conditions.
Some severe illnesses that could be linked with faulty autophagy process include cardiovascular
disease, neuro-degeneration, and malignant tumor growth.
Coffee also contains chlorogenic acid, which is known to be a powerful antioxidant with strong
“Coffee drinkers also have a reduced risk of
developing some chronic diseases, including
Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer,
type II diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.”
Other Health Benefits of Black Coffee
Studies released by Cornell University in New York indicate that a compound found within coffee
could help to prevent your eyesight from deteriorating.
Coffee drinkers also have a reduced risk of developing some chronic diseases, including Parkinson’s
disease, prostate cancer, type II diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
“Coffee also contains chlorogenic acid,
which is known to be a powerful antioxidant
with strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Chlorogenic acid can also help to reduce blood
sugar levels and reduce the risk of liver cancer
and colorectal cancer.”
How Much Coffee Is Enough?
While polyphenols found in coffee have plenty of potential health benefits, it’s also important
to remember that drinking too much could increase health risks.
Ideally, you shouldn’t drink any more than 300mg of caffeine per day.
It’s estimated that a cup of coffee contains about 100mg of caffeine, so try to limit your
intake to no more than 3 cups per day.
However, research also shows that adding milk to your coffee could inhibit the benefits
Where possible, drink your coffee black.
If you do want to drink white coffee, try adding a non-dairy liquid, such as almond milk
or soy milk instead.
About the Author
Aimee Russell is a little bit of a coffee connoisseur due to her job at an indie coffee roasting company. Outside of work Aimee enjoys yoga, gardening (she just started a vegetable garden) and snuggles with her hubby as they enjoy the latest TV drama.
Are you a coffee drinker?
Did you know about the health benefits of black coffee?
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