If you drink coffee on a regular basis in the morning, it will provide you much more than a pick-me-up. There have been scientific studies that show that there are many health effects of coffee. Here are the benefits of coffee:

• Source of beneficial antioxidants: Scientists have identified more than 1000 antioxidants in coffee, which fight inflammation, which is a cause of many chronic conditions like atherosclerosis, cancer and arthritis. Coffee also neutralizes free radicals, a byproduct of daily metabolic functions and cause oxidative stress leading to diseases of a chronic nature. Coffee, which is an exclusive source of chlorogenic acid, also prevents diseases of the cardiovascular nature.
• Short term boost in memory: Researchers administered 100 mgs of coffee to volunteers and found that there was a surge in their brain activity, s measured by functional MRI. Reaction times and memory skills of the volunteers were also increased as compared to a placebo group that showed no substantial brain activity. Coffee is instrumental in preventing buildup of beta-amyloid plaque that is a precursor of Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps to lower risks fo dementia.
• Healthy for the heart: Data, analyzed from more than 37,000 people over a period of 13 years showed that those who drink moderately, between 2-4 cups in a day have a lower risk of heart disease by at least 20%. Coffee aids heart health by protecting against the damage to the arteries that is caused by inflammation.
• Lessened risk of type 2 disbetes: Coffee is beneficial in preventing diabetes in a number of ways. It helps the body to use insulin and protects cells producing insulin, which control the blood sugar levels. It also prevents damage to the tissues, battles inflammation which is a known cause of diabetes. Caffeic acid, found in coffee, has a significant role to play in reducing toxic buildup of protein deposits (Amyloid fibrils) that are present in people sufferingfrom type 2 diabetes.
• Benefits the liver: Coffee lowers the risk of liver cancer, and is limked to lower risks of cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis. There is a 20% reduced risk of cirrhosis with each consumed cup of coffee, up to four cups. There is an inverse relationship between liver enzyme levels and coffee drinking. With more consumption of coffee, the enzyme levels in the liver are lowered, promoting better health.
• Guards against depression: There have been many studies conducted on the effects of coffee in men and women, which suggest that it leads to lower levels of depression. If you are a heavy coffee drinker, you will have a 20% lesser chance of developing depression.
• Gout prevention: Regular drinking of coffee reduces the risk of developing gout. There is a positive correlation between coffee consumption in the long run and a lowered risk of gout affliction. Men who drink 4-5 cups of coffee ina day will decrease chances of gout by about 40%, and if they drink more than 6 cups a day, gout prevention happens by 60%.

These numerous health benefits of coffee should inspire you to consume this beneficial beverage and make use of its health benefits.