VIVA LA VIDA: The Many Health Benefits of Coffee

1. It can improve energy levels

Coffee can help people feel less tired and increase energy levels. That’s because it contains a stimulant called caffeine. Many controlled studies in humans show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function, including; memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general mental function.

2. It helps burn fat

Several studies show that caffeine can increase fat burning and boost your metabolic rate.

3. It can improve physical performance

Caffeine can increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from your fat tissues. It also leads to significant improvements in physical performance.

4. It contains essential nutrients

Coffee contains several important nutrients, including riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin. By having several cups of coffee a day it can soon add up to the RDI.

5. It can reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

6. It can help protect from Alzheimer’s, Dementia & Parkinson’s Disease

There are several things you can do to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place. This includes the usual suspects like eating healthy and exercising, but drinking coffee may be incredibly effective as well. Several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

7. It can protect your Liver

Coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of cirrhosis, which can be caused by several diseases that affect the liver.

8. It can help to fight depression

Coffee appears to lower your risk of developing depression and may dramatically reduce suicide risk.

9. It can help with heart health & reduce the risk of strokes

Coffee may cause mild increases in blood pressure, which usually diminish over time. Coffee drinkers do not have an increased risk of heart disease and have a slightly lower risk of stroke.

10. It provides a good source of Antioxidants

For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may be one of the healthiest aspects of their diet. That’s because coffee is quite high in antioxidants. Studies show that many people get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and vegetables combined.

In fact, coffee may be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.

In summary several studies show that coffee drinkers live longer and have a lower risk of premature death.

The Different Types of Spanish Coffee

Café Solo – the most commonly ordered type of coffee in Spain. Café solo is a small and very strong black coffee usually served in a small glass.

Café Con Leche – is the next most popular way to drink coffee, especially as the first cup of the day. It is half café solo and half hot milk and can be served in a small glass or a tall thin glass.

Café Bombon – this is a variant on café con leche, it is a small glass containing condensed milk with a café solo slowly poured in. It is then mixed and is very sweet tasting.

Café Americano – similar to a café solo but served in a larger glass or cup with more water.