As college students, we all need a little energy boost every now and then. Whether your preferred choice is an energy drink, Tea2go, or another lift, everyone that has stepped foot on the Tarleton State University campus is aware of our two most popular places, apart from Chick-fil-a, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. 

No matter the occasion, coffee is always the perfect drink, especially when there is a wide array of coffee flavors to choose from.

This brew is not only delicious, it holds possible health benefits that many average coffee consumers do not know. 

“Some research suggests that consuming coffee regularly could be associated with a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the long term. In fact, one review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is thought to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants and may affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism — all of which are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes,” Rachel Link states in Healthline.com. 

Not every cup of coffee is the same. Sugar, creamer, and many other parts take effect in how “healthy” your coffee actually is.

“Some research suggests that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. According to one review of 13 studies, people who regularly consumed caffeine had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. What’s more, caffeine consumption also slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease over time. Another review of 11 observational studies in more than 29,000 people also found that the more coffee people consumed, the lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee consumption could be associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline,” Link writes.

As students, we need a strong mind that we can rely on and trust in times of need. Drinking your cup of joe may help to preserve some of that much needed brain energy. 

“According to some research, coffee could alter fat storage and support gut health, both of which may be beneficial for weight management. For example, one review of 12 studies concluded that higher coffee consumption could be associated with decreased body fat, especially in men.

In another study, increased coffee intake was linked to decreased body fat in women. Furthermore, one study found that people who drank one to two cups of coffee per day were 17% more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels, compared with those who drank less than one cup per day,” Link stated.

Drinking coffee is likely to boost your energy, that’s the whole point right, and with boosted energy levels, you will feel more willing to get up and get active. If this is an everyday occurrence, this could eventually lead to weight loss or management.

“Some studies have found that drinking coffee could be associated with a lower risk of depression. According to one review of seven studies, each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to an 8% lower risk of depression. Another study found that drinking at least four cups of coffee each day was associated with a significantly lower risk of depression, compared with drinking just one cup per day. One study in more than 200,000 people showed that drinking coffee was linked to a lower risk of death by suicide,” Link wrote. 

Mental health is an important thing, especially among college students. Even though four cups may seem like a lot, if it could help with the feeling of unhappiness, maybe it’s worth a try.

Overall, there’s many benefits and then some that come with drinking your delicious cup of coffee in the morning. Whether you like it iced or hot, consuming coffee can have a variety of health benefits that you probably didn’t even know about.