Coffee contains several powerful antioxidants including chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. Research shows that chlorogenic acid improves glucose metabolism and enhances insulin sensitivity while caffeic acid increases glucose uptake by the muscles. These antioxidants are why studies involving over one million adults show heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Individuals in the studies who drank three or more cups of coffee a day reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by 21% compared to those who never or rarely drink coffee. Moreover, decaffeinated coffee drinkers experienced a 6% lower risk for each cup. That is excellent news. So, even if you are sensitive to caffeine, you can still lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Choose Your Coffee Wisely
Although coffee is relatively low in calories, the pitfalls can be in the variety of added ingredients such as sweeteners and creamers. Sugar and cream add calories, fat, and carbohydrate and can easily offset the health benefits of coffee. This is especially true with coffee concoctions available in your local fast food restaurant or coffee shop.
To minimize the number of calories from added sugars and high-fat creamers you should choose your coffee wisely.