Let’s have a cup of espresso before kick-starting the day. This is probably the first thought that comes to most people’s minds after waking up. As we gulp down a shot or two of espresso before heading to work, we get that quick caffeine kick to feel energized for the rest of the day.

Although it might not occur to you as you are gulping down your favourite shot of espresso, it helps provide multiple health benefits and fight many diseases. So, let’s help you learn how your most loved beverage, espresso, can do more than just giving you a quick jolt of energy.

For years, studies have been conducted to determine the impacts of caffeine on modern health. While earlier studies suggested potential risks of caffeine’s long-term intake, they missed a few notable factors, such as studies carried on the subjects with excessive consumption.

However, studies conducted in recent years suggest that when consumed in moderation, coffee can help provide several health benefits. Health experts advise the consumption of 400 mg of caffeine per day, where a regular shot of espresso has an estimated 40 mg per ounce. 

Improves athletic performance

Many of you might know that a shot of espresso before participating in a sporting event or workout can help improve your athletic performance. A shot of espresso brings in an adrenaline rush in your body which enhances your strength and speed.

Now, most people rely on pre-workout supplements before hitting the gym to get their heart pumping and increase physical execution. Pre-workout supplements are loaded with non-healthy components such as artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohol. So, if you are one of those people that consume pre-workout supplements, you might want to reconsider and switch to the healthy beverage – espresso.

Low in calorie

1 ounce (30 ml) of espresso = 3 calories. Yes, you read it right. Your much-loved espresso contains a very little number of calories. The low-calorie count of the espresso makes it a suitable drink to be consumed in a moderate amount at any time of the day when you are running low on energy. Espresso can give an instant kick that reaches the brain receptors and gives neurons a quick energy boost.

Although, the low-calorie count doesn’t mean you should load it with the common additions such as heavy creamers and sugar, will increase the overall calorie count of the drink. 

Helps in weight loss

A shot of espresso contains micronutrients such as magnesium and potassium, thus helping in boosting metabolism and aiding in appetite control.

The presence of micronutrients ensures that your blood sugar level remains balanced and thus helping in cutting down the cravings of untimely food cravings of snacks and drinks. However, make sure you don’t overconsume as too much caffeine might result in magnesium-deficiency alongside developing insomnia and other side-effects.

Lowers chances of cardiovascular diseases and cancer

An Italian study published in the Journal of Nutrition determined that the factors contributing to a higher all-cause mortality rate, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), and morbidity showed a decrease for those who had moderate caffeine intake compared to those with low or no caffeine intake. The study was performed longitudinally at a median of 8.5 years on 20,487 men and women (>35 years of age) free from high-risk diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Further, the study suggested that the consumption of 2-2.5 cups of espresso per day showed a decrease of up to 4% of getting liver cancer. Alongside liver cancer, the moderate consumption of espresso lowered the chances of prostate cancer by 57% in men.

Helps lower the chances of diabetes

The studies reviewed in the meta-analysis showed that people who increased the intake of espresso coffee reduced the risk of getting type-2 diabetes by 11%. On the other hand, those who decreased their intake increased their chances of getting type-2 diabetes by 17%. There is no clear indication as to why these changes occur.

Although moderate consumption of espresso per day can help lower the chances of diabetes, in contrast, too much consumption can increase glucose and insulin susceptibility for diabetic patients.

Helps in fighting depression

Woman with a cup of coffee in a cabin, P.C.: Freepik

Caffeine is a known stimulant, and its intake blocks the brain receptors to bind with a chemical called adenosine, responsible for depression. As espresso contains a comparatively higher amount of caffeine than regular coffee, which helps boost the energy level. The anti-inflammatory property of espresso also helps neutralize free radicals in our body, i.e., help fight diseases and viruses.

So, there you have it, more reasons to love your morning cup of espresso and continue to be guilt-free of buying them in bulk!!

Don Carlos offers a variety of coffee products such as Nespresso and Dolce-Gusto compatible capsules, ground coffee, and pods, for preparing excellent espresso. You can also find espresso single-origin Nespresso compatible capsules from the expert Italian coffee roasting company Don Cortez, on sale, at our store.