It is well known that espresso provides a nice boost of energy, but espresso also has some lesser-known health benefits. Not only will an espresso shot perk you up, but it can also help boost metabolism and improve memory.
Here are just a few of the benefits of drinking espresso (as if you needed yet another excuse to drink coffee).
Enhances Long-Term Memory
The right dose of caffeine, about 200 milligrams (or two espresso shots), can increase attention and long-term memory recall. A study done with honey bees at Newcastle University in the UK showed that bees were more likely to return to the same plant when their honey was altered with caffeine. [1]
Can Help With Weight Loss
The caffeine in coffee is one of the best ways to naturally assist your metabolism and aid your body in burning fat. It’s a perfect complement to the other “Thermogenic Foods” that help support your metabolism. Espresso also helps your body during workouts. A study in the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that espresso made exercising seem easier. [2] So before you hit the gym, try having an espresso shot to help conquer your gym goals!
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
The Harvard School of Public Health concludes that espresso may decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes by as much as 20%. [3] Though, if you want to reduce your risk factors altogether, it is more effective to focus on lifestyle changes such as exercising more and eating a balanced diet.
Helps Fight Insomnia
For those that have insomnia, caffeine and naps might be the only things that can keep them functioning on a day-to-day basis. Introducing the “Espresso Nap.” Right before taking a 15-20 minute nap, enjoy an espresso shot to experience the double benefits of both a restful nap and waking up to the caffeine boost from the espresso since caffeine takes about 15-20 minutes to kick in. In a Japanese study, which combined five different methods of napping, the espresso nap won overall. [4]
Stops Some Migraine Attacks
According to the American Migraine Foundation, a strong cup of coffee or an espresso shot can help stop migraine attacks. This makes sense since caffeine is the main ingredient in many headache medications, including ExcedrinTM, AnacinTM, MidolTM, Darvon CompoundTM, FioricetTM, and MigranalTM. With occasional use, it may provide acute headache relief as well as alertness and well-being. However, with daily or near-daily caffeine exposure, the brain may develop a tolerance for caffeine. [5]
Were you aware of the additional benefits of espresso, above the caffeine boost and delicious taste? What was the most surprising thing you learned? Let us know in the comments!
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REFERENCES
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[1] https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24855-drink-two-espressos-to-enhance-long-term-memory/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15773860
[3] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2015/02/23/ask-the-expert-coffee-and-health-2/#ref4
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388245703002554
[5] https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/caffeine-and-migraine/