Eighty seven percent of the population consumes caffeine every day in America. This statistic may not be surprising to most people, but what may be surprising is the amount of good caffeine does for the body. More and more medical studies reveal that caffeine has a positive influence on not only mind, but body as well. Gone are the days when individuals who indulged in caffeinated beverages were considered jittery and possibly ill-prepared for tasks. Feel free to slug back that java; it may just boast your health as much as your mood.
The Health Benefits Attributed to Caffeine
It is well known that herbal teas are rich in antioxidants which aid and protect the body, but research indicates that caffeinated beverages have similar advantages. Coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer and may prevent liver cancer. it is speculated that this is due to the potent combination of caffeine and antioxidants which strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms. the specific antioxidant prevalent in regular coffee is called polyphenol, which not only protects against cancer but also promotes a healthy heart.
Caffeinated drinks gained popularity for the obvious reasons. Most people find it easier to start their day with a cup of coffee or tea (it’s not called English Breakfast tea for kicks, after all). Feeling sluggish throughout the day? Must be time for a caffeine jolt! what about when you can’t find the car keys? Believe it or not, caffeine may hold the answer, as caffeine also improves short-term memory.
In addition to being fabulous for your mind and insides, caffeine also does wonders for your outward appearance. Athletes are encouraged to include a sizable amount of caffeine to their strict diet regimen to ensure coordination and improve overall physical performance. One study conducted on people who reduced their caffeine intake versus those who continued to enjoy their regular amount of caffeinated beverages showed that over the course of 12 years, the caffeine drinkers weighed less. This is due to the fact that caffeine revs up metabolism, so any casual sipper is likely to burn more calories than a fan of decaf.
Get Creative with Cool Caffeine Smoothies
Now that there should be no guilt trip over caffeine enjoyment, it only seems reasonable to dust off the blender and brew some summer drinks chock full of caffeine. any of the following beverages can be easily adjusted for either taste or serving size.
- Coffee Chillers: Blend vanilla ice cream, fresh brewed coffee and ice until smooth and creamy. Ring the inside of a glass with a syrup of your choice (such as chocolate, French vanilla, hazelnut, etc.) and pour the creamy coffee mixture into the prepared glass. top with whipped cream.
- Tea Chillers: Coffee isn’t the only caffeinated drink that is delicious served cold and creamy. Try blending a full-bodied brewed tea with ice, and blend with a mango, lemon or raspberry sorbet. Finish with whipped cream topping and enjoy.
There is a reason why the coffee shop industry makes $11 billion annually in this country. why not give them a break and make the good stuff at home? It’s buzzworthy in every sense of the word.
Sources:
All health information provided by http://health.yahoo.net/
Coffee shop industry information provided by www.franchisedirect.com