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Coffee drinking is one of the most popular daily habits in the world. In fact, according to the Deals on Health website, over one billion people consume coffee every day, many of them drinking multiple cups. And as coffee lovers know, there are many options to choose from when it comes to preparing or ordering this popular beverage.
From lattes to americanos, cold brews to cappuccinos, the number of possibilities and ways to enjoy this drink seem endless, making it difficult to get bored of coffee. Which is a good thing, since there are lots of benefits to be gained by drinking it, especially when it comes to espresso.
The Italian espresso, one of the most famous coffee orders, is made with the same beans as other coffee drinks. The difference is in the brewing process, and the high pressure used to express the coffee flavors, explains the Craft Coffee Spot blog.
These are five of the benefits of drinking this small yet powerful caffeine-filled beverage:
Espresso may help with focus
Espresso drinkers usually feel more awake after consuming their daily magic-drink. This is due to how the caffeine interacts with their body, affects their hormone levels and stimulates their brain activity, explains Coffee Affection, a blog about all things coffee. Caffeine boosts people’s dopamine levels, particularly in the areas of the brain that are linked to the ability to pay attention.
After drinking an espresso, people might notice reduced symptoms of fatigue and drowsiness, and an increase in the ability to focus, concentrate and stay alert. This is why consuming this drink right before work or during an important meeting can do wonders and is a ritual for many successful people worldwide, such as Victoria Beckham.
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It can offer healthy antioxidants
Coffee is particularly rich in several powerful antioxidants, says Healthline, and espresso is a small, concentrated way to consume those healthy nutrients.|
Some of the antioxidants in coffee are hydroxycinnamic acids and polyphenols, which could help with preventing disease.
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Espresso can be a mood booster
Many espresso lovers report that they feel more motivated and positive after their drink in the morning. These claims are backed by science — the caffeine in espresso is a mood booster and can even help fight depression. There have been many studies that come to this conclusion, including one study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health which showed that drinking coffee reduces the risk of depression in women.
Some of the other ways espresso makes us feel better are listed above. When we are more awake and alert and have healthy antioxidants running through our body, we can feel invigorated, healthy and more joyful. And with those positive emotions, we can then manifest good and better things.
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It may help enhance long-term memory
A neuroscientist at the University of California performed a study which found that the process of memory consolidation is enhanced when people drink the equivalent of two espressos. This enhanced process helps people improve their long-term memory, which is why many recommend drinking two cups of espresso per day. It is difficult to know what the results of consuming less or more than two cups per day can do. But remember that every human body is unique, and noticing what works for you with trial and error can be an experiment in better getting to know yourself and your body.
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Espresso is linked to a reduced risk of mental illness
Some of the benefits of drinking espresso daily are more short term, such as boosting our mood. Research shows there may be long-term health benefits to drinking espresso as well.
Some studies have found that consuming caffeinated drinks such as espresso considerably lowers the risk of suffering from diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s. This is in addition to reducing the risk of depression and other mental health illnesses a person may have. Consuming espresso daily can help reduce the risk for these long-term mental health issues, enabling the coffee drinker to enjoy a more positive and healthy life in the present as well.
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