The Healthy Side of Espresso: 8 Benefits You Should Know

People relish coffee worldwide, often in the form of lattes, mochas and cappuccinos. There are also those coffee aficionados who take their cup of joe straight up as pure espresso. They enjoy its flavourful taste, tantalising aroma and, more importantly, its intense caffeine kick as they gear up for the day.

But did you know there’s so much more to espresso than the quick jolt of energy it provides?

This article highlights the reasons why the next time you’re on the hunt for coffee beans in the UAE, you should be brewing them to make espresso. Check out these 8 benefits it offers.

1. Enhances Concentration

If you’re an avid espresso drinker, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the heightened sense of focus that comes with every sip. That’s caffeine at work.

As a stimulant, caffeine blocks the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that often causes you to feel fatigued and sleepy. In doing so, it improves your cognitive performance and allows you to concentrate for long hours on end.

2. Aids in Weight Loss

Espresso lovers rejoice: your favourite daytime companion can also help you shed those pesky extra pounds.

Espresso has a high caffeine content which, when consumed, prompts your nervous system to send direct signals to the fat cells, telling them to break down the fat stored in your body and use it for energy instead.

And that’s not all to be said for this dark elixir. It also has appetite-suppressing properties that can make you feel fuller for longer so you can resist those cravings that derail your weight-loss efforts.

3. Improves Physical Performance

You’ve probably heard of athletes taking caffeine-infused, pre-workout protein shakes and energy drinks. While this may seem like a taste preference, there is science behind it.

The caffeine in espresso can give you a burst of energy when your physical performance begins to dip. It increases the levels of adrenaline and norepinephrine in your body and allows you to push yourself further and go longer than you normally would.

According to Medical News Today, athletes should opt for an espresso instead of regular brewed black coffee because it has more caffeine and a lower liquid volume, making it less likely to cause an upset stomach. They should also consume it 30 minutes before their workout for optimum results.

4. Lowers the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Liver Cancer

Among the many benefits of espresso, perhaps the most significant is that it could reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and liver cancer.

For type 2 diabetes, it’s believed that caffeine can help keep the beta cells in your pancreas healthy. These cells are important because they make insulin, that’s vital for maintaining blood sugar levels stable.

One review of 30 studies found that with every cup of coffee that people consumed daily, their chances of developing type 2 diabetes dropped by 6%.

And when it comes to liver cancer, the antioxidants present in espresso can help reduce inflammation and liver stiffness, which is what healthcare professionals check in relation to fibrosis, the formation of excess scar tissue in the liver that can lead to cancer.

5. Promotes Proper Digestion

Those who prefer natural remedies to over-the-counter medications will be thrilled to know that espresso can help alleviate digestion troubles.

Its caffeine compounds can stimulate digestion enzymes, boost colon motility, and support the gut microbiota or the good bacteria in your stomach—all of which can make it easier for your body to break down food and promote better gut health.

6. Elevates Mood

Many espresso enthusiasts will attest to how much more relaxed and upbeat they feel after indulging in their favourite cup of joe. There’s a lot of research to back up this sentiment, too.

According to Psychology Today, the caffeine found in espresso and other types of coffee can help combat depression and enhance a person’s mood because it latches onto the dopamine receptors in the brain and amplifies their effects.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is closely linked with feelings of satisfaction and reward. So drinking espresso can help bring about a sense of optimism and motivation.

7. Preserves Mental Health

In case you need another reason to love espresso, here it is. Aside from its mood-elevating qualities, the caffeine in espresso may also protect against mental illnesses like Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and even Parkinson’s disease.

Studies have revealed an inverse relationship between caffeine consumption and the occurrence of cognitive disorders. This means the higher your intake of espresso or other types of coffee, the lower your chances of developing these debilitating brain conditions.

8. Boosts Antioxidant Numbers

High levels of toxins and free radicals in the body can cause many diseases and ailments. That’s where antioxidants come in as they act as ‘cleaners’ and oxidise free radicals to form harmless substances that can later be flushed out of the bloodstream and body.

All types of coffee are naturally loaded with antioxidants, but espresso has one of the highest antioxidant concentrations. That’s because the brewing process of espresso further boosts its antioxidant properties.

Additionally, because espresso beans are typically ground right before consumption, the freshness of the beans is preserved, and their antioxidant content remains intact.

Take an Espresso Shot for Health

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the health benefits of espresso. But remember that, as with anything, it’s always important to drink espresso in moderation and be mindful of your daily intake.

And when looking for espresso beans in Dubai, aim for high-quality, responsibly sourced products that let you get the most health benefits from this beverage.