Thread by @AlpacaAurelius

Caffeine gets a lot of hate in the health world, but it's really one of the most beneficial compounds there is.

You don't need to quit caffeine to be healthy. In fact, you should keep drinking it for all the benefits:

Here's why:

#1 ASSOCIATED WITH LONGEVITY

Coffee intake is associated with reduced mortality and increased longevity.

The mechanisms are described below, but includes improved cognitive function, mood, endurance, metabolic function, thyroid function & hormonal profile.

#2 BOOSTS COGNITIVE FUNCTION & PROTECTS AGAINST NEURODEGENERATION

Caffeine is one of the best things for your brain It boosts cognitive function, memory & focus.

It's also associated with a 65% lower risk of dementia and Alzheimers according to this study

In this study on mice, caffeine was even able to reduce the cognitive impairment from Alzheimers

Studies show that it can increase the NAMPT enzyme in the brain, which protects against Alzheimers by recycling NAD.

#3 IMPROVES MOOD & ANTI DEPRESSIVE

One of the biggest reasons people like caffeine is for the mood boost

The studies below shows that caffeine increases dopamine and dopamine receptor availability.

Dopamine is crucial for motivation, pleasure, and focus.

Caffeine also has an anti depressive effect

This study shows it can protect against the chronic mild stressor induced depression, one of the biggest cause of depressioon today.

#4 BOOSTS METABOLISM & INSULIN SENSITIVTY

Caffeine is one of the best things for your metabolism by increasing insulin sensitivity, active thyroid hormone, and glucose disposal.

According to this study caffeine significantly reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

#5 ANTI CANCER

Coffee intake is associated with reduced risk of oral, pharynx, liver, colon, prostate, endometrial cancer and melanoma

It has compounds such as cafestol and kahweol which protect against tumors and DNA damage.

Caffeine also protects against skin cancer and melanoma

And this study shows that it can protect against breast cancer by lowering estrogen

#6 INCREASE TESTOSTERONE

We're being flooded by estrogens, in a low testosterone epidemic and we need everything we can to boost T levels.

Caffeine may be one of the most effective ways.

In this study on mice caffeine raised T and DHT by 68% and 57% respectively.

Caffeine can also lower excess estrogen which will boost testosterone.

#7 IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Caffeine improves athletic endurance.

It also aids glycogen replenishment post exercise.

#8 AMAZING FOR LIVER

Caffeine is one of the best things for your liver, aiding with detox via up regulating enzymes that protect against damage.

#9 ANTIOXIDANTS, NUTRIENTS

Coffee is rich in polyphenols, hydrocinnamic acid and antioxidants that prevent against oxidative stress.

It's also one of the best sources of magnesium

TIPS FOR DRINKING CAFFEINE

- Make sure to get organic, low in mold
- filter water and don't heat in plastic
- Opt for medium or dark roast coffee to minimize acrylamide
- Try Yerba mate
- Don't drink on an empty stomach or you can overtax adrenals