Most people are looking for reasons to drink more coffee. After all, it’s hard to imagine a day without this energy-boosting drink. But a cup of coffee is more than just that. It’s packed with numerous antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals — all of which bolster your health. However, like too much of any good thing, excess coffee consumption can work against your body and mind. Herein, let’s look at some health benefits of drinking coffee.

1. Protects the liver
Your liver is a workhorse! It performs hundreds of different tasks to keep your body function smoothly. Unfortunately, health conditions that mainly affect the liver, such as hepatitis and fatty liver disease, have become common today. And these diseases can lead to cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. The good news for coffee lovers is that drinking at least four cups each day can reduce the risk of cirrhosis by a whopping 80 percent.

2. Curbs certain cancers
This is one of the most significant health benefits of drinking coffee. Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases, and compounds found in coffee are known to have anti-carcinogenic properties that may help reduce tumor growth. Multiple studies have confirmed that coffee can decrease the risk of skin cancer — the most common form of cancer — by 20 percent. It can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men and endometrial cancer in women.

3. Good for the heart
That’s right; your heart loves coffee! A cup of coffee or two every day may help lower the risk of high blood pressure and guard against heart disease, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythm. Studies have associated coffee consumption with a 20 percent lower risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. However, when it comes to heart health, moderate coffee intake is the key. Those who drink heavily are more likely to have uncontrolled blood pressure and heart problems.

4. Prevents Parkinson’s disease
Several studies have been conducted over the years to understand the correlation between caffeine and Parkinson’s disease. One study found that all coffee drinkers are 27 percent less likely to develop the disease, and in some cases, caffeine reduces the risk by 59 percent. Even those with Parkinson’s can benefit from this drink, as it allows better control over body movements. It’s essential to keep in mind that caffeine in coffee is associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s, so those who prefer decaf would not benefit.

5. Lowers type 2 diabetes risk
Another crucial health benefit of drinking coffee is that it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, which affects millions of people in the country by causing blood sugar levels to rise. It’s found that those who drink four or more cups of coffee per day may reduce their chances of diabetes by up to 60 percent. That’s mainly because the drink helps the body control blood sugar and reduce inflammation.