In the UK alone 34-41 million of us are regular coffee drinkers, which equates to approximately 98 million cups of coffee being consumed every day, and means that coffee has now overtaken tea as the country’s most popular drink (after water). Tens of thousands of studies have been conducted into its pros and cons, with conclusions shifting coffee’s status over the past couple of decades from a caffeine source to superfood.
Research undertaken this year alone suggests coffee might protect against liver cancer, slow ageing, reduce the risk of dementia and improve heart health. Experts seem to agree these health benefits come down to coffee’s polyphenols, which Dr Rupy Aujla, GP, best-selling author and founder of the Doctor’s Kitchen, describes as “plant compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects”. Also found in berries, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, “they feed your gut bacteria, encouraging beneficial species, support gut lining integrity, help protect blood vessels, improve endothelial function and support healthy blood pressure,” adds Aujla.
