Coffee: The Supercharged Elixir with Hidden Health Benefits

With many businesses now offering coffee machines for the office, it’s worth understanding what you could benefit from by drinking beverages from the office coffee machine. Continue reading to learn more about the hidden benefits of coffee and why you should consider investing in coffee machines for the office.

Coffee, the beloved beverage that has fuelled our mornings for centuries, has a rich and fascinating history. Originating in Ethiopia, coffee quickly spread across the globe, establishing a position as a staple in households and offices alike.

Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi first identified coffee’s stimulating effects when one of the goats in his care became highly energetic after eating the cherries from a specific tree. This discovery eventually led to the cultivation and widespread consumption of coffee across the worlds.

Coffee’s popularity grew exponentially, particularly during the Renaissance period. Coffeehouses emerged as intellectual and social hubs, where people gathered to discuss politics, art, and literature (read more in our article on the Surprising History of Coffee in the UK here). These establishments quickly spread across Europe, becoming an integral part of society.

In the 20th century, coffee’s rise continued with the invention of the office coffee machine. These machines revolutionised workplace beverages, providing employees with a convenient and accessible source of caffeine. Office coffee machines became a symbol of productivity in the early days of office coffee and became an important factor for increased workplace efficiency.

Today, coffee is not only a popular morning beverage but also a global phenomenon. From specialty cafes to instant coffee sachets, the options are endless. Whether you prefer a creamy latte, a strong espresso, or a refreshing iced coffee, there is a coffee for every palate.

So, next time you’re enjoying a great cup of java, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and global influence of this supercharged elixir. From its humble origins in Ethiopia to the office coffee machines of the modern workplace, coffee continues to captivate and energise people all over the world.

Though it’s the most well-known and best understood component of coffee, the beverage is more than just caffeine – it is a supercharged elixir with hidden mental and physical health benefits. A new study has shown that the effects of drinking coffee cannot be replicated by consuming water with caffeine, alone.

In the study, conducted by researchers at the University of Minho’s School of Medicine in Portugal, participants who drank a minimum of one cup of coffee per day were recruited. They underwent two brief MRI brain scans – one before consumption and one 30 minutes after either taking caffeine or drinking a standardised cup of coffee. The results were intriguing.

It was found that consuming both coffee and caffeine led to decreased nerve connectivity in the brain’s default mode network, the part of the brain that is most active when not focussed. However, drinking coffee seemed to deliver the additional benefit of increasing the connectivity in the brain’s more advanced nerve network, particularly the region that impacts focus and interestingly short-term memory. This effect was not observed when participants consumed the water with caffeine mix.

These findings suggest that while caffeinated drinks may share some of the effects of coffee, there are still some special benefits that come from coffee drinking. So, the next time you grab a cup of joe from one of the office coffee machines, know that you’re not just getting a boost of energy; you’re also giving your brain a little extra support. Cheers to coffee and its hidden benefits!

Most of us reach for a cup of coffee in the morning to give ourselves a little boost of energy. However, the benefits of coffee go beyond just its caffeine content. Research has shown that coffee can also improve brain function.

Studies have found that coffee consumption can improve cognitive function, especially in areas related to attention, memory, and concentration. This is because caffeine in coffee blocks adenosine, a chemical in the brain that promotes sleepiness and helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. By blocking adenosine, coffee can increase alertness and mental acuity.

Moreover, coffee has also been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is thought that the antioxidants in coffee may have a protective effect on the brain, reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of new brain cells.

We are all aware of the mental benefits that come from a freshly made brew, but having added protection against some of the world’s most damaging diseases is a major plus to drinking coffee.

Typically, we look at hydration as being a pivotal element of physical performance, and for good reason. On the flip side, coffee is a diuretic which can lead to more toilet breaks and a more rapid dehydration of the body, so you’d be forgiven for thinking that coffee and physical performance are not friends.

However, several studies have found that caffeine can improve endurance and reduce perceived exertion during exercise, leading to better athletic performance. Consuming coffee between 45 minutes and 60 minutes prior to exercise gave the best results, with the caffeine having had time to be absorbed by the body before exercising.

One study showed that consuming caffeine before exercise led to a 11-12% improvement in endurance performance. Additionally, caffeine has been found to increase the use of fat as fuel during exercise, which can enhance fat loss.

Interestingly, the effects of caffeine on physical performance seem to be most pronounced in those who don’t regularly consume coffee or other caffeinated beverages. This means that if you’re not a regular coffee drinker, incorporating it into your pre-workout routine could give you a noticeable boost.

Of course, if you’re planning to consume coffee for its physical performance benefits, it’s important to be mindful of the potential downsides. Too much caffeine can cause jitteriness, anxiety, and insomnia, so moderating coffee intake is key to balancing these downsides with the benefits to physical performance.

Fortunately, with coffee machines for the office becoming increasingly popular, it’s easy to get your caffeine fix without having to leave the workplace, which can be particularly helpful if you head straight from work to the gym in an evening. Take advantage of that office coffee machine before you leave!

Caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, has been shown to increase metabolism and suppress appetite. This means that drinking coffee can help you burn more calories and feel less hungry throughout the day. In fact, studies from as early as the 1970s have found that drinking coffee can increase fat oxidation and reduce the risk of obesity.

Aside from this surprising metabolism boost, adding coffee to your diet can often be a healthier alternative to other high calorie and sugary drinks. By choosing black coffee or adding a small amount of milk and sweetener, you can keep your calorie intake low while still enjoying a great tasting beverage.

Coffee machines for the office can make it easier to incorporate coffee into your daily routine and help you stay on track with your weight management goals. Just remember to consume coffee in moderation and avoid adding excessive amounts of sugar or milk, if you’re looking to limit calorific intake. With its weight management benefits and delicious taste, coffee is truly a supercharged elixir that can benefit both your health and your taste buds.

If you’re looking to introduce one of nature’s greatest elixirs to your workplace, or are looking to upgrade your existing office coffee machines, why not reach out to our team of vending experts. We’ve been implementing bespoke coffee solutions for businesses for over 25 years and can help you find the perfect match for your organisation.

Give us a call on 01865 341011 or send us an enquiry to receive a callback from a member of our team. We’d love to hear from you.