A waitress serves coffee to customers at a coffee bar in Sao Paulo
A waitress serves coffee to customers at a coffee bar in Sao Paulo Reuters/Nacho Doce

Aside from keeping you alert first thing in the morning, there are plenty of other health and nutritional benefits that can be derived from drinking coffee. Some of the contents of coffee can actually prevent serious diseases and boost mental function.

Here are five reasons why you should regularly have a cup:

1. Boosts mental alertness and cognitive function

Caffeine blocks adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. As a result, more neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine are created, thereby exciting neurons in the brain. As a result, you get a stimulating effect where you feel more alert and active and have a lighter mood.

2. Fat loss

Coffee is also effective for fat loss by boosting your metabolic rate by about three to 11 percent. Fat burning then becomes more efficient with caffeine in your system. Other fat-loss effects that coffee provides include suppressing your appetite and preventing hunger pangs. A study presented at the American Chemical Society showed that individuals who took green coffee every day lost about 10% of their total body weight.

3. Preventing serious diseases

Coffee is known to prevent a number of serious illnesses. It contains agents that get rid of toxins and other harmful agents in the body, thereby preventing the development of Parkinson's disease, liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. A research published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information revealed that a number of life-threatening conditions can be prevented by regular consumption of coffee.

4. Getting essential nutrients

There are several beneficial nutrients in coffee that you can get such as pantothenic acid or vitamin B5, riboflavin or vitamin B2, magnesium, niacin, manganese and potassium.

5. Fighting depression

A study conducted at Harvard University revealed that drinking four cups of coffee a day lowered the risk of developing depression among women as well as reduce suicidal tendencies. Doctors associate the positive mental effects with the increase in neurotransmitter production, which in effect improves mood.

Regardless of the type of coffee you prefer or the flavors you might add to the mix, you can get the associated health benefits for many years.