If you’re among the 62% of Americans who can’t imagine a day without coffee, there’s good news.[*] Far from being a mere pick-me-up, your daily cup of coffee could be working behind the scenes to improve your health in ways you might not expect.
In this article, we’ll be focusing specifically on coffee benefits for men. From enhancing physical performance to staving off cognitive decline, we’ll delve into the many ways this beloved beverage can contribute to men’s well-being.
The Health Benefits of Coffee for Men
Coffee’s rich aroma and robust flavors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this beverage’s perks. Beneath the surface, a wealth of health-related benefits is brewing. Let’s take a closer look at these science-backed advantages:
1. Reduces Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition in men, particularly in older men. It’s estimated that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 will experience it to some degree.
One unexpected ally in staving off this condition could be sitting in your coffee cup. One study found that men who consumed between 171-303 milligrams of caffeine (the amount in 2-3 cups of coffee) daily were 39% less likely to report ED than those who didn’t consume caffeine.[*]
The mechanisms behind this benefit might be linked to caffeine’s ability to promote blood flow. By relaxing certain muscles and arteries in the penis, caffeine can potentially improve erectile function, offering men a natural remedy for this common condition.
2. Supports Mood
Mental health is a serious concern for men. Over 6 million men suffer from depression each year and 3 million from an anxiety disorder.[*] Unfortunately, men are less likely to seek help for mood disorders, so they usually go untreated.
While drinking coffee certainly isn’t a cure-all, research has shown that it can reduce the risk of depression. In one study, people who drank at least four cups of coffee daily were less likely to develop depression than those who drank just one cup.[*]
This benefit is thought to be due to caffeine’s ability to stimulate the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
3. Enhances Exercise Performance
Physical fitness often plays a central role in men’s health regimes. Alongside staples like protein shakes and pre-workout supplements, coffee is another beverage that can bolster your athletic ambitions. One study revealed that men who drank a cup of coffee about an hour before cycling finished their workouts faster than those who consumed a placebo drink.[*]
How does this work? The caffeine in coffee acts as a natural performance enhancer by boosting adrenaline levels. This could translate to more energized, effective workouts.
4. Lowers Risk of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a leading health concern for men. Out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime.[*]
Fortunately, research points to the potential cancer-fighting properties of coffee, suggesting that regular consumption can lower the risk of developing this disease.[*] This is attributed to coffee's antioxidants and bioactive compounds that help combat cellular damage.
5. Supports Liver Health
Over time, lifestyle habits like excessive alcohol consumption can cause significant damage to the liver. And while not unique to men, there’s no denying that many men love kicking back with some brewskies on the regular.
While coffee won’t make you impervious to the effects of alcohol or other toxins, it may offer some protection. One study found that the more coffee people consumed, the lower their risk was of death from chronic liver disease. Drinking one cup of coffee daily was linked to a 15% lower risk, while drinking four cups daily was tied to a 71% lower risk.[*]
6. Protects Against Cognitive Decline
As people age, cognitive health becomes an increasingly significant concern. Coffee’s unique compounds could offer an extra layer of protection in this regard.
One analysis of 13 studies found that people who consistently consumed caffeine were notably less likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, caffeine appeared to decelerate the disease’s progression over time.[*]
Similarly, an evaluation of 11 observational studies involving over 29,000 participants showed a clear trend: the higher the coffee intake, the lower the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.[*]
Coffee’s potential protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may be attributed to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can counteract oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are implicated in these diseases.
Additionally, coffee has been shown to improve insulin, and insulin resistance has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.[*]
7. Decreased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Men are almost twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women.[*] While preventing type 2 diabetes requires a holistic approach, research indicates that regular coffee consumption may contribute to a reduced likelihood of developing the disease.
One review of 30 studies revealed that each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 6% decrease in the risk of diabetes.[*] This protective effect is believed to stem from coffee's ability to support the functioning of pancreatic beta cells, which are instrumental in insulin production and blood sugar regulation.[*]
Additionally, coffee's rich antioxidant profile may positively influence factors like insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism, all of which play roles in the onset of type 2 diabetes.[*]
How Much Coffee Is Optimal for Men?
Determining the optimal amount of coffee can be a bit of a balancing act, as the benefits need to outweigh any potential downsides. For men looking to tap into the health advantages of coffee, the amount might differ based on your goals:
- For exercise performance, 1 cup about an hour before your workout could be beneficial.
- To reduce the risk of prostate cancer or support liver health, long-term moderate coffee drinking, typically defined as 3-5 cups per day, appears promising.
- For mood support and cognitive benefits, 3-4 cups daily seems to be the sweet spot.
Men with certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, heart problems, or anxiety disorders, should consult their healthcare providers to discuss appropriate caffeine intake.
Quality Matters: Choose IQJOE
If you’re looking for an option that takes your regular coffee benefits a notch higher, consider IQJOE. This instant caffeinated coffee is specifically formulated with three powerhouse nutrients designed to support energy, cognitive performance, and mood (sans side effects like jitters and crashes!).
Each packet of IQJOE includes:
- 750mg of Magtein® (Mg L-Threonate) for improved cognition and mood
- 250mg of concentrated Lion’s Mane for brain health and adaptogenic benefits
- 200mg of Natural Caffeine for jitter-free, sustained energy
IQJOE is vegan and keto-friendly, and free from gluten, dairy, and soy.
☕️Try our 16-Stick Variety Pack to find your favorite IQJOE flavors!
Why settle for an ordinary cup of joe when you can sip your way to a sharper, more energized you?
Written by Katie Koschalk, a health and wellness writer, certified holistic nutritionist, and certified personal trainer based in California.
