We all know a cup of coffee can give us that extra burst of energy we need in the office, but new research suggests that coffee may provide more than just short term benefits. Recent experiments have shown a link between coffee consumption and longer life expectancy, reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, basal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, oral cancer and breast cancer recurrence.

Perhaps the most significant results have linked coffee with positive effects on the ageing brain. Mice were shown to regenerate memories 33% faster when dosed with the caffeine equivalent of a several cups of coffee. In a 2013 study, participants with early stages of Alszheimers were shown to deteriorate much faster than their counterparts who drank coffee regularly.

Although there is still much to learn about exact benefits of coffee on the brain, it’s certainly looking like the world’s favourite beverage may be more than just a delicious habit. Read the full article By Gretchen Reynolds of the New York Times.