From The Straits Times    |
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Can’t function without caffeine in your system? Join the club.

No matter how many articles we read about the importance of whittling down our daily coffee intake, we’re more than happy to admit that we aren’t quite ready to give up our morning joe.

Caffeine isn’t just your morning or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s a valuable addition to your kitchen cabinet due to a number of reasons. Aside from boosting your mood, this anti-oxidant packed beverage can also help to improve your skin and body when consumed in moderation (the Ministry of Health Singapore recommends not more than 400mg a day). Here are 5 sweet perks of your morning brew.

  1. Slow down the skin ageing process

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Free radicals in the body can lead to the appearance of pesky wrinkles, fine lines and a loss of elasticity. Thankfully, according to a survey conducted by the Daejeon Metropolitan City Institute of Health & Environment, South Korea, coffee contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids that can help to combat free radicals. After comparing different substances, the researchers found that the quantity of antioxidants found in coffee comparable to that of 300 to 590mg of vitamin C. For this reason, caffeine is commonly used in anti-ageing skincare products.

  1. Soothe inflamed skin

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Coffee has also been prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. The Harvard Medical School attributes this to its caffeine content, coupled with powerful antioxidant substances like polyphenols and hydrocinnamic acids. This is great news for those with acne-prone skin as the antioxidants in coffee can help to soothe angry and red breakouts.

  1. Fade dark eye circles

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Dark eye circles can be caused by a combination of factors like dehydration, allergies or a lack of sleep. The anti-inflammatory properties of coffee helps in the reduction of puffiness and inflammation associated with dark circles.

  1. Minimise the appearance of cellulite

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Caffeine found in coffee can help to dehydrate fatty cells which in turn cause the water to disappear from the surface of your skin and minimise the appearance of cellulite. While more research is needed to confirm the benefits, a study published in the 2008 “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” found that caffeine applied topically to mice reduced the diameter of fatty cells by 17 per cent, reducing the appearance of cellulite. Apart from applying body scrubs infused with caffeine to your skin, you can also add instant coffee to a regular body scrub at home.

  1. Protect the skin from UV damage

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A team of researchers from the University of Washington found that an added benefit of caffeine is its ability to directly absorb damaging UV light. Also, coffee that is packed with antioxidants can help to repair any existing skin damage caused by exposure to UV rays.

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