Coffee Consumption Facts
Coffee is one of the most well-known beverages around the world. According to the National Coffee Association, 64% of Americans over 18 are consuming coffee every day. The survey used for the NCA’s 2020 National Coffee Data Trends also showed that 60 million Americans can be considered daily drinkers, meaning those who consume one to three cups of coffee a day. Additionally, 7.5 million Americans can be called “heavy users”, drinking four or more cups of coffee each day.
Around the world, more people are drinking coffee than ever before. The demand for coffee has been growing for the last four decades. Global coffee consumption rose by a yearly average of 2.5% between 1980 and 2016. In the year 2018, over 9 billion kilograms of coffee were produced around the world.
Effects of Coffee on theBody
Most people consume coffee for its stimulating effects. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that increases energy and alertness. However, drinking too much coffee can have negative effects on the body. Some people can feel ‘wired’ and have trouble sleeping after drinking coffee. Too much caffeine can also result in headaches, stomach issues, and issues with heart rate.
People who drink coffee regularly can become dependant on the beverage for energy. The habitual drinking of coffee can cause withdrawals when not able to drink coffee such as tiredness, headaches, and irritability. Caffeine can also become toxic if too much is consumed and can cause a range of symptoms and even death.
Health Benefits of Coffee Consumption
Although coffee has potential adverse effects, it can also be beneficial for health when consumed in moderation. Coffee consumption is associated with longer lifespan and a reduced risk of certain diseases. Regular consumption of coffee can reduce the risk of suffering strokes, some forms of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, moderate consumption of coffee can improve energy levels, concentration, mood and memory.
How Old Should You Drink Coffee?
Drinking coffee has both benefits and risks, making it important to know when it is appropriate to introduce coffee into one’s diet. According to the guidelines proposed by the European Food Safety Authority, it is safe for adults to drink 400 milligrams a day of coffee which is roughly four cups a day. This amount of coffee corresponds to 20% of the daily recommended caffeine limit for adults.
When it comes to younger people, mainly children, the health effects of coffee consumption remain unclear. Although coffee may be beneficial for adults, it is recommended that those aged ten or below do not consume any form of caffeine. Those aged between eleven and seventeen, should follow the same guidelines as adults for safe coffee consumption.
Risks of Early Coffee Consumption
Although there is no direct correlation between early coffee introduction and poor health, there are other risks associated with its consumption. Caffeine is a stimulant and consuming too much caffeine can increase stress levels, result in restlessness, insomnia, and have a negative impact on other aspects of children’s wellbeing such as their academic performance and concentration. Early exposure to coffee could also result in a greater risk of caffeine addiction later in life.
Alternatives to Coffee
Adults should have the choice to consume coffee in moderation or avoid it completely. Those under 18 or pregnant women should also consider other alternatives to coffee such as tea and non-caffeinated natural drinks such as fruit or herbal infusions. These alternatives contain no caffeine and can provide similar health benefits as coffee from their high antioxidant content.
Effect of Coffee Consumption on Children
Studies have looked into the effects of caffeine on children and have observed that those who consume caffeine on a regular basis may have an increased risk of developing a caffeine addiction later in life. Regular caffeine consumption can also have an impact on a child’s sleeping patterns and result in difficulty falling or staying asleep. This can have an impact on their daytime performance, such as their ability to concentrate or memorize information.
Conclusion
Although coffee consumption can be beneficial for adults, introducing it to children’s diet can be more complicated. Children should avoid drinking coffee as there is no clear evidence about its benefits for them. Children are recommended to consume natural caffeine-free beverages such as tea or fruit infusions for the same health benefits as coffee, yet without the potential side-effects.
