What can drinking coffee do to you?
Every day most of us wake up, feel run-down and unready to conquer the day. Many of us reach for something to give us the needed boost in the morning—coffee.
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. According to the World Atlas, in 2015, the total world production of coffee beans was estimated to be around 148.5 million bags, each bag containing 60 kilograms of beans. But what is the real impact of drinking coffee? Let’s look at few benefits and side effects of drinking coffee.
According to Healthline one of the biggest benefits to drinking coffee is its apparent effect on alertness. Coffee contains an ingredient called caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. Caffeine acts on your central nervous system and stimulates your brain. The result is of course alertness and mild euphoria.
A further benefit of drinking coffee is its apparent effects on memory formation and recall. Research has shown that caffeine can help to improve various elements of memory. Not only that, but caffeine also seems to help preserve memory in the long term, not only in the short term.
Coffee can also have several positive effects on mental health. Coffee contains antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and protect against more severe mental health issues. Researchers have also indicated a potential link between coffee and a reduction in depression, due to its role in increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
Coffee isn’t without its own drawbacks. Many people are sensitive to caffeine, experiencing unpleasant side-effects as a result of drinking it. These can range from mild headaches to more severe anxiety and jitteriness. This may even lead to higher stress levels for some.
Drinking coffee has long been associated with disruption of sleep, particularly for those who are caffeine-sensitive. Healthline states that caffeine can remain in the body for anywhere up to 10 hours after consumption, if the individual has a strong tolerance. Furthermore, caffeine can make it more difficult to fall asleep and can reduce the amount of deep sleep someone experiences.
Dehydration
Drinking excessive amounts of coffee can lead to dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes more fluid loss than fluid retention. In normal people, these effects are usually not pronounced; however, in others, it can lead to noticeable effects due to its ability to increase the need to urinate.
Furthermore, because dehydration can occur quite quickly when drinking too much coffee, it can cause problems in many other areas of the body, from headaches to decreased focus. It is therefore essential that individuals recognize their own sensitivity to caffeine and ensure sufficient water intake throughout the day.
Heart Health
Heart health is a topic of significant concern around the globe. While coffee is seen by many people as largely harmless, excessive consumption can have a detrimental effect on your heart health.
For example, excessive consumption of caffeine can act on your nervous system and raise your heart rate and blood pressure. This can, in some cases, put unnecessary stress on the heart. Furthermore, individuals who drink excessively large amounts of coffee may be consuming too much sugar and unhealthy fats, leading to an increase in cholesterol and obesity.
Addiction
Another often-overlooked problem with coffee consumption is the potential for addiction. While most people can easily reduce their coffee intake or stop drinking coffee altogether, some individuals may find it difficult to do so.
At its core, this issue results from the presence of caffeine in coffee; some people will experience physical withdrawal if they stop drinking coffee for an extended period of time. Furthermore, this physical addiction can lead to psychological addiction, making it even more challenging for the individual to stop drinking coffee.
Liver Function
Finally, coffee can also have negative effects on the liver. For individuals who drink coffee excessively, the gut bacteria in their intestines can break down the caffeine and convert it into a compound called trimethylamine. This substance can, in turn, stick to LDL cholesterol, producing a substance called trimethylamine-N-oxide, which can accumulate in the liver and damage its cells.
While the effects of this accumulation can vary significantly depending on the individual, it is important to note that any sort of buildup of toxins in the liver can cause significant damage. Furthermore, the buildup of toxic compounds can also lead to more serious conditions such as fatty liver disease.
Health Benefits
On the other hand, there are several health benefits to drinking coffee, particularly for individuals in good health, who can tolerate its taste. Regularly drinking coffee can protect against ailments and diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and liver cancer.
Coffee can also reduce inflammation, help improve energy levels, and contribute to healthier teeth. Furthermore, it can also improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of depression, and boost athletic performance.
Moderation
Ultimately, drinking coffee can be beneficial, provided it is enjoyed in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to some of the more unpleasant side-effects, and individuals should be aware of these side-effects when considering whether or not to drink coffee. Ultimately, it is a personal decision and should be treated as such.
Caffeine Content
Another important aspect to consider when drinking coffee is its caffeine content. The amount of caffeine varies depending on the type of coffee one drinks, with some types having more caffeine than others.
For example, instant coffee contains 90 to 180 milligrams of caffeine per cup, whereas espresso can contain anywhere from 40 to 75 milligrams of caffeine per shot. That being said, it is important to keep in mind the amount of caffeine in each cup of coffee in order to ensure that one does not ingest too much.
Diet
Finally, it is important to consider one’s diet when drinking coffee. Drinking coffee with large amounts of sugar or unhealthy fats can lead to health problems down the line, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, excessive consumption of coffee can reduce appetite, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Furthermore, it is important to note that some individuals may experience adverse effects even when drinking moderate amounts of coffee, depending on their sensitivity to it. As such, individuals should tailor their consumption of coffee depending on their personal needs and reactions to it.
