Coffee has become an integral part of modern life; it is now almost inconceivable to imagine a day without it. Drinking coffee has been popular since the 15th century and it is estimated that over 2 billion cups of coffee are downed every day. But what happens if you drink coffee?
When consumed in moderation and without any added creams and sugars, coffee can bring a host of benefits. For instance, as noted by a number of studies, drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain forms of cancer. Additionally, it can help provide an added energy boost, which can help people stay alert and focused throughout the day.
However, it is important to remember that too much of anything can be a bad thing, especially when it comes to coffee. Consuming too much caffeine can cause anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, nausea and even heart palpitations. It is therefore recommended to drink no more than 3 cups of coffee a day, or a maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine. It is also important to note that the strength of the coffee and any additional sugar or creams added to it can raise the caffeine content, so it’s best to keep an eye on those additional factors.
Apart from the direct effects of the caffeine, the drink itself is packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress on the body. This, in turn, can help reduce the risk of a number of ailments, such as certain cancers, stroke, hypertension and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, coffee can also help improve cognitive function, specifically in terms of attention and focus. In fact, according to a study done by the University of Arizona, regular coffee drinkers were consistently better able to focus and remain attentive, compared to non-coffee drinkers.
It is also believed that drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of developing depression; a 2017 study showed that those who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day were 53% less likely to commit suicide than those who consumed less than one cup per day.
On the flipside, coffee can also be quite acidic and this can cause problems for individuals with a sensitive digestive system. Additionally, caffeinated beverages can also act as diuretics, which can lead to dehydration. Drinking too much coffee can also have other side effects such as headaches, heartburn and irritability.
Addiction And Withdrawal
Though coffee is considered safe in moderation, it is important to note that frequent coffee drinkers can become addicted to the beverage, leading to feelings of irritability, headaches, and difficulty focusing if the drink is taken away. This is due to the effects of caffeine, which can act as a stimulant for the nervous system.
When consumed on a regular basis, coffee can lead to tolerance, which means that more and more of the drink needs to be consumed in order to get the same effect. This can lead to coffee becoming more of a regular habit than a treat and can even lead to coffee addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Those trying to wean off of coffee may experience difficulty sleeping, increased fatigue and headaches, which can all make it difficult to be productive during the day. Additionally, the lack of energy can lower motivation and make it harder to get through the day. To combat these withdrawal symptoms, experts recommend drinking more water and getting more sleep to make up for the lack of energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking coffee can have a range of positive and negative effects, depending on how much is consumed. Moderation is key, as drinking too much coffee can cause anxiety and other health issues. Additionally, coffee addiction and withdrawal symptoms can occur in those who frequently drink the beverage.
Health Benefits
Drinking moderate amounts of coffee – 3 to 4 cups per day – can have a range of positive benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. Additionally, it can provide a boost of energy and help to improve focus and concentration.
Coffee also contains antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress on the body, in turn, reducing the risk of cancer, stroke, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, studies have also found that those who drink 4 or more cups of coffee per day are 53% less likely to commit suicide than those who consume less than one cup per day.
Short-Term Effects
In terms of the short-term effects, drinking coffee can give an energy boost and help to improve focus, alertness, and concentration; however, it is important to note that drinking too much coffee can have the opposite effect. Consuming too much caffeine can cause restlessness, nausea, heart palpitations, and even anxiety. Therefore, it is important to stick to drinking no more than 3 cups of coffee a day.
It is also worth noting that the strength of the coffee and any additional sugars or creams can have an effect on the caffeine content, so it is important to keep an eye on those extra factors.
Side Effects
Though drinking coffee can bring about a range of positive effects, it is important to note that it can also bring about negative side effects when consumed in excess. For instance, due to its acidic nature, drinking too much coffee can cause problems for those with a sensitive digestive system. Additionally, caffeinated beverages can act as diuretics, leading to dehydration and problems such as headaches, heartburn, and irritability.
The caffeine in coffee can also lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms when consumed on a regular basis. Those trying to wean off of coffee may experience difficulty sleeping, increased fatigue, and headaches, which can all make it difficult to remain productive during the day.
