When is a Good Age to Start Drinking Coffee?
Coffee has been a long-time staple in many households, but with its increasingly popular presence among younger generations, it is worth asking when a good age is to start drinking coffee. Typically, most people begin drinking coffee anywhere between 16-18. While this could depend on individual choices and metabolism, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with drinking coffee prior to being a certain age.
Nutrition experts consider coffee to be a healthy beverage, provided it is enjoyed in moderation. However, studies have found that starting to drink coffee too early can affect young adults and teens’ health negatively. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in America claim that young adults who began drinking coffee young were found to be more prone to depression and to consume more caffeine than otherwise recommended.
Caffeine works by altering the dopamine levels in the brain which can lead to addicts. This effect is not only seen in coffee but other beverages like soda and energy drinks. It can be difficult to break the dependency once it has been established, specifically if someone has been drinking coffee for a long period of time. That’s why research has found that it is best to start at an older age if you want to drink coffee.
However, regardless of individual metabolism, the American Coffee Association recommends for people under the age of 18 to minimise their caffeine intake, especially in beverages.
In addition to drinking coffee, it is important to remember that caffeine comes in other drinks such as energy drinks and tea. It is therefore important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine one consumes, regardless of the beverage. It is best to stick to healthier alternatives like herbal teas and natural juices, which can also provide a caffeine intake but without the sugar.
Regular experts in health may also discourage having more than two cups of coffee a day, regardless of an individual’s age. As the Pregnant & Breastfeeding Association suggests on their website, caffeine also affects the milk production of nursing mothers, so adolescents who are breastfeeding shouldn’t drink coffee as it can affect their milk production.
There are other aspects to consider when deciding what age to start drinking coffee. Generally, most mental health professionals suggest that an 18-year-old should wait before developing a caffeine habit. At that point, an individual’s body would have developed enough for them to properly gauge their tolerance to caffeine and the associated risks, and be able to make an informed decision.
Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Although there are risks associated with drinking coffee, it can still be included as part of a healthy diet. The Harvard School of Public Health highlights the benefits of drinking coffee. It can improve alertness and concentration as well as potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
It can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and aging and slow down cognitive decline, allowing coffee drinkers to research a sharper memory in their older age. Moreover, coffee can be a great, designed to reduce stress and give energy to continue through the day. Coffee also offers a great selection of non-dairy, organic or vegan milks,allowing coffee drinkers to enjoy their beverage of choice if they follow a special diet.
Types of Coffee Beverages
Nowadays, coffee comes in many forms and can be adapted to fit any lifestyle. Regardless of age, there is a coffee available for everyone. Some of the best coffee beverages include espresso, cappuccino, latte, cold brew and americano, as well as coffee blends. All these drinks can be enjoyed with a preference of flavor, aroma, or stamina level.
A cold brew is a great choice for those who like a smoother and sweeter flavor. An espresso shot can help an individual energise when feeling sluggish and the combination of it with the foamed milk of a cappuccino provides a unique, creamy drink. For those who have already built up a tolerance to caffeine, the americano and the latte are great options for a morning pick me-up.
Overall, coffee can be enjoyed in many styles and prepared to fit an individual’s lifestyle with just a few tips. Moreover, depending on the type of drink, it can be consumed either hot or cold.
Understanding Your Caffeine Consumption
It is important to be aware of how much caffeine you consume in the day and to understand that coffee and other caffeinated beverages should be enjoyed in moderation. For health-conscious individuals looking to reduce their caffeine intake, gradually reducing the amount of flavoured coffee drinks each day can help. It is also worth looking into how caffeine can affect different individuals and be aware of how much caffeine is in specific drinks.
Brewed coffee generally contains 95-200mg of caffeine per cup depending on the type of beans used and the brewing time. Espresso shots have 65-90mg of caffeine and popular coffee house brands such as Starbucks typically contain 130-215mg of caffeine. It is recommended to stick to drinks with less caffeine and cold brews only have 40-65mg of caffeine which is why it is a recommended beverage.
These facts can help individuals make an informed decisions when it comes to enjoying coffee and it is worth looking into natural caffeine substitutes such as green tea and yerba mate for those looking for a healthier alternative.
Risks of Drinking Coffee
It is important to be aware of the risks associated with drinking coffee. Too much caffeine can lead to dehydration and upset the balance of energy levels, making an individual feel sluggish and sleepy. Caffeine can also interfere with the absorption of certain minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium which can cause a number of health issues.
In terms of mental health, relying on caffeine as a source of energy can lead to anxiety, sleep deprivation, and cause feelings of depression while high doses of caffeine can lead to heart palpitations, chest pain, and anxiety attacks. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the side effect of caffeine before incorporating it in the diet for younger individuals.
Additional Impacts of Coffee Consumption
Aside from potential health risks, coffee consumption has other impacts including environmental and economical. It is worth noting that coffee production has been linked with deforestation and the loss of natural habitats and native wildlife. Moreover, the production of coffee is an important part of many countries’ economies. For example in Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam, this industry makes up around a fourth of the total export generated.
Therefore, individuals should look into buying ethically-sourced coffee, such as those approved by the Rainforest Alliance or the Fair Trade. As well as ensuring the coffee production and selling process is ethical and sustainable, these coffees are higher quality and also tend to taste better. Drinking these types of coffees will also help support local farmers and communities while reducing the environmental impact of the production.
Perceptions of Coffee Around the World
Perceptions of coffee vary among different countries and cultures. Generally, countries like Italy and Brazil are the top consumers of coffee, with Brazil alone consuming over 2 million tonnes of it in 2019. Europe is also known for having strong beliefs in the health benefits of coffee, from reducing the risk of Parkinson’s to helping relieve depression.
In comparison, countries such as India and Japan generally do not have as strong of a tradition or beliefs surrounding coffee drinking. This is likely due to both cultures having a traditional preference for tea over coffee and not having the same deep-rooted belief in its health benefits as countries in Europe.
Overall, it is certain that the perception and beliefs around coffee drinking vary throughout the world. The variety of these beliefs should be considered when determining when a good age to start drinking coffee is.
Plant-Derived Alternatives to Coffee
For those looking for a healthier alternative to coffee, there are many plant-derived beverages that can offer a great caffeine substitute. Kombucha is a naturally fermented beverage made from black tea, which is often flavoured with ginger or blueberry. It is known for its energising properties and antioxidants, as well as its preventive stance on cavities.
Yerba mate also offers an ideal caffeine alternative. It has been a highly consumed drink in South America for hundreds of years and is even considered the national drink of Paraguay and Argentina. It is made from the leaves of an evergreen holly and is naturally caffeinated and packed with health benefits.
Similarly, guayusa is another plant-based caffeinated drink native to the Amazon rainforest. It is made from holly leaves and is similar to yerba mate, yet has a sweeter taste and higher levels of chlorogenic acid which can help boost metabolism.
Finally, herbal tea is a great natural drink which can offer many health benefits, depending on its ingredients. Peppermint, green tea and chamomile are typically the most popular varieties and are caffeine free. These teas are packed with antioxidants and can help lower stress levels.
