Most of us have found ourselves dependant on our morning cup of coffee but can drinking coffee everyday be bad for us?
The general consensus is that coffee can be part of a healthy diet in moderate amounts. Caffeine is a stimulant, prompting a reaction to the central nervous system and giving us a boost. The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee usually varies between 75 and 150 mg, but can be higher or lower depending on the type and strength of coffee you’re drinking.
But too much coffee can lead to difficulties in getting to sleep at night, or an inability to stay asleep. This can, in turn, lead to drowsiness and fatigue. Consuming large amounts of caffeine can also lead to feelings of restlessness and being overwhelmed.
The amount of coffee consumed by a healthy adult would need to be quite high before reaching toxic levels; in most cases, 10 to 20 cups per day.
Overconsumption of coffee can also lead to higher amounts of fat and cholesterol in the body. Studies have found that individuals drinking 3 or more cups of coffee a day have higher levels of cholesterol than those who don’t drink as much, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Nevertheless, experts suggest that this increase in risk is relatively small when compared to other lifestyle factors such as dietary intake and lack of exercise.
Drinking coffee in moderation is ok, but it is recommended that people stick to a maximum of 3 cups a day. In addition, it’s always better to consume coffee in its purest form. Adding sweeteners, milk, and other ingredients often results in adding additional calories and fats to your coffee which can increase your risk of health problems.
Experts also suggest that if we consume coffee on a daily basis, it’s important to mix it up with other drinks in order to get sufficient amounts of essential vitamins and minerals that can’t be obtained in coffee alone.
Effects on energy levels
The false alarming effects of caffeine consumption worry many coffee drinkers. What happens next is that people feel lethargic and conscious of their energy levels. It should be known that moderate levels of caffeine can help give you a much needed energy boost, however too much of it can actually start – paradoxically – to drain your energy levels. Such levels of dietary intake can lead to insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, and jitteriness.
Too much coffee can also lead to poor absorption of iron and calcium, both of which are essential for a healthy body. It’s important to understand that the key to prevent these effects is finding the balance between having enough coffee to feel revitalized and too much which can leave your body in a state of exhaustion.
In fact, recent research has suggested that caffeine can be beneficial. One study concluded that consuming up to 3 cups of coffee a day could help people become more alert and improve their cognitive performance. Another study found improvements in people’s memory and reaction times when they had 6 cups of coffee a day.
Health benefits
Although too much coffee can be bad, there is research that points to some positive effects of drinking coffee. Coffee contains antioxidant properties that can help protect against some diseases and illnesses. It can also help to protect against Type 2 Diabetes, Liver Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. There is also evidence that suggests that regular coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from depression and other mental health issues.
Research also suggests that individuals who drink coffee may live longer than those who do not. One study concluded that drinking 3 or more cups of coffee a day was associated with lower levels of mortality. It’s important to note, however, that more research is needed to better understand the link between drinking coffee and improved longevity.
Long-term effects
It is important to note that it may not be advisable to consume large amounts of caffeine on a daily basis. The beneficial effects of coffee can quickly become unbeneficial if you drink too much. When consumed in large quantities, caffeine sensitivity can increase and make it easier for individuals to become dependent on coffee in order to function normally.
Also, the effects of the caffeine may start to wear off over time. Long-term coffee drinkers can become desensitized to caffeine, leading to a lesser benefit from drinking coffee. It is highly recommended that people reduce their levels of caffeine consumption if they are experiencing any long-term side effects.
Risks of prolonged usage
Long-term use of caffeine can also increase the risk of developing blood pressure and coronary artery diseases. High levels of caffeine can also lead to stomach irritation and can aggravate already existing gastrointestinal issues. It is also important to keep in mind that some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. Therefore, for individuals who may be highly sensitive to caffeine, it is recommended that they monitor their caffeine intake and stick to moderate amounts in order to prevent any potential side effects.
Caffeine can also be addictive, and individuals may find themselves unable to function properly without it. In these cases, it is recommended that individuals seek professional help in order to help combat their addiction.
Habitual consumption
Many coffee drinkers find it hard to go without coffee even when they are aware of the potential risks. This is because they are used to the physical and psychological benefits that coffee provides them. Indeed, habituation can be a powerful force, and the coffee habit can be difficult to break.
However, forming healthy habits and routines around coffee consumption can help ensure that individual’s still take in the benefits of coffee without experiencing the risks of over-consumption. By switching between coffee and other kinds of drinks, individuals can ensure that they don’t build up too much tolerance to caffeine.
Individuals should also try to pay attention to their body’s reaction to coffee. If they are feeling jittery and anxious after drinking coffee, it might be best to try and reduce their consumption.
Impact on the environment
Finally, it is important to note that coffee production has environmental implications too. As coffee beans are grown, they need to be nurtured and cared for. This can often lead to the destruction of native habitats. Moreover, they are usually grown in regions with already depleting soil and water, leading to further destruction and ecological imbalance.
On the other side of the business, the production, packaging and transportation of coffee also contribute to climate change. There has been an increase in the number of coffee shops and cafes over the last few years, which leads to a high volume of waste from paper cups, plastic containers and other single-use materials.
It is important to remember that our decisions have consequences for both our own health and for the environment, so try to only consume coffee in moderation and make sure to recycle your coffee cup properly.
What can I do?
In summary, it’s clear that drinking coffee on a regular basis can have its risks and benefits. Every individual has different tolerances to caffeine and levels of sensitivity, so it’s important to listen to your body and how it reacts to coffee.
Try alternating between regular coffee and decaffeinated coffee to make sure that your body isn’t building up too much tolerance to caffeine. If you notice any problematic side effects, seek professional help and always remember to treat the planet with respect by being mindful of your waste production and recycling properly.
