Coffee’s been an enduring and faithful companion for most of human history. Since the discovery of coffee over 600 years ago, it has taken the world by storm and grown in popularity becoming one of the most popular beverages in the world. Probably, it isn’t just a coincidence that coffee sometimes is referred to as one of life’s greatest pleasures. From elevating emotion, to increasing productivity and focus, coffee has grown to be more than just a morning eye-opener.
Coffee has spread far and wide beyond itsMiddle Eastern origins, now constituting a staple in households across the globe. In the new generation of coffee-lovers, it seems like everyone has a favorite brew – from espresso connoisseurs to green tea sippers, there is no denying the power of a good coffee or tea.
The coffee experience today transcends our typical beverage expectation. Busy professionals and students, coffee addicts alike, all consider coffee a part of everyday life. According to an article from the Food & Beverage Magazine, 57% of Americans enjoy a cup of coffee to start their day, bringing into question how could one not drinks coffee, right?
The Benefits Behind Coffee
Gone are the days where coffee is merely considered a stimulant, as the wealth of research behind the benefits of coffee continues to grow. There are a great number of benefits those that drink coffee can enjoy, and not all of them are related to its energizing effects. For example: Coffee has been associated with improved cognitive performance, better physical performance, low instances of heart disease, and even potentially lower rates of depression.
The science behind these benefits can be explained by the various active compounds found in coffee. These compounds, or ‘caffeine molecules’, in combination with others, give coffee a great deal of its energizing properties but also provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Coffee itself does not provide ‘vitamins’ per se, but some of the evidence presented suggests that the tiny caffeine molecules can help protect the body from certain diseases in addition to major contributors to cell damage, such as free radicals.
How Can Coffee Improve My Health?
Before consuming coffee, it is important to be aware of the health implications it may have. Like any other substance, caffeinated products can be over-consumed leading to unpleasant and unfavorable side effects. As with anything that is consumed, behavior plays an essential role in the daily intake and enjoyment of coffee, as the right amount of coffee can certainly do good.
Studies have linked moderate coffee drinking to various improved health benefits, some of which include lower risks of stroke, increased antioxidant activity in the body, and even a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease.
For those trying to lose weight, research suggests that coffee can help in multiple aspects. Caffeine has been known to stimulate thermogenesis, which is not only helpful for boosting metabolism and burning fat, but can also help in decreasing appetite.
The antioxidants within coffee have also been known to support and give an immune system boost when the body is in need of detoxification and healing. Further, coffee consumption may help increase the body’s ability to fight and prevent cancer from developing.
Improvements to Quality of Life
Adding coffee to a daily routine may also offer a few more unexpected, but desirable, benefits. It has long been thought of as a mild mood enhancer, providing a natural boost of serotonin to improve overall mental wellbeing and reducing the risk of depression.
Beyond the psychological benefits, coffee can even help with physical pain, too. Caffeine is known to decrease headaches by blocking the effects of adenosine, the chemical responsible for causing headaches. Many of us may also grab a cup of coffee before or during a workout, to boost our endurance and energy.
In short, coffee has plenty of physical and mental boosts packed into one little drink – benefits that make it no surprise as to why it continues to remain a staple in cultures around the world.
How Can I Make the Most of my Coffee?
To get the most out of coffee, everyone’s preference should be taken into consideration. Finer details such as grind size and brewing temperature should be adjusted to best suit one’s palate and the type of coffee being crafted. Experimenting and playing with recipes to find one’s standards can be a fun and rewarding experience, leading to the perfect cup of coffee.
Most importantly, it is essential to be mindful of when and why certain coffees are consumed. Since caffeine is a stimulant, it is advisable to not drink too close to bedtime. By ensuring timing and type of coffee fits one’s lifestyle, it can become a positive addition that brings easy satisfaction and enjoyment.
Is Coffee Addictive?
Recently, there has been an ongoing debate regarding the addictive qualities of caffeine. Caffeine does not have the qualities of a true addictive substance, such as heroin or nicotine. It does not have the same withdrawal symptoms and does not produce the same restricted dopamine receptors.
Caffeine is, however, habit-forming. Most of the experience itself is psychological or habitual. A study published in the journal Disease Models & Mechanisms found that excessive amounts of caffeine could potentially lead to a caffeine dependence, similar to an unhealthy reliance on alcohol.
Sleep disturbances, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating were reported in addition to an increase of craving for caffeine. All of these symptoms emphasize the importance of mindful consumption and the respect one should give to any stimulating substance.
Does Coffee Count as Hydration?
At first thought, one might consider coffee a drink that hydrates them and aids in digestion – but this isn’t necessarily the case. While coffee can provide the body with hydration, fluids such as water and sports drinks are healthier options as they don’t raise as much cortisol or cause a crash or a jittery feeling unlike coffee. In reality, coffee should be considered as a supplement to other forms of hydration.
It is also important to note that coffee, if consumed in excessive amounts, can have diuretic effects. Such effects can cause dehydration, cramping, and dizziness. This, of course, varies for each individual, so it is best to be mindful and aware of one’s limits.
Coffee and Genetics
Finally, individual genetics play a role in how coffee pulsates through one’s veins. Understanding how this substance interacts with different genetic traits can be empowering, as it gives insight into what works best and what one should avoid.
For example, some people may drink coffee and experience midday energy crashes, while others may find themselves alert and jumping with energy. Some could develop high blood pressure after drinking too much while others won’t feel any difference at all. By gaining a better understanding of the individual response to the brew, it allows us to monitor our consumption and create a realistic balance between benefits and negatives.
Overall, the aim to drink coffee with intention and reflect in the moment should be taken. From enjoying the perfect cup on-the-go, to appreciating each sip, thing should be done consciously and intentionally. Everyone’s coffee experience is unique, and like everything else – it is all about enjoying it in moderation to get the maximum satisfaction.
