Drinking coffee is a favourite pastime of many people. Yet, when it comes to its effect on growth, there is much debate—is coffee good for us or not? To answer this question, it’s important to look at the research that has been conducted on the subject. Here’s what scientists think about drinking coffee and its effects on growth.
Firstly, it’s a myth that coffee can stunt a person’s growth. According to experts from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, coffee has not been found to have an effect on height or bone density. However, some studies have highlighted a potential link between excessive caffeine and bone health.
A study conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden looked at the impacts of coffee consumption on 3,444 men. The results indicated that long-term consumption of coffee had no effect on height, and consumption of up to six cups per day had no negative impact on bone mineral density (BMD).
Caffeine can also be found in other beverages, such as energy drinks, tea and soda. Yet, similar to coffee, they have not been found to have an effect on growth either. One study showed that daily consumption of up to three energy drinks was unlikely to affect BMD.
Despite this, it’s still important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine that children consume. The National Health Service in the UK recommends that children aged 4–6 should have no more than 2.5mg of caffeine per day. For 7–9 year-olds, this increases to a maximum of 5mg per day. It’s also advised that children 10–12 years should have no more than 7.5mg, and teenagers should have no more than 85 mg of caffeine per day.
In addition, excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to potential health problems such as insomnia and anxiety, as well as heart and bone problems. Therefore, it’s advised to limit the consumption of caffeinated beverages, especially among young people.
Overall, while there is no evidence to suggest that coffee consumption can stunt growth, it’s still important to be aware of the potential risks of excessive consumption. It’s best to limit caffeine intake, especially among young people, to minimise any possible negative effects.
Effects on Weight Gain
Another aspect of growth to consider is weight gain. Does caffeinated drinks help people lose or gain weight? According to a 2016 study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking coffee can help people reduce the accumulation of unhealthy belly fat. Scientists believe this may be because caffeine – a key component of coffee – is capable of boosting metabolic rate and increasing fat burning. The same study reported that daily consumption of up to four cups of coffee on average could help lower the risk for obesity.
However, it’s not all good news. Drinking coffee can also be associated with weight gain. Experts suggest that if you’re drinking coffee with added sugar, cream or milk, it could be easier to consume excess calories, as well as add up to 682 extra calories per day. So, it’s important to be mindful of what is being added to coffee and monitor calories intake.
Environmental Impact of Coffee
When it comes to drinking coffee, it’s not just the effects on our bodies to consider—it’s also the environmental impact. The growing and processing of coffee has had a significant effect on nature, particularly in Latin America. But what are the specific impacts?
Research has indicated that coffee production may have a number of adverse effects on the environment, including deforestation, soil degradation, air and water pollution, and the destruction of wildlife habitats. It’s believed that coffee farms are using large amounts of water and chemical pesticides, which is having a detrimental effect on water sources and soil.
Often coffee is grown in areas without sufficient environmental regulations and without proper monitoring of the production process. Some coffee producers also do not pay attention to the soil conservation, resulting in the loss of soils functions, structure and fertility. In addition, large tracts of land are being cleared to make way for new coffee farms, resulting in significant deforestation and subsequent biodiversity loss.
Fair Trade and Sustainable Coffee
In order to reduce the environmental impact of coffee production and support communities, some coffee producers are choosing to adhere to sustainable coffee production methods. To do this, coffee producers must follow ethical practices, such as paying fair wages, providing decent working conditions and protecting the environment.
Several international fair trade initiatives have been set up to promote sustainability and environmental protection, including Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance Certified. The accreditations allow consumers to identify and purchase coffee from farms using sustainable practices, such as using organic fertilisers, minimising deforestation and protecting natural resources.
Organisations such as Human Bean Company in Seattle even go as far as to partner with farming communities in developing countries. The company buys coffee beans directly from the farmers, provides them with quality control training and pays a fair price for their product. The company also supports initiatives to reduce water and energy consumption, as well as invest in infrastructure and healthcare in the local communities.
Farmers and Coffee Drinking
Farmers in the coffee industry are also aware of their responsibility to stop the spread of disease and poverty. For example, some farmers have implemented programs to help reduce risk of disease, such as establishing drinking water wells and employing medical personnel to staff healthcare clinics. This is particularly important in underdeveloped countries where access to healthcare is limited.
Moreover, farmers are also knowledgeable about nutrition and know that consuming coffee can be beneficial to health. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of different cancer types, such as colorectal and pancreatic cancers. It may also benefit cognitive functioning and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Impact on Poor Communities
It’s important to note that the consumption of coffee also impacts marginalised communities. According to a report by OxFam, four major global coffee traders control prices, which often result in poverty and destitution in poor communities.
In Ethiopia, the world’s fifth largest coffee producer, coffee is often their main source of income. Yet, farmers receive only a tiny part of the retail price of coffee, with the majority going to middlemen, roasters and supermarkets. This means that small-scale farmers are often paid extremely low wages, causing poverty and hunger.
Organisations such as OxFam are striving to promote fair wages and sustainability in coffee producing communities. One of their objectives is to raise wages for farming families and protect their access to land. Moreover, in order to protect farmers from poverty, OxFam recommends that governments should implement robust coffee pricing regulations, as well as provide social protection programs to small-scale coffee farmers.
Ethical Purchasing
As consumers, we can also take measures to ensure that our coffee habits don’t cause suffering and hardship in poor communities. One way to do this is to purchase coffee from ethical companies and opt for sustainable coffees certified by organisations such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and UTZ Certified.
Just because coffee is good for our health doesn’t mean that we should ignore its wider impacts. Being mindful of our coffee consumption can help us ensure that we’re not participating in unethical practices and contributing to poverty and suffering in poor communities.
Social Responsibility
Ultimately, it’s up to individuals, organisations and governments to ensure that coffee production is conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner. Companies need to be aware of their responsibilities and work towards fair wages and environmental protection in their supply chains.
It’s also important for governments to impose robust legislation which takes into consideration the interests of small-scale farmers and communities. They should also have enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure that companies comply with regulations.
And lastly, individuals have a responsibility too—to be mindful of the effects of the coffee that we drink and to purchase ethically. By supporting sustainable companies, we can help create a more resilient and fairer coffee industry, whilst still enjoying our favourite cup of Joe.
