Research suggests that over 150 million Americans drink coffee on a daily basis with approximately 64% of adults consuming at least one cup of coffee each day. Further research by the National Coffee Association shows that among daily coffee drinkers, 39% have two to three cups per day and 17% have four or more cups of coffee every day.
Productivity Benefits
Studies have found that coffee consumption allows people to feel more energized and, consequently, be more productive at work. Caffeine, a key ingredient in coffee, has been proven to help improve alertness and overall cognitive function, enabling busts of productivity lasting for hours.
For instance, a study reported in Harvard Health Publishing showed that coffee intake can improve reaction times, logical reasoning, and complex decision-making. These results were especially pronounced for those who don’t often consume coffee versus people who enjoy it as part of their regular morning routine.
Health Benefits
Coffee has long been credited with providing potential health benefits and may reduce the risk of certain diseases. Coffee’s potential health benefits come from its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
There is a growing body of research which suggests that drinking coffee can lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease, liver cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, liver cirrhosis, and certain types of cancer such as colorectal and endometrial cancer.
Some research also suggests that coffee may also protect against cognitive decline. Studies from the US National Library of Medicine have indicated that coffee has neuro-protective properties that can slow or even stop the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Drawbacks
Despite the potential benefits of drinking coffee, there are potential downsides to consider. Drinking coffee can sometimes have negative side effects such as headaches, irritability and difficulty sleeping.Heavy coffee consumption has also been linked to digestive issues and acid reflux.
High amounts of coffee can also cause higher levels of stress and anxiety due to its stimulant effects. This can lead to palpitations and an increase in blood pressure in some people.
Environmental Impact
One of the most significant impacts of coffee production is on the environment. Coffee is typically grown in countries like Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, and Ethiopia, but it can be transported globally for distribution. This can contribute to an increased carbon footprint and a greater strain on natural resources.
The coffee industry has been highlighted as a key driver of deforestation due to the coffee plants’ high energy requirements and the need for land for expansion. If not practiced sustainably, the cultivation of coffee can lead to soil erosion and soil fertility loss. It can also cause water pollution through its production and use of hazardous chemicals such as herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides.
Ethical Implications
Despite the surging popularity of coffee consumption in the United States, many of the coffee beans used to produce coffee often come from countries with a legacy of poverty and socio-economic inequality. As a result, the many farmers who grow, tend and harvest the coffee beans often have little voice in their own future and often experience difficult working conditions.
This can, in turn, lead to low wages, little job security and, at worst, exploitation of workers. In addition, the global coffee supply chain is complex, and the economic dividends that producers and growers receive are minimal compared to what the buyers and consumers of the final product pay.
Conclusion
Overall, coffee has both positive and negative aspects. Millions of Americans partake in the beverage daily, and both its potential health and productivity benefits cannot be discounted.
As with any business, however, it is important to consider the wider impacts of production, as well as the effects of socio-economic inequality on those at the start of the supply chain.
