Coffee Drinking Statistics
Coffee is the second most popular drink in the world right after water. According to a 2017 survey by the National Coffee Association, 64% of Americans voluntarily drink coffee daily. Interestingly, the calories, caffeine, and carbohydrates found in a cup or mug of coffee, depend entirely on the brewing method. The survey also showed that the average American drinks around 3.1 cups of coffee per day.
Not only is coffee significantly enjoyed by many, but it is also considered to beneficial for one’s health. Coffee has many constituents which serve to improve heart health, maintain the nervous system, and reduce the risk of type II diabetes. According to research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, people who consume one to five cups of coffee per day are less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.
Health Benefits of Coffee
As it turns out, for those who enjoy coffee, the health benefits go beyond improved cognitive functioning and energy. Thanks to the complex chemical compounds that the beverage has, moderate consumption of coffee can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. It also reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes or even death resulting from various cardiovascular problems.
Moreover, coffee has also been found to alleviate depression. Based on a study conducted by Harvard Health Services, it was concluded that individuals who consume at least 4 cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of suicide compared with non-coffee drinkers.
Caffeine in Coffee
Caffeine is the main active ingredient in coffee. It is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and it impacts the body in a variety of ways. Depending on the amount of coffee consumed, it can give the drinker an increased alertness and energy level. It can also help to improve memory and performance on tests.
The recommended amount of caffeine intake for adults is up to 400 mg per day. This amount is equivalent to three to five cups of coffee, depending on the strength and size of the cup. Caffeine can also be found in tea, energy drinks, and chocolate, so it is important to take into account all the sources of caffeine when determining the daily amount.
Coffee Addiction
Research has found that caffeine has a potential for abuse and physical dependence. It is best to not make coffee consumption a daily habit, as it could lead to dependence and eventually an addiction. Furthermore, people may be more likely to develop an addiction if their daily consumption is more than four cups per day.
Those who do become addicted to coffee can experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop consuming it. The withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, decreased alertness, and irritability.
Too Much Caffeine
Consuming too much caffeine can have a range of unpleasant side effects such as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, jitteriness, and dehydration. It can also lead to long-term health consequences such as increase of homocysteine (which leads to heart diseases), increased risk of type II diabetes, and kidney disease.
Thus, it is important to be aware of how much coffee one drinks on a daily basis. It is recommended to focus more on the quality and flavor of the coffee rather than the quantity.
Coffee and Children
In terms of children and adolescents, it is discouraged for them to consume more than 100 mg of caffeine per day. For young adults, 250-400 mg of caffeine is a safe amount, so that could be two to four cups daily. It is also important to note that any coffee consumed by children should be decaffeinated.
Since coffee has become a popular drink, particularly amongst adults and even young adults, it is easy to find yourself drinking coffee in excess. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of caffeine, both positive and negative.
Genetic Variation
It is also important to note that some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. According to the Genetics Home Reference, we can thank our genes for that. People with a certain variation of the CYP1A2 gene process caffeine much more slowly, so A cup of regular strength coffee can affect some people and not others.
By understanding our genetic makeup, we can better understand the way caffeine affects our bodies and our coffee-drinking habits.
Decaffeinated Coffee
Decaffeinated coffee is coffee that has had the caffeine removed, although it is still important to check the label to make sure that is the case. Decaffeinated coffee still has trace levels of caffeine, so it is wise to limit the amount of decaf coffee that is consumed.
By slowly eliminating extra cans of soda, energy drinks, and coffee, one can slowly improve their overall health. This way, you are gaining more understanding about how your body reacts to caffeine and it can also encourage you to explore other beverages, such as tea and juices.
Summary
Overall, it is clear that coffee has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. However, like anything else, it is important to keep track of the amount consumed as well as being mindful of its many potential side-effects. It is also important to note that what may be safe for one person may not be for another, as genetic makeup and tolerance levels vary from person to person.
Therefore, it is important to adjust our coffee drinking habits according to our own bodies, not necessarily to fit someone else’s definition. In other words, it is best to have an open dialogue with your doctor so that you can work out an amount of coffee that is safe for you to consume.
