In recent years, coffee has become more and more popular, and some people may even consider themselves addicted to the dark brew. But is it really beneficial to be drinking coffee every single day? What are the pros and cons of consuming coffee on a daily basis? Let’s take a deeper look at the data and factor in the expert perspectives.
Health professionals have made it abundantly clear that an overload of caffeine from coffee isn’t healthy. One 12-oz cup of traditional coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, and people should stick to 400 mg or below for an ideal daily caffeine intake. That doesn’t mean you should immediately flush all of your coffee down the drain, however. The experts note that two to three cups of coffee per day can actually improve overall health and longevity.
When used in moderation, coffee has been known to fight fatigue and promote happier moods. The drink also increases alertness and can even increase productivity. The mental stimulation can also assist in memory retention and problem-solving. It might not be a silver bullet when it comes to productivity, but it’s definitely an easier lift than artificial stimulants.
Coffee is also filled with antioxidants which detoxify the body and can fight off diseases such as cancer and depression. Overall, daily coffee intake can help reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s – with the caveat that it should be consumed in moderation.
It’s not just your health that can benefit from a regular coffee intake… your bank balance will thank you, too! Café lattes and other trendy drinks can add up quickly and take a serious bite out of your paycheck. This makes regular black coffee a wise choice for those looking for a money saving hack that also provides numerous health benefits.
Is Caffeine Addictive?
The biggest hurdle when it comes to the coffee debate is how it affects human behavior. With regular consumption, the reliance on coffee for energy can lead to addiction for some individuals. In fact, some research shows that individuals can have symptoms of physical dependence after a few weeks of regular coffee drinking.
Even moderate coffee drinkers will more than likely experience symptoms of caffeine withdrawal, such as irritability and headaches. But if you’re one of those people who needs coffee to start the day, you can still lower your risk of dependence by drinking coffee in moderation.
How Can You Enjoy Coffee Responsibly?
Even if you’ve already developed a coffee addiction, the effects of withdrawal and unhealthy habits can be managed with dedication and discipline. Most people tend to reach for coffee when feeling fatigued or unable to concentrate. When these feelings arise, coffee might still be the answer, but consider using it to supplement a healthy lifestyle rather than relying on it.
Drinking water frequently will help to keep your body hydrated, giving you more energy while also avoiding dehydration. Eating healthy meals throughout the day will also provide your body with important nutrients and minerals it needs to handle and eliminating fatigue.
Also, try to limit your coffee consumption to the morning hours and avoid it later in the day. This way you can enjoy coffee without disrupting your sleep. If coffee consumption has been causing insomnia or sleep disturbances, it’s recommended you avoid coffee for at least 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
Can Coffee Help You Lose Weight?
Without any flavorings or fatty creams, coffee is a calorie-free beverage. While this makes it a great substitution for sugary drinks, claiming it is a suitable aid for weight loss is a bit of a stretch. Recent research does show that coffee stimulates fat metabolism, but a healthy diet and exercise regimen is essential for long-term weight loss success.
There is a right way and a wrong way to use coffee as a weight-loss tool. Drinking coffee with milk, creamer, or high-calorie flavorings can detract from the potential health benefits. The experts suggest drinking black coffee instead and limiting portion sizes.
Should Pregnant Women Avoid Drinking Coffee?
More research needs to be done on the effects of coffee on pregnant women, but current studies indicate that moderate caffeine intake of less than 200 mg per day (two cups of coffee) will not produce any negative side effects. It’s suggested, however, that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg per day.
Overall, pregnant women should use caution when it comes to drinking coffee on a daily basis. Noting the effects of caffeine on babies and evaluating their own diet and lifestyle can help in making the choice.
Should You Drink Decaffeinated Coffee?
If you’re looking for the health benefits of coffee without the risks of caffeine addiction, decaf is the way to go. Drinking decaffeinated coffee still allows the body to absorb antioxidants and improves digestion, while still avoiding the potential negative impacts of caffeine on the body.
Decaffeinated coffee also offers far more flexibility than traditional coffee when it comes to portion size. Iced decaf drinks provide a great evening treat and can be enjoyed in greater quantities than traditional coffee. As with anything else, however: moderation is key.
Are There Risks Associated With Too Much Decaffeinated Coffee?
Surprisingly, hot decaf coffee can contain small amounts of caffeine, though the content is usually low enough that it won’t affect those sensitive to its effects. Cold decaf coffee drinks, however, often contain more caffeine, since the cold process usually requires double or even triple the amount of coffee grounds.
To be sure your cold drink is entirely caffeine-free, it’s best to double-check with your local coffee shop or find out how it is made. Most decaf coffees are “wet-processed”, which removes nearly all of the caffeine, but different brands may use a variety of other processes that might retain trace amounts.
Is It Safe To Drink Coffee Every Day?
At the end of the day, whether or not you should be drinking coffee every day is largely dependent on you and your own lifestyle. But with expert advice and a few lifestyle changes, you can make drinking coffee more than just an every now and again treat. Moderate and responsible power-drinking can bring a number of health benefits as well as a greater level of happiness and productivity.
