Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
From early morning pick-me-ups to midday energy boosts, coffee is an absolute must when it comes to many people’s daily routines. Widely available and relatively easy to make, coffee has been enjoyed and cherished around the world for centuries. In fact, the coffee-drinking ritual can be traced all the way back to the 10th century in Ethiopia and has been a cultural staple ever since. Studies suggest that coffee can actually have a variety of positive health benefits.
A newly released survey from the National Coffee Association reveals that 64% of coffee drinkers have sipped coffee for more than 20 years. Moreover, around 64% of Americans report drinking coffee on a daily basis and that number is on the rise. Recent research suggests that coffee should not just be seen as a stimulant but also as a potential health supplement for a variety of reasons.
The caffeine degree of coffee does appear to have certain stimulant abilities. In fact, lower doses of caffeine can create feelings of alertness and reduce fatigue both physically and mentally. Caffeine has been proven to improve blood flow and improve mental alertness.
Coffee also contains an abundance of antioxidants that help to fight against various age-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. It also increases the production of good cholesterol and lowers the bad cholesterol concentration. The polyphenol content of coffee helps to reduce inflammation and reportedly protects against Alzheimer’s and dementia.
People who drink coffee tend to have a lower risk of depression, stroke, and other neurological diseases. Some research even suggests that a cup of coffee can reduce the risk of cancer in certain individuals. Coffee has also been linked to lower risks of fractures and other bone related issues.
It appears that a moderate amount of coffee, about one to two cups a day, has no adverse effects. Excessive intake of caffeine, more than five cups a day, can cause insomnia, anxiety, and nausea. It is important to consult a doctor prior to consuming coffee in large quantities.
Benefits for Brain Function
Coffee has been found to increase alertness, focus, and concentration. Studies suggest that coffee can improve recall, reaction times, and other memory tasks. Coffee has also been reported to possibly reduce the chance of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s due to the Caffeic acid content.
Coffee has become so widely accepted in modern culture that even the most busy minds rely on it’s benefits. Scientists, philosophers, and other major figures of the past celebrated a cup of coffee as they needed a daily dosage of mental stimulation. Coffee even inspired and revolutionized the ideas of entire cultures.
Coffee helps to slow the development of cognitive decline and helps to prevent many age-related mental diseases. Coffee also appears to reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment later in life. Another benefit is that coffee has been linked to better emotional responses and helps us deal with depression, stress and anxiety.
Coffee has also been associated with improved neural connectivity and more active areas of the brain. This can help to improve our ability to focus as well as our overall well-being in situations with increased levels of mental stress.
Caffeine stimulates the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine levels resulting in a more alert and productive mental state. Serotonin helps to boost our happiness levels while dopamine helps to increase our attention and concentration.
Negative Aspects of Drinking Coffee Daily
Taking too much coffee affects negatively many areas of the body. One of the most common side effects of excessive caffeine intake is insomnia which can severely affect day-to-day life. Too much caffeine can also create symptoms such as restlessness, headaches and nausea.
There are other important health risks that come with drinking too much coffee. Many studies have shown that excessive caffeine intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. High levels of caffeine has also been linked to the possibility of children being born with a lower birth weight.
Coffee can also interact with certain medications and other supplements to cause unexpected reactions. Coffee can result in increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, jitters, and other uncomfortable symptoms. It is therefore necessary to be aware of the dosage when consuming coffee and the possible side effects it can have.
Excessive coffee intake has also been linked to some types of cancers that can develop over time. In fact, some studies have even linked it as a potential cause of cancer when taken in larger amounts over long periods of time. It is important to understand that all of these potential risks are much more likely to be caused by taking too much coffee rather than limited amounts.
Other Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Besides the potential health benefits mentioned earlier, drinking coffee can help in other areas of life. People often feel that coffee gives them an energy boost, enabling them to focus better. This helps to make them more productive in both their professional and personal life.
Studies suggest that drinking coffee can also sharpen the mind and improve problem-solving skills. Coffee helps to make us more creative as well, allowing us to think outside the box and come up with better ideas. This is especially helpful when we need to come up with a solution in a limited amount of time.
Another great thing that coffee can do is to stimulate social interaction and communication. Many people use coffee as an excuse to meet up with friends and family, creating a relaxed and laidback ambiance.
Coffee is also incredibly diverse and customisable. We can fine-tune our drink to make it as strong or as flavourful as we like. We can even add syrups, spices and other ingredients to improve our coffee experience.
Pros and Cons of Drinking Coffee Everyday
Drinking coffee in moderation can be beneficial for the body and can help us in both our personal and professional life. However, it is important to note that coffee can have negative health implications when taken excessively. Drinking too much coffee can lead to insomnia, increased blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain types of cancers.
It is therefore important to be aware of the amount of caffeine we are consuming. Although, drinking up to two cups of coffee a day appears to show no adverse effects and has been associated with various health benefits.
Financial Impact on Low-Income Families
For many people, coffee is an affordable way to get a morning energy boost. For low-income families and individuals, however, this could not be farther from the truth. For example, in the United States, coffee prices have risen significantly over the last decade, putting a heavy financial strain on individuals who rely on it for their daily needs. Coffee shops have seen huge financial drops in low-income areas, leading to less access to coffee for certain communities.
Furthermore, the trend of “gourmet” coffee has become so huge in recent years that coffee makers, distributors, and farmers have been unable to keep up with the demand. This has caused prices to go through the roof and made it difficult for those on a budget to keep up. Additionally, coffee makers have had to downsize operations in coffee producing countries, further diminishing coffee access in those regions.
In an effort to fight against this, several brands are now offering coffee at a discount to low-income families and individuals. Some coffee shops are even partnering with community centers, churches, and soup kitchens to provide coffee at no cost, helping people get through their days with a little bit of extra energy.
Environmental Impact of Drinking Coffee
While the perks of drinking coffee are undeniable, there are also several environmental concerns regarding the production and harvesting of beans. Growing and harvesting coffee beans requires energy-intensive processes that put a strain on the environment. The process of harvesting beans also produces an immense amount of waste in the form of water, soil, and air pollution.
Furthermore, according to one estimate, the amount of yearly water use in coffee production is enough to fill more than 5.4 million Olympic sized swimming pools. This is the equivalent of more than 35% of California’s yearly water usage. The irony is that much of the water used is from aquifers and other groundwater sources that are not replenished naturally.
Coffee growers are also exposed to toxins and pesticides that can be detrimental to both their health and the environment. Many of these hazardous substances can be found in some of the most popular brands of coffee. This is why it is important to purchase brands that are certified as organic or fair-trade to ensure that the beans were ethically sourced and farmed without any chemical pollutants.
It is also important to be aware of how our coffee is packaged. Disposable coffee cups and plastic lids are becoming more and more common, creating substantial amounts of plastic waste. To reduce the carbon footprint of our coffee, it is important to use reusable cups and lids and pay attention to how our coffee is packaged.
