Coffee is the most popular hot drink in the world and it’s one of the nation’s favourite coffees to drink, but it does come with a delicate decision – What age should you start to drink it? Coffee is a stimulant and if you drink too much, it could be detrimental to your health. So, it is important for parents to investigate the issue in depth before allowing their children to consume any.
According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, children should not have more than 300mg of caffeine a day, which equals roughly two 8-ounce cups of coffee. Furthermore, caffeine consumption can negatively influence sleep and rest patterns, which is why it should not be consumed in the afternoon or evening. This is especially important for children who will be taking exams or doing intensive homework.
Given that it is essentially a stimulant, coffee has the ability to increase energy levels, particularly during studies. Studies have already established that caffeine can improve attention span and reaction times. However, it’s important to note that caffeine can also act as a diuretic which could lead to dehydration. In addition, coffee contains antioxidants that could protect cells from damage.
Furthermore, coffee has been proven to have both cardiac and mental health benefits for adults, yet more research is needed to understand the affects it can have on children. One emerging study suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of coffee could have some benefit on children’s health.
Overall, it’s difficult to reach a definitive answer as to when a child should start drinking it and it ultimately boils down to parental discretion. Yet, it’s important to take all the potential benefits and harms into consideration, before allowing your child to drink coffee. Parents should also investigate if the coffee their children drink is organic and free of chemicals, additives, and sweeteners.
The Health Benefits of Coffee
When it comes to the health benefits of coffee, researchers have already established the role coffee can play when it comes to reducing inflammation, antioxidants and fiber benefits, from which heart disease and cancer have been identified as the most important health benefits. In addition, coffee has a role to play in insulin sensitivity, which could help with the prevention of diabetes.
However, it should be noted, that more research is needed to support this, as the long term effects are still inconclusive. Studies have, so far, revealed no major negative effects, apart from elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety, when consumed in large doses. That being said, it’s not recommended to start drinking coffee until the legal drinking age.
It’s been established that coffee consumption can also help when it comes to energy levels, focus, and brain function. A recent study conducted in Australia found that regular coffee consumption is beneficial when it comes to cognitive performance, including planning and decision making.
In addition, recent studies have shown that coffee can also have an effect on the liver. The effects of coffee consumption on the liver are quite complex, however one study found that an increased consumption of coffee could have a protective effect on the liver. Again, more research is needed in this field to investigate these findings.
Behavioural Effects
When it comes to behavioural effects, research has shown that coffee can have a stimulatory effect, which can have beneficial effects on cognitive tasks and alertness. A recent review also revealed that coffee consumption is also associated with increased risk taking behaviour and impulsivity. However, this has yet to be confirmed.
Another behavioural effect that has been studied is coffee’s impact on children’s learning. It has been found that coffee can be beneficial for the learning process when it comes to tasks that require attention and alertness. However, it can also be detrimental to children’s schooling if too much is consumed, due to its diuretic properties.
A study conducted in 2018 also looked into the effects of coffee on anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation. The study found that coffee can have beneficial effects on depression, anxiety, and sleep, providing it is not consumed in large doses. It should be noted again, that more research is needed in this field to confirm these findings.
The Verdict
While coffee does have some potential benefits, it is best to take a cautious approach before allowing your children to start drinking it. It is recommended to reduce their caffeine intake to no more than 400mg in the day, and to avoid drinking coffee in the late afternoon and evening. It is also best to investigate the coffee they are drinking to make sure it is organic and free from additives, chemicals, and sweeteners.
All in all, it’s important to note that any decision about when to allow your child to drink coffee should be ultimately based upon parental discretion. Taking into account all the potential risks, benefits, and concerns, only then can you make an educated decision about when your child should drink coffee.
Environmental Impact
Environmental concerns have also been raised recently regarding coffee consumption. The production of coffee can have a significant environmental effect. For instance, growing coffee can be an intensive process, with deforestation being a major concern in many parts of the world. Coffee production can also contribute to air pollution and climate change.
In addition, coffee can be stored in a variety of materials – plastic, metal, glass, and paper – all of which come with their own environmental impacts. While it is important to drink ethically-sourced coffee, it is also important to consider the environmental implications associated with the materials in which it is stored.
It is important to note that, while drinking ethically-sourced coffee can help reduce the environmental impact, reducing one’s consumption can also have a significant impact on the environment. It is also important to note that not all coffee is ethically-sourced, so it is important to do your research before buying.
Health Risks
Alongside the potential health benefits of coffee, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with excessive consumption. Studies have revealed that too much caffeine can increase one’s risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Another health risk associated with excessive consumption of coffee, is an increased risk of developing certain cancers. This is due to the fact that coffee contains various chemicals, some of which are known to be carcinogenic.
In addition, too much caffeine, especially in combination with alcohol, can lead to dehydration which, in turn, can lead to fatigue, headache, and confusion. Finally, it is important to note that coffee consumption can lead to insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, so it is important to watch how much one is consuming and when.
Finances and Economics
Finally, it is important to consider the financial and economic implications associated with coffee consumption. Coffee can be expensive, if bought from a cafe, and it can also have an effect on the economy. For instance, coffee can have a huge effect on the economy in countries where it is grown and exported. In addition, it is also important to consider the environmental cost of shipping coffee beans from the countries in which it is grown, to the countries where it is consumed.
Furthermore, when it comes to reducing the costs associated with coffee consumption, one option is to buy ethically-sourced beans and grind them yourself at home. This can significantly reduce your costs, while also helping to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the production and delivery of coffee. A further cost savings can be made by investing in a reusable mug or cup, which will help to reduce the amount of waste created by disposable takeaway cups.
Overall, while coffee can be a benefit to your health, it is important to take into consideration the potential health risks and economic implications associated with its consumption. It is also important to consider the environmental cost of producing, shipping, and storing coffee, and to always buy ethically-sourced beans.
