Negative Effects of Excessive Coffee Consumption
In the current coffee drinking culture, it’s easy to get carried away and drink too much. Too much caffeine can have a negative effect on our physical and mental health. An excessive intake of caffeine can cause palpitations, migraine, insomnia, and even mental disturbances such as anxiety and panic attacks. According to the World Health Organisation, drinking more than 4 cups of coffee per day can cause complications. Thus, it is important to keep the consumption at the healthy levels.
Gender Gap in Coffee Drinking Statistics
Coffee drinking is prevalent in all societies regardless of gender, yet according to experts there is a noticeable gap between male and female coffee consumption. Surprisingly, the WHO’s statistics show that men tend to drink slightly more than women. A 2009 survey indicates that men preferred to drink more black coffee whereas women were more likely to select cappuccinos, lattes and other coffee-based beverages. The study also shows that men between the ages of 18 and 24 consumed the most in comparison to other genders and age groups.
Women’s Preference for Sweeter Beverages
Women are often the ones who choose to sweeten their coffee with sugar or other artificial sweeteners. This could be simply for taste or for comfort. Women tend to find a cup of coffee sweeter more soothing and enjoyable. Experiments show that women enjoy the taste of flavours while men settle for savoury tastes. Thus, it comes to no surprise that men prefer black coffee whereas women prefer the more sugary variations.
Energy Drink Consumers Tend to Be Male
Another difference between genders in terms of coffee consumption is the preference for energy drinks. This could be due to the fact that men require more energy than women. Studies suggest that men are more likely to reach for an energy drink when they need energy, as opposed to women that would consume food.
Coffee Intakes Move in Harmony with Social Tasks
Gender roles can also make a difference in the way men and women consume coffee. More often than not, women have to deal with more social obligations such as caring for the children or attending a social gathering. So it comes as no surprise that women need more coffee to help them remain alert.
Coffee Consumption is Patterned by Age
Age is another factor that affects the amount of coffee men and women tend to drink. For example, younger people aged between 18 and 24 are more likely to drink more coffee than their older counterparts. This could be due to an increase in physical activity and stress levels associated with this particular age group. The impact of age is more noticeable in men who tend to like their coffee strong and black.
Coffee as an Academic Performance Enhancer
It’s no surprise that coffee can act as a performance enhancer, but is this really true for both gender? According to a recent study, coffee can help both men and women with their academic performance. Results have shown that coffee can increase productivity and allow for better concentration in academic activities.
Coffee as an Expressive Beverage
By now we have established that men are likely to drink more coffee than women, but the question remains: why? Some experts think that having a cup of coffee can be a way to express oneself. Men seem to prefer strong coffee whereas women tend to prefer the sweeter and milder variations. This could be an indication that men use coffee to show their rebellious and courageous side, while women use it to show their softer, more vulnerable side.
Apparent Health Benefits in Coffee Consumption
Recent studies have shown that coffee can have a positive effect on our health. It has been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s, but researchers also point out that it is important to keep the consumption moderated. Coffee can also be beneficial for mental health and may help reduce depression and anxiety. While both genders can benefit from these health benefits, they are more significant in men.
Coffee as a Stress Reliever
Stress is a common problem and it seems that men and women tend to treat this differently. Women are more likely to relieve stress through conversations, while men are usually more likely to seek relief through coffee. Research shows that a cup of coffee in these situations provides a sense of comfort and relaxation to men.
Conclusion
Men and women might have different preferences when it comes to coffee consumption, but their relation to this beverage is undeniable. The reasons behind this might be social or biological, but one thing is for sure: coffee is here to stay. Even though the WHO suggests that coffee consumption should be moderated, this does not mean that we should avoid it altogether. We should all enjoy our cup of coffee in a responsible manner.
