Coffee: Understanding Its Effects on the Human Body

Coffee: Understanding Its Effects on the Human Body

Do you know that coffee is the second most valuable and consumed commodity next to water? Coffee presents a wide range of taste and aroma profiles from earthy to fruity, tannic to sweet, nutty to candied.

 

It’s undeniable why people are getting hooked up with it! Today, we’re going to discuss the positive and negative effects of caffeine on the body.

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History of Coffee

Coffee is one of the most in-demand and marketable beverages globally. It is becoming a staple in almost every modern culture, and we have all grown used to drinking it throughout the day.

It traces its heritage centuries back to the ancient forests of the Ethiopian plateau. Legend says that Khaldi, the goat herder, first discovered the potential of uses of these beans.
 

Kaldi shared his findings to the abbot of the local monastery, who had made a drink with the berries and found that he had been alert during the long hours of evening prayer. The abbot reported his discovery with the monks in the monastery, and the knowledge of energizing berries began to spread.

The legend carried these words east until it reached the Arabian peninsula, wherein it began its journey that would take these beans across the globe. Coffee production and trade started in the Arabian Peninsula. It was cultivated in the Yemeni district of Arabia in the 15th century and became established in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey throughout the 16th century.
 

Coffee houses soon became such a valuable knowledge-sharing hub that they refer to as the “Schools of the Wise.”

WHAT IS COFFEE?

As the coffee industry is growing more over the years, it is essential to understand and know about the history of coffee to have a more profound appreciation of the subject matter. The history of coffee production is an exciting and, at times, a rather tragic story. It’s tied up in slavery, deforestation, child labor, and the displacement of indigenous peoples, all to serve a growing habit in the developed world. The same can be said to sugar trading.

As production and product diversity have skyrocketed, people have become connoisseurs of its flavors and preparations. It’s an aesthetic experience for some people; for others, it’s more of a chemical addiction, as caffeine is quite addictive, and its withdrawal symptoms can be crippling.
 

Different countries and cultures have unique methods of brewing and serving coffee. However, despite the universal nature of coffee, people have varying answers when asked: “What is coffee?”

Coffee originated from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds of Coffea berries. The plant is native to tropical Africa, specifically Ethiopia and Sudan – Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Indian Ocean Reunion.

When brewed, the drink exudes a dark, bitter, and slightly acidic aroma, which stimulates the caffeine content. Brewed green coffee formulates a fresh, green flavor with a somewhat floral aroma. You can also serve your coffee with cream, milk, and sugar or honey, depending on your taste and preference.

What does coffee do to your body?

Pro: Healthy Mind

Whatever we put in our bodies affects the overall performance of how its functions, and coffee is no different. Coffees have antioxidant properties, which will help boost the production of your neurotransmitters and keep your brain cells healthy. Studies showed that consuming coffee has related these characteristics to a decreased likelihood of many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers in Hawaii observed individuals who drank a cup of coffee a day decreased their chances of having Parkinson’s disease. Caffeine promotes dopamine release, a substance involved with the movement depleted in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Pro: Improved Cognition

Coffee intake will potentially boost the concentration in more than one way. Caffeine content can improve our ability to remain focused on a specific task for a more extended period and our ability to concentrate on the job itself with minimal distractions.
People who use coffee to start their day perform better cognitive functions than those that do not and are more able to absorb and remember new information effectively.

Pro: Anti-Diabetic

Multiple studies have shown the effects of coffee in lowering the risk of developing type two diabetes throughout the years. Consuming 4 to 6 cups every day decreases the likelihood of developing diabetes by 30-35%. If 6 cups of coffee sound too much for you, don’t worry: decaffeinated coffee has the same effect.
A study observed 14,000 people and discovered that women who drank 3 to 4 cups a day lessen their risk of developing diabetes by 29 percent. In contrast, 27 percent found in men. Researchers suspected that the antioxidants in coffee help deliver insulin to the body’s tissues.

Pro: Anti-cancer

Studies indicate that caffeinated beverages or goods can reduce the incidence of certain cancers (endometrial, hostile prostate, estrogen-negative breast) but not others (esophageal). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds are present in caffeine, which can be responsible for potential anti-cancer activity.
A study reported that people who drank coffee regularly for ten years were less likely to acquire liver cancer. Furthermore, scientists have identified an active compound in coffee called methyl pyridinium that boosts enzymes that are believed to prevent colon cancer. Drinking caffeine can be associated with decreased levels of proteins that indicate liver inflammation and damage. Coffee might help improve the response to treatments for hepatitis C. Kahweol and Cafestol are substances found in unfiltered coffee, which are responsible for liver benefits.

ProCoffee May Increase Endurance During Workout Sessions

Caffeine affects the central nervous system because it is a stimulant that gives us a reduced perception of effort while making sure that our minds are alert. For individuals who can survive a gym or other workout without first eating, weight loss trainers suggested drinking two cups of coffee before working out in the morning.
Caffeine content can prolong fatigue, giving a feeling of increased endurance. Combined with an empty stomach, those who try weight-loss workouts will be able to burn excess body fat rather than their morning meal.
What are the side effects of consuming too much caffeine?

Con: Increased Risk of Arthritis

The antioxidant properties present in coffee aren’t the only effect that it will have on you. Drinking excessive caffeine can cause the body to lose calcium, which is excessively carried out by the urine. Eventually, extreme coffee drinkers can put themselves at risk of conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis, where the bones start to become more fragile and less dense.
A Finnish study of 19,000 people reported that individuals who consumed four or more cups a day increased their likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers believe some as-yet-unidentified ingredients (particularly in unfiltered coffee) could trigger the disease.
A Californian study of 980 post-menopausal women showed that those who drank two cups a day suffered a more significant loss in bone density than individuals who didn’t. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which increases the amount of calcium excreted in the urine.

Con: Increase risk for people with anxiety

Caffeine has a natural effect that stimulates a host of sensations, such as your body hating up, your breathing rate increases, your heart beating faster-these are signs that mimic anxiety. The powerful stimulant naturally found in coffee bean ignites tension by speeding up bodily functions.
The common signs of caffeine-triggered anxiety are headaches, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, sweating, and ringing in the ears.

Con: Possible Weight Gain

Coffee is known to have a reputation for being an appetite suppressant and often used by people trying to reduce their food intake. However, while this might be the method that people use, the reality is quite different. Caffeine can trigger blood sugar levels to fluctuate excessively, which may contribute to sugar cravings. When these hits happen, we’re more inclined to pick something sweet and unhealthy to snack on, which may lead to the opposite of the expected result.

Con: Affects your teeth

Caffeine is acidic, which can cause bacteria to develop in your mouth, which can lead to enamel and tooth erosion. It may cause your teeth to become thin and brittle. Acids erode the protective covering of the teeth and expose the layer below, which has open nerve endings. One of the immediate side effects of teeth erosion is teeth sensitivity. Furthermore, teeth erosion can cause cavities, which may result in tooth decay.
Aside from that, coffee can damage the appearance of your teeth because it contains an ingredient called Tannins. They are used industrially for dyeing leather, and therefore, exposing your teeth to tannins, they can lead to a yellowish appearance, which can become a permanent stain if left untreated.

Con: Disrupted Sleep Pattern

One of the side effects of consuming large amounts of caffeine is a disrupted sleeping pattern. It is important to remember that it usually takes about 6 hours for the caffeine to leave your system altogether, so why not drink much or any after 6 PM? However, as stated above, decaffeinated coffee can still have many of the same benefits as regular coffee, so switching to decaf may be an option.

TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE CAFFEINE INTAKE

Now that you have read the effects of caffeine on the body, it’s time for you to learn how to manage your coffee intake. Of course, it will be challenging to cut it out right away completely. However, by embracing the step by step process, you can gradually make your way to a healthy lifestyle.

1 – EXERCISE YOUR MIND AND BODY TO SLEEP WELL

To learn how to manage your consumption of coffee, you need to learn how to exercise your body and mind. Having a full night’s rest will keep you from getting exhausted in the morning, leaving you to feel less need for coffee. Also, try drinking water before bed, instead of taking coffee in the evening.

2 – STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration can disrupt your body’s function. Replace your sudden urges of drinking and consuming caffeinated goods with water. Water helps in losing weight, which makes it all the more favorable. If you choose to drink more water every day, bring a reusable water bottle anytime you leave the building.

3– EAT A WELL-ROUNDED BREAKFAST.

Caffeinated drinks and products are not the only resources to get yourself energized. A full breakfast meal can help supply the energy you need throughout the day and promote a healthier lifestyle.

4– DRINK VITAMIN TABLETS

Lastly, do not forget about the potential of nutritional supplements. Ensure that the supplements have CoEnzyme Q10. Vitamins act as the battery source for your cells, as it energizes and boosts your metabolism. The supplements should be complete with nutrients with a high absorption rate.

CONCLUSION

Coffee is a quick way to boost your energy, but it leaves a lasting mark on your body. Coffees show an extensive list of benefits, wherein even insects and animals can benefit from, making consuming coffee in moderation an excellent advantage for many routines and lifestyles.
Although some of the risks of drinking so much coffee may be eye-opening, it is evident that such adverse consequences are influenced mainly by either heavy coffee intake or inherent caffeine sensitivity.
In conclusion, using your coffee intake to make the most of the advantages of your favorite brew, just don’t let your love of coffee get so intense that you over-consume and limit the pleasure and benefits of your tasty grounds.
Note: An important point to note is that you should not drink coffee the minute you wake up. It may feel like the time you need it most, and you might not even want to talk to people until you’ve had your coffee fix, but you should learn how to wait for at least half an hour after waking before taking a sip. During this time, it is when the hormones that wake you up are released, and drinking coffee will stop them from coming out. To get the best of both worlds, you should shower and get ready before settling down for a cup.