A fresh brew of morning coffee is what we need to get going for the rest of the day. The world is unimaginable without coffee and forget about working if you don't get your hands on a coffee mug at the office. This would be more surprising to your eyes; caffeine is the most consumed drug in the world. A majority of it is consumed in the form of coffee. Coffee has many benefits on our health, but there are certain things you should be aware of before sipping more than what's required. Let’s see what researchers have said about the Advantages and Disadvantages of Coffee.
Before scrolling down to the benefits and side effects of the coffee section, here are some facts to enlighten you and help you remember about coffee.
Kick off your day on a healthy note if you have decided to switch to coffee. There are more benefits of coffee than its more debated side effects. The only reason of the problem is overconsumption. Here are some pros and cons of coffee to level the debate.
If you are also one of those coffee-lovers who regain their activeness after a cup, you'll probably know why this advantage has been put first here. Caffeine is a stimulant, and when absorbed into the bloodstream, it blocks the neurotransmitter adenosine (an inhibitory neurotransmitter). The increased levels of adenosine make you more sleepy. So, when you block the neurotransmitter, the rest of the neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, increase resultantly stimulating the neurons' speed. Ultimately, you'd feel more active and less sluggish.
Besides, making you less sluggish, caffeine also regulates your physical performance. According to medical studies, caffeine can burn as much as 29% fat in slim people and about 10% fat in people with obesity. When released into the bloodstream, they become free fatty acids that you can use as fuel while working out at the gym. Increasing metabolic rate, caffeine increases adrenaline levels in the blood, a hormone that is responsible for preparing your body for a physical workout. All is because of coffee, which is suitable for your workouts.
Coffee also contains chlorogenic acid (CGA), which is the most active antioxidant. According to a study at Cornell University, this antioxidant prevents the death of retinal cells caused by hypoxia and oxidative stress. A cup of coffee is one easy way to keep your vision clear and eyes healthy. Retinal damage or degeneration is a concerning problem for most people around the world. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one most common retinal disease which is treated through gene therapy and cell transplants. Coffee always sounds the most accessible and most affordable way to keep your eyes healthy.
2 European cups of coffee every day are enough to protect your heart from failure. According to a study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and HSPH, ladies who drink coffee are more immune to heart failure or heart disease. Some studies have also shown a 20% lower risk of stroke in coffee drinkers.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. Basal Cells are in the innermost layer of the skin. Lesions grow in the cells as this disease progresses further which can be noticed in the form of open sores and red patches. This is not a fatal disease but can lead to disfiguration. According to studies based on women's health, women who drank at least 3 cups a day had the lowest chance.
If taken in a moderate quantity, coffee turns the table for people with heart or memory problems. However, a higher dose of caffeine can lead to health problems that can get severe with time.
Caffeine can boost your energy levels, its effects can also deprive your of sleep. Caffeine entering your bloodstream starts showing up its stimulating effect about 15 minutes after the intake. If you are habitual to sipping your last coffee at bedtime, this might not help you have sound sleep. Because the stimulating effects last for about the next 6 hours.
If you drink coffee on an empty belly, it increases the production of Hydrochloric Acid and can cause acidity. Nobody would want to start a day like this. HCl is produced in your stomach while eating in order to digest fats and proteins. When we drink excessive coffee on an empty stomach, HCl is overproduced affecting protein digestion leading to several problems like bloating and gas. Worst case scenario, this acidic imbalance can also lead to colon cancer.
As per the researchers carried out by the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, Coffee intake is related to the decreased activity of Fallopian tubes. These capillaries carry the to-be-fertilized eggs from ovaries to the uterus. Eggs must reach the womb through this tube for a successful conception. Decreased activity of fallopian tube endangers the eggs' journey to the womb, which results in an unsuccessful pregnancy which may be the result of caffeine intake.
Staying awake for long hours can be depressive as it rids you of ample sleep and rest. The nerving disadvantage of drinking coffee that too, at the wrong time, can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression which makes you jittery and impatient. Along with other neurotransmitters, caffeine also blocks Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a natural calming inhibitor in the brain known for controlling anxious thoughts. When this inhibitor is blocked, you may start feeling anxious and depressed.
Caffeine present in coffee can cause insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even lead to restlessness. A cup of morning coffee on an empty stomach can upset stomach can induce the production of Hydrochloric Acid.
a cup of coffee every day is no harm. However, an excessive amount of coffee may turn problematic for your health including your digestive system. Studies also support the intake of coffee every day is safe for your health. Limiting your coffee intake to a moderate level should not do any harm.
Moderate coffee drinkers have about 84% lower risk of developing cirrhosis, and up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer. These two cancer types are the most commonly found in residents of the US.
It is quite hards to judge, as the worldwide facts are given, coffee takes the game in terms of popularity. However, in terms of antioxidants and caffeine contents, Tea outscores coffee.