Overall Benefits of Coffee
Boost Your Energy
Ever wondered why athletes love to carry coffee mugs during a race? Well, this is a no brainer. Caffeine is a great energy boost. It works well on your muscles giving you instant stamina. Research published in NCBI shows that caffeine also moderates your muscle contractions as well as keeping the enzyme activities in check. This ensures you get a significant energy boost while preventing chances of muscle pulls.
Excellent for Stress Management
Are you wondering why you always reach for your cup of coffee in a stressful situation? Well, the answer is simple; the protective properties of caffeine against stress. In a scientific research, caffeine was added to pure drinking water and given to participants to drink. They were then put under immense pressure. However, nobody showed signs and symptoms of stress. Amazing, isn’t it?
Potential Weight Loss Strategy
Caffeine has been found to aid metabolism. The fact is, coffee causes an increase in the metabolism rate by up to 11% while other metabolism rate stimulants only go up to a high of 10%. So next time you feel a bit heavy, give that mug of coffee a shot. Don’t forget to keep the sugar levels in check. For a successful weight loss journey, artificial sweeteners are a no-go zone.
Depression and Suicide Management
Depression might lead to an extreme reaction such as suicide. Coffee is an essential substance that boosts your mood. The simulative effect of 2-3 cups of coffee will ensure you are up and going. Caffeine not only helps in reversing the effects of depression, but also enhances the medication to perform better. In addition, a person who takes coffee and is not already depressed is at 45% less risk of considering suicide as a solution to everyday life’s challenges.
Memory Boost
Who wants to age? I am certain none of us want to, myself included. However, aging is inevitable, and because of that, it is much better to age gracefully. A study found that older women who consumed more than 3 cups of coffee in a day had a substantially higher maintenance of speech and memory function as compared to women who drank a cup of coffee a day or none at all.
Better Metabolism Realization and Optimization
It’s important to understand how our body converts foods into energy. This energy is paramount in enabling healthy functions of the body. The rate at which your body burns calories is also significant in weight management. Caffeine, Theobromine, Theophylline, and other biologically active substances in coffee stimulate the CNS (central nervous system) and improve your metabolic rate.
The Protective Properties of Coffee on Illnesses
Diabetes
Coffee is beneficial to people with diabetes since it increases the level of both insulin and blood glucose. The only caution is that you should take your coffee in a limited amount. Although research is still ongoing, it has been scientifically proven that coffee consumption reduces the likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes.
Next time you want to drink coffee, replace the artificial sweetener with natural ones like honey, and you’ll have significantly reduced the chances of getting diabetes.
Blood Pressure
Contrary to people’s opinion, coffee has been proven to stabilize your blood pressure. The only secret is to take in minimal amounts. This is because too much coffee can increase your blood pressure. So for someone who loves the taste of coffee and the kick that comes with it, it is advisable that you take your coffee in minimal amounts, if you have high blood pressure.
Inflammation Recovery
There are many antioxidants found in coffee. Polyphenols are one kind which has been proven to boost immunity and also reduce chronic inflammation in the human body. The inflammatory reducing factor doesn’t stop at that. It also goes further to reduce the risks associated with chronic diseases. If you get an inflammation that does not go away, the solution might just be hidden in that cup of coffee.
Liver Cirrhosis
Prolonged consumption of alcohol, hepatitis infection, and low immunity may all lead to liver damage. Coffee drinking, however, might help reduce the risk of getting liver cirrhosis, which is one of the worst liver conditions. It is believed that this is attributed to the fact that coffee contains so many compounds, especially antioxidants.
Alzheimer’s Condition
Studies show that coffee is beneficial for memory improvement and it also stimulates the brain hence suppressing the likelihood of getting Alzheimer’s condition. This is attributed to the fact that coffee produces anti-inflammatory factors. This is good news, right?
Parkinson’s Disease
Consumption of coffee highly reduces the chances of getting Parkinson’s disease. When the nerve cells surrounding the brain start wearing out, coffee has been found to have neuroprotective properties. These, therefore, counter the effects of Parkinson’s disease from showcasing in the human brain. It is also interesting to note that the effect of Parkinson’s disease is very low in women.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs causing extreme difficulties in breathing. Most drugs on the market contain theophylline which works in such a way that when taken it opens up the bronchioles, and the airways open and aid in breathing. Studies have shown that caffeine which is naturally occurring in coffee has similar properties to theophylline. It goes to show that coffee can be used to manage asthma.
Stroke
Research shows that the daily consumption of coffee reduces chances of getting stroke by 20%. Stroke is a life-threatening condition which paralysis some parts of your body. Coffee is rich in antioxidant compounds that have been proven to reduce chances of getting a stroke.
Cancer
In recent times, cancer has become an alarming threat to humanity. Research shows that coffee can reduce your chances of mouth and upper throat cancer. Coffee activates UGT1A which inhibits the production of BaP-induced oxidative stress. In addition, coffee consumption reduces the risk of liver cancer and the cancer of the endometrium.
The Positive Effects of Drinking Coffee on Our Body Organs
Heart
According to various studies carried out, coffee has a lot of positive impact on the heart. Scientifically speaking, the caffeine contained in coffee infiltrates the receptors lining of the blood vessel wall by constricting the arteries hence increasing the blood pressure. This keeps your heartbeat in check. So, nourish your heart with a cup of coffee every day.
Liver
Coffee is essential in detoxifying and cleansing the liver. You also suppress the synthesis of growth factor connective tissue when you consume at least two cups of coffee a day. Therefore, you reduce the risks of liver cancer, liver fibrosis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. Their progression will be slowed down with frequent consumption of coffee.
Kidneys
This organ is essential in removing waste from our body. Therefore, without a doubt, you have to take proper care of your kidneys. When you consume coffee, it tends to boost the function of your kidneys. Since coffee is a stimulant, it increases pressure on the kidneys by stimulating blood flow.
Brain
The brain is an essential part of the body. Therefore you have to ensure it meets its expected needs, so your body can properly function. When you consume coffee, the cells in the brain are kept running by the caffeine. Caffeine ensures your Adenosine will not bind- always keeping you alert.
Eyes
Coffee is of great importance to the eyes. Antioxidant in the coffee contains Chlorogenic acid which helps in the prevention of retinal degeneration as well as age-related eyes diseases. With this in mind, be loyal to your cup of coffee if you want to age gracefully without the worry of being guided around.
Muscles
Most athletes will attest that coffee plays a better role each day before they engage in their daily routine. This is because caffeine can be able to reduce fatigue sensations as well as to trigger the muscles to start using fats as a source of energy. Therefore, before you hit the gym ensure you take one or two cups of coffee especially when you seriously need that stamina.
Ear Tinnitus
The ringing sound in the ear is so irritating and can even make you lose concentration. But with coffee around, you don’t have to persevere much. This is because coffee stimulates the CNS involved thereby creating a direct link with your inner ear. Consequently, tinnitus becomes a thing of the past.
However, according to Mayo clinic, excessive consumption of coffee combined with other medical conditions, could make it worse. Also, the sudden withdrawal of coffee could worsen tinnitus.
Hair
Tyler Buckley, a London based actor and musician, believes that hair is the greatest crown a person should possess and most especially women. According to International journal of dermatology, caffeine can be able to increase the growth of your hair follicle and mostly when topically applied. Frequent consumption of coffee which contains caffeine is essential for massive growth and manageability of your hair.
Nails
It’s important that your nails are presentable at all times. They give a long lasting impression to strangers when you first shake hands. Caffeine has been proven to harden the cuticles. Therefore, your nails will not break easily. Caffeine also makes your nails shiny and lustrous.
Skin
When you have a glowing skin, there is an increase in your self-esteem. Everybody wishes for this, and that’s why most people use makeup to enhance the glow or to hide blemishes. Coffee contains caffeine which has anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, it’s able to reduce any inflammation on the skin.
In addition, beauty therapists currently use coffee as a face and body scrub. The result with continuous use is a silky smooth skin. According to the Huffington post, coffee also prevents the premature aging of your skin and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Blood Platelets
In addition to the reduction of platelet aggregation, coffee has the effect of increasing phenolic acid which is a good antioxidant in the human body. Phenolic acid helps in the addition of platelets concentration. This means the clotting factor in our bodies will be kept in check.
The Negative Effects of Drinking Coffee
Every good thing comes with its disadvantages. For coffee, experts warn that consuming more than four cups daily could put you at a risk of the following complications;
Risk of Premature Death
Shocking as it sounds; research claims that drinking more than four cups of coffee daily puts human beings at a risk of premature death. According to Mayo Clinic, the risk is double in women when compared to men
But, hey, when death knocks, your time is up. It doesn’t matter whether you were enjoying your cappuccino or ran over by a truck. Nevertheless, you should try to moderate the amount of coffee you take in a day. This way, you get to enjoy the benefits and worry less about the risks.
Heart Attack
In case you are not a regular consumer of coffee and have a history of other cardiovascular conditions, you need to be careful when invited for that occasional cup of coffee. Substances found in coffee have the ability to induce a sharp and short-lived rise in blood pressure. These could result in sudden and fatal heart attacks. If your conditions place you at risk of a heart attack, you may consider abstinence to avoid this risk associated with consuming coffee.
High Blood Pressure
A report from the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Hypertension in New York City, says that caffeine has a negative effect on arteries. Your body’s artery function and blood pressure are directly related. Therefore, the rapid increased stiffening of arteries caused by coffee intake, results in a sudden yet short-lived increase in blood pressure.
Breast Tissue Cysts
Every lady at the stage of menstruation gets changes in their breast tenderness. This will mostly occur during ovulation or during your menses. During these times, it is advisable that you avoid drinks with stimulants such as coffee. Drinks that do not have stimulants will make your breasts cysts size consistent. Ideally, you will notice an improvement in the breast symptoms if you are off coffee during your fertile days.
Weight Gain
This is not new. If you are used to taking your coffee with artificial sweeteners and full cream milk, then you are poisoning your drink. The hidden extra calories and saturated fat in flavored syrups, sugar, whipped cream, or milk may be the primary culprits in the increased weight gain. The solution is to replace them with natural sweeteners like honey and cream with minimal fat such as plant-based creams.
Lack of Sleep/Insomnia
Caffeine not only affects your nervous system, but also stimulates the chemical reactions in your brain. Coffee is a rich source of caffeine. Drinking too much coffee gives you a characteristic sober effect that alters your sleep patterns. Of importance to note is that your body needs at least 6 hours of sleep. For that reason, the continual lack of enough sleep may be detrimental to your health.
Anxiety
Ever wondered why your stress levels seems to double after drinking your cup of coffee? According to the calm clinic, consumption of coffee makes you all jittery and increases your heart rate causing anxiety. Anxiety not only poses risks to life-threatening diseases, but also steals the joy of living from an individual.
Complications in Pregnancy
While pregnant, what you eat trickles down to the growing fetus. Research documented in PubMed shows that drinking coffee while pregnant can put your child at a risk of developing childhood leukemia.
However, research is still ongoing. Most recent data also proves that a significant amount of caffeine is one of the leading causes of miscarriages. There are conflicting recommended amounts of consumption that would not pose any risk factors. Therefore, staying clear of coffee during pregnancy would be the most advisable.
Gout Attacks
If you are a daily coffee drinker, then you don’t need to worry about gout attacks. However, according to research published in the >Arthritis Foundation, people who consume coffee inconsistently are at risk of getting gout attacks.
The medical doctor explains that when people suffering from gout attacks start taking medication, there are increased attacks of the disease. Since caffeine is similar in structure to this drug, the effects of taking coffee every now and again are often the same.
Indigestion
You know that general feeling of fullness after having a cup or more of coffee? That’s indigestion. Coffee increases the amount of acid your stomach produces.> This increase in acidity may be the cause of that bloated feeling. You may need to change the variety of coffee you consume. Mexican or Sumatran coffees are known to be low in acid.
Fertility
If you are a coffee lover and you’ve been trying hard to conceive with no success, you may need to cut down on that coffee altogether. Studies done on mice and monkeys have shown that caffeine hinders the maturation of the oocyte. The immature cell is consequently unable to get fertilized, therefore no pregnancy. It is largely believed that caffeine alters the quality of the reproductive cells which consequently decreases the possibility of conception.
Menopause
Menopause is a trying time for a majority of women. This is because of the symptoms that come with it and the decrease in the essential hormones of estrogen and progesterone. For these reasons, the longer it tarries, the better. It is important for you to note that large consumption of coffee can bring that date sooner than you anticipated.
Hallucinations
Coffee is largely accepted and widely consumed. For that reason, the fact that it is a drug is often downplayed. Like any other drug, large intakes have side effects. Persons with high levels of caffeine intake from whichever source have been known to hear voices and see things that were nonexistent. Now that’s scary.
Headaches
Most pain relieving drugs contain a good percentage of caffeine. Ironically, a lack of the drink has been known to cause migraines to some coffee lovers. >>The headaches are often seen as the withdrawal symptom. Other times, headaches are a result of not taking your daily dose of coffee.
Bones and joints
That cup of coffee you so badly love may be increasing your chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis. Drinking coffee may increase your chances of acquiring arthritis. People who consumes an average of 4 cups of coffee are more prone to develop the disease.
Complications With Stomach Ulcers
Coffee causes acid production in your stomach. If you have stomach ulcers, it would be wise to keep off coffee. This also applies to tea. The stimulants cause an acid surge in your stomach messing it up further.
The Bottom Line
Coffee is both a good beverage as well as a risk poser. Do you still feel the need to quit your coffee addiction? If you are not a coffee person, do you wish to start? It’s important to understand that we play a great role in our lives. What we consume will either benefit us or destroy us especially if consumed in excessive amounts. Let us know what you think in the comments section. And remember to share this informative post with your friends; especially the die-hard coffee fans.
