GOOD OR BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH?
When we look for an ideal morning, sunrays from a window and a nicely brewed cup of Coffee come to our mind. But the question should have crossed our minds. Is Coffee good or bad for our health? The answer to this simple question is:
“A moderate amount of caffeine taken in the morning can help you throughout the day and also has beneficial effects on your health”.
For further details, let’s dive into the science behind A Good cup of Coffee.
Origin: Coffee, one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, traces its origin to the Pleateu of Ethiopia on the continent of Africa. Coffee reached Europe in the 14TH Century and found its boom in the 1700s. Enabling the post-industrialization hokum of productivity.
Ingredients
We all know caffeine as the main ingredient of Coffee, but it also contains other useful constituents. Like Antioxidants: That delay ageing
Thiamine: Vitamin B1 enzyme involved in DNA and RNA synthesis
Riboflavin: Vitamin B Involved in Energy metabolism of the Body
Some Fixed Oils and Proteins.
Benefits:
- Improve Brain Function And Memory
- Reduced Risks of Parkinson’s Disease
- Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
- Helps relieve Constipation
- Helps in weight Loss
Improved Brain Function And Memory
The most important benefit we all use Coffee for is the stimulus it provides to activate our brains in the morning. And it is also scientifically proven that it is a neurostimulator that blocks adenosine and helps with our short-term memory.
Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Coffee helps prevent type 2 diabetes as it has been found to positively affect Beta cells of the pancreas that are involved in insulin production. The risk of type 2 disease decreases with each cup of Coffee.
However, suppose you have already developed diabetes or use artificial sweeteners with Coffee. In that case, it may raise the blood glucose above normal. However Normal Average of a US individual of 400mg doesn’t affect the blood sugar levels.
Increased Metabolism And Weight Loss:
Coffee can also help us lose weight by increasing our metabolic rate by caffeine. It does this by sending nervous stimulus to fat cells to increase the breakdown of fats. It has been found that women generally have more fat content, and it helps in the metabolism of fat.
A clinical trial on caffeine usage and metabolic rate suggested that caffeine intake is directly related to fat metabolism, increasing weight loss. However, if you’re already obese, the results may not be significant.
Coffee and Heart Diseases:
A study done at John Hopkins University has shown a lower risk of Cardiovascular diseases with normal caffeine intake. It was found those Men who used Coffee regularly had reduced risks of Heart attacks than those who didn’t.
However, in the case of persons with High Blood Pressure problems, coffee intake might increase the risk of stroke due to increased levels of sympathetic activity.
DNA synthesis and energy metabolism
Apart from these benefits, Riboflavin Vitamin B6 is also helpful in DNA synthesis.
Adverse Effects Of Coffee
These are all the benefits we get from a cup of Coffee. Still, it might have some adverse effects as interfering with sleep and stomach acidity.
Acid Reflux and Stomach Discomfort
Coffee usually has low pH due to the acids it contains. It stimulates gastric glands to produce increased Acidic secretions that generally help with digestive functioning; however, increased gastric juice might interfere with normal stomach functioning and cause stomach acid reflex.
Coffee and Insomnia
Caffeine blocks adenosine, which builds up over the daytime and may cause Insomnia.
Role of Adenosine: Adenosine is a chemical that promotes sleep and usually accumulates in the brain during daytime activities; when sufficient adenosine build-up occurs, it promotes urges to sleep.
Coffee and Tachycardia
Caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person. If you’re not a coffee addict, taking caffeine in large amounts may result in increased heart rate and trembling hands. Caffeine has actions similar to epinephrine and norepinephrine in the Body and stimulates the heart rate, and increases blood flow to peripheral muscles.
Tips for incorporating Coffee safely
Coffee can bring insane benefits when incorporated properly into our Daily routine by increasing productivity and focus. However certain conditions should be kept in mind when incorporating Coffee into your daily routine as
⦁ Coffee intake must not exceed the maximum limit set by the FDA of 400mg/day, translating into 4 to 5 cups of Coffee.
⦁ The addition of artificial sweeteners must be avoided to avail its benefits regarding weight loss and increased metabolism.
⦁ Coffee has a half-life of 2 to 6 hours and stays in the blood for 8+ hours. Taking Coffee after 4 pm is not recommended for a peaceful night’s sleep if you’re struggling with Insomnia.
