Coffee: What it offers and when it creates problems

Those of us who can’t imagine our lives without even a sip of coffee, raise your hand! Indeed, coffee is the drink that has been waking up millions of people for centuries, giving them the morning boost they need. In what situations, however, could its use cause problems?

Although every body, and therefore its needs, are different, there is a lot of evidence to support that coffee is not inherently harmful to human health, but may even confer health benefits. On the other hand, science is not always easy to answer only affirmatively or negatively about harms and benefits and nutritionist Shyla Cadogan attempts to dispel the most well-known myths.

How did coffee get a bad reputation?

In 1991, coffee was classified as a group 2B carcinogen, possibly carcinogenic to humans, by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, because this finding was based on insufficient data on bladder cancer, it was overturned.

Additionally, caffeine content has been an area of ​​concern. As a matter of fact, caffeine affects the nervous system stimulating the organism. In general, excessive caffeine consumption can increase nervousness and anxiety. If you even drink coffee late at night, you are likely to stay awake longer or wake up with an upset stomach. Accordingly, caffeine can increase the body’s cortisol, the stress hormone, which is already high in the morning.

However, caffeine tolerance is affected by different factors, such as age or body mass index.

The benefits of coffee

When coffee contains little or no sugar, it significantly promotes health. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, as well as certain nutrients such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), magnesium and potassium. In addition, it contains phenolic compounds which can improve insulin resistance and blood pressure. Some research has also shown benefits to the liver, particularly in the case of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

However, the main advantage you get from frequent coffee consumption is the amount of energy. Many athletes use coffee as a performance enhancer, and according to research drinking coffee before training can help with endurance and reduce fatigue. But also on a daily basis, coffee reduces the feeling of fatigue and gives energy.

There is also research evidence that if we drink coffee a little later than the time we wake up, we will benefit more energetically, as the body has less cortisol than when we wake up.

In conclusion, the moderate coffee consumption has not been associated with negative health outcomes. Instead, it can make a positive contribution to overall health.