This article takes a close look at the advantages and disadvantages of Coffee. To increase mental alertness, coffee is often consumed. Coffee is also used to treat diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and dementia. Yet, the bulk of these applications must be backed by substantial scientific data.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Coffee
Coffee drinkers throughout the globe usually give little thought to the potential benefits or drawbacks of their daily brew. Despite that, this beverage has been the subject of much discussion. It wasn’t until 1991 that the World Health Organization acknowledged that Coffee could increase one’s risk of developing cancer. In 2016, it was given the all-clear because studies had shown no evidence linking the beverage to cancer. Coffee drinkers, even after accounting for their smoking habits, had a decreased chance of developing certain malignancies. Studies are finding that Coffee, when consumed in moderation, has health benefits, there are both advantages and disadvantages of coffee.
Advantages of Coffee
Coffee does more than increase energy levels. A few cups of coffee each day may also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and depression, aid in weight control, and extend your life. Experts advocate minimizing caffeine use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Live long: Research in the last several years has indicated that women who consume Coffee had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and renal disease.
Reduced risk of rectal cancer: The chances of developing colorectal cancer are decreasing. Several studies have shown that if you consume more than three cups of Coffee daily, you significantly reduce your chance of developing rectal cancer.
Role of caffeine in delaying Parkinson’s disease onset, especially in men: Parkinson’s disease avoidance or postponement. There is data suggesting a protective effect against Parkinson’s disease for regular consumers of caffeinated drinks such Coffee, tea, and cola. The quantity of caffeine eaten has a different impact on males. Maximum risk reduction occurs in men who consume 28 ounces of caffeinated Coffee daily (about three to four cups).
They have a far lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease if they consume Coffee, even if just once or twice a week. This impact is less caffeine dose-dependent in females. The most significant protective effect against cancer in women is shown with moderate use of caffeinated Coffee, defined as three to five cups per day. Curiously, persons who consume cigarettes do not seem to benefit from Coffee’s ability to stave against Parkinson’s disease.
Reduced risk of gallstones: Eliminating the risk of gallstones. Caffeine, found in beverages like Coffee, may reduce the risk of gallstones if 400 milligrams are consumed daily. Taking in more caffeine reduces the potential for adverse effects. Consuming at least 800 milligrams of caffeine daily (four cups of Coffee) is associated with the most significant risk reduction.
The uncertain relationship between coffee consumption and lung health: Mixed Results: Caffeine-containing Coffee has been linked by some studies to a reduced risk of developing lung cancer, while other studies have shown the reverse to be true. At this point, definitive judgment would be premature. According to certain studies, switching to decaf may reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.
Coffee may help prevent gout: Caffeinated Coffee is more effective in preventing gout than decaf coffee.
Improve cognitive function: There is mounting evidence that women over the age of 80 who consume more Coffee throughout their lives may have enhanced cognitive functioning.
Disadvantages of Coffee
The caffeine in Coffee may make you jittery, anxious, and restless, as well as cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Your heart rate and breathing rate may also increase. Excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to a number of bad health effects, such as headaches, anxiety, irritability, ringing in the ears, and irregular heartbeats. It has both advantages and disadvantages of coffee.
Risk of high cholesterol and heart disease: The risk of elevated total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides is increased with the use of unfiltered Coffee. The risk of developing heart disease may increase as a result. Coffee filters reduce the likelihood of these cholesterol-lowering benefits.
Coffee and heart health: There is some concern that those with cardiac conditions shouldn’t consume more than five cups of Coffee each day. Regular coffee use does not increase the risk of heart disease in healthy individuals.
Adverse effects of caffeine on sleep: Caffeine disrupts sleep patterns all day long. Losing even a few hours of sleep each night may have a cumulative effect that leaves you feeling groggy and less capable at work. Not getting enough sleep and then relying on Coffee to keep you up may become a vicious cycle. For those who have problems maintaining focus and energy throughout the day, a caffeinated beverage may be a welcome relief. Yet, the difficulty in falling asleep at night due to the caffeine results in less restful sleep overall.
Coffee may increase the risk of postprandial hypotension in the elderly: Preventing low blood pressure after eating, which may cause dizziness in the elderly (postprandial hypotension). Caffeine-containing beverages, such as Coffee, seem to elevate blood pressure in older adults, making them more susceptible to lightheadedness after meals.
Stomach issues: Caffeine contains acids, which drive the stomach to create more acid than it would normally. It seems that caffeine, which is found in coffee, encourages gastro esophageal reflux. According to anecdotal data, consuming an excessive amount of caffeine may also result in stomach ailments such as nausea, cramping, diarrhea, and bloating.
May lead to a miscarriage: Caffeine contains acids, which drive the stomach to create more acid than it would normally. It seems that caffeine, which is found in coffee, encourages gastro esophageal reflux disease. According to anecdotal data, consuming an excessive amount of caffeine may also cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea. May Lead to a Miscarriage Caffeine should be used with extreme caution by pregnant women since high levels have been linked to increased risk of miscarriage and other prenatal problems.
Since it dissolves quickly in water, caffeine is able to get through the placenta through the bloodstream. It is a stimulant, it has the potential to produce a fast rise in the fetus’s heart rate as well as its metabolism. An excessive amount of caffeine might slow the development of the fetus, which is one of its negative side effects.
Since it might cause the infant to become physically irritable, breastfeeding moms shouldn’t drink more than two cups of coffee each day, as this is the maximum amount that is safe to ingest. Moreover, it may cause the newborn to have diarrhea and bloating in addition to affecting their iron status.
About Author: The content is written by Maha. She has five years of experience in writing health articles.