Out of habit or physiological need to start the day, millions of people around the world drink coffee in the morning. And many of them have the habit of drinking this infusion several times throughout the day.
Arguing that it helps them stay alert and improves their concentration, many drink even more than what specialists recommend.
And although various studies related the consumption of coffee with health benefits, other evidence maintains that ingested in excess can be harmful.
A recent study revealed the beneficial effects of Coffee consumption in the prevention of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which contributes new data to the understanding of how regular coffee and caffeine intake can influence metabolic health.
According to research, individuals who regularly consume coffee have a lower risk of developing these metabolic conditions compared to those who do not, demonstrating the benefits of this beverage.
“Coffee is a drink that when consumed alone, without sugar and in adequate quantities, is very rich in benefits and protective, preventive and medicinal properties,” noted the Peruvian nutritionist at this point. Sylvia Rodríguez Vélez-. Nothing in excess is recommended, nor will we obtain more benefits by consuming something in excessive quantities.”
And although the specialist recognized that “thanks to the antioxidants contained in coffee “It can prevent liver disease, reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver cancer (and potentially other types of cancer as well), and has even been shown to reduce the possibility of contracting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s,” he said. that “it will be useless to drink this infusion in people who consume excessive alcohol, ultra-processed foods, do not do physical activity and sleep less than recommended.”
For the specialist Tricia Psotamember of the American Nutrition Societyalthough there is “strong and consistent” evidence that moderate coffee consumption is not harmful, that does not mean that coffee should be consumed for its health benefits.
And although, as we saw, coffee is a drink with many benefits, for Rodríguez there is a very important contraindication for its consumption: “When coffee is drunk with foods rich in iron, reduces absorption of this mineral. This is due to the tannins, so it is best to drink coffee an hour before or after your main meals.”
Furthermore, the nutritionist indicated that people with hypertensionwith anxiety or sleep problems, should discuss their consumption with their family doctor.
As stated on the site MedlinePlusof the United States National Library of MedicinePeople who consume too much caffeine can have health problems, such as:
- Restlessness and tremors
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fast heart rate
- Dehydration
- Anxiety
- Dependence, so you need to take more of it to get the same effect
In addition to the contraindications already listed and the recommended measures, specialists warn that “coffee can also present risks for younger people, especially adolescents.” The doctor David Buchholzpediatrician at Irving Medical Center Columbia University, said that no amount of caffeine is healthy for teenagers. The expert observed that patients begin to develop the habit in adolescence, when they have more control over their diets and handle heavier school hours.
Buchholz assured that I would recommend up to a maximum of 100 milligrams per day, or about an 8-ounce cup of coffee, for teens, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their rest.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA recommends that people limit their daily caffeine intake to 400 milligrams, or about four or five 8-ounce cups of coffee (236 milliliters).
As seen, a moderate consumption of this infusion can represent great benefits for health care and quality of life.
And although its impact is different for each person, if the recommended consumption is exceeded it can represent a greater health risk.
Thus, among the negative effects of coffee on the body, the following occur most frequently:
- Anxiety and insomnia
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Stomach ache.
Along with all of these, experts assure that the biggest problem is when a dependency relationship with coffee is generated. Some people may become dependent on caffeine, which can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue if they stop taking it.
As required in MedlinePlus, there are certain people who should limit or reduce their coffee consumption. These are:
- Pregnant women, as caffeine passes through the placenta to their baby
- Breastfeeding women, since even a small amount of caffeine they consume passes to their baby
- People who have sleep problems, including insomnia
- Those who suffer from migraines or other chronic headaches
- People who have anxiety
- Those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux or ulcer
- People with arrhythmia
- Those who suffer from high blood pressure
- Those taking certain medications or supplements, including stimulants, certain antibiotics, asthma medications, and heart medications, should check with their doctor if there may be interactions between caffeine and the medications and supplements they take.
- Children and adolescents
