There has always been a debate on whether coffee is good for one’s health and how much one should consume in a day. While some people argue that caffeine which is a significant component in coffee is quite harmful, researchers have proven that coffee has some health benefits when taken in moderation. So what are these health benefits of coffee?
Health Benefits of Coffee
1. Alertness. Studies show that drinking coffee increases one’s alertness and concentration. So if you want to concentrate on your thesis or that serious project you are working on, then coffee may work for you. Coffee also increases one’s cognitive ability.
2. It keeps you awake. Yes, it does. Are you struggling with sleep yet you got some project that needs to be completed soonest? Coffee will do you good. Researchers say that coffee can keep you awake.
3. Lowers the risk of cancer. Earlier on, studies showed that coffee could lead to cancer, but recent studies show the contrary. As a matter of fact, coffee reduces the chances of getting liver cancer by approximately 50% for people who drink three to four cups a day.
4. Increases your activeness. Coffee triggers the release of adrenaline hormone in your body which is responsible for ‘fight or flight’. It keeps you very active and taking it before engaging in physical activities such workouts yields amazing results.
5. Prevents Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes. Other illnesses prevented through regular consumption of coffee include; liver cirrhosis, Alzheimer, depression, and stroke.
With all these benefits, this beverage which is among the most consumed beverages and the second most traded commodity globally does not come without some cons.
Risks associated with coffee consumption
1. Unhealthy for pregnant women. As much as coffee is healthy, too much of it is not suitable for pregnant women.
2. Triggers the production of Hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid aids in digestion. However, regular intake of coffee translates to more production of HCl which may be dangerous to your health as it may affect the linings of the stomach.
3. Blood pressure. Caffeine is a major component of coffee which causes the heart to work extra hard to be able to pump blood.
4. Ulcers. Coffee has acidic factors that can weaken the stomach linings making it prone to Helicobacter pylori bacteria which cause ulcers.
So is Coffee good for your health?
This is still a topic of debate, and more and more research is being done on the same. However, with the above findings, it is clear that the benefits of coffee are more than the risks. And like any other product, too much of it can never be good, and moderation is key. Now that you are informed about the pros and cons, it’s easier to decide on whether to take coffee and also the much you should consume.