The Impact of Coffee on Health
· Dr. Tuba Günebak
As I sip my morning coffee, I wanted to talk about the effects of coffee, which has been a part of our lives for 1000 years, on our health. Coffee can be beneficial when consumed in the right amount and manner. But what if we consume too much? Let's take a look together;
As I sip my morning coffee, I wanted to talk about the effects of coffee, which has been a part of our lives for 1000 years, on our health. Coffee can be beneficial when consumed in the right amount and manner. But what if we consume too much? Let's take a look together;
☕️Coffee is a beverage rich in antioxidants (methylxanthine, theobromine, theophylline, chlorogenic acid, xanthine). When discussing the effects of coffee on our health, I must mention the importance of its caffeine content. The caffeine content varies depending with how the coffee is prepared.
☕️In studies conducted in Norway, coffee has been recognized as an antioxidant nutrient. The antioxidant content increases in brewed coffee. Green coffee has the highest antioxidant capacity.
☕️Coffee consumed in the right amount and manner is healing; it protects against cancer, lowers bad blood fats, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer.
☕️The compounds called cafestol and kahweol found in coffee stimulate glutathione synthesis in the liver, thereby strengthening the immune system.
☕️Carcinogenic compounds can form in coffees roasted above 400 degrees. Coffees roasted at low temperatures or unroasted are healthier.
☕️While caffeine taken in normal doses increases alertness and reduces fatigue; in individuals taking high doses of caffeine (1000-1500 mg), tremors, nervousness, lack of concentration, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and sleep disorders can be observed. It has been determined that the tendency for suicide increases 5-fold in people who drink more than 6 cups of coffee a day.
☕️Regular coffee consumption in safe amounts reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease.
☕️It has been determined that women who drink more than 8 cups of coffee a day have a lower chance of getting pregnant, and the risk of miscarriage increases in pregnant women who consume more than 300 mg of caffeine per day.
☕️Consuming more than 5 cups of coffee a day can increase blood homocysteine levels, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and blood clots (and thus stroke).
☕️Taking more than 400 mg of caffeine per day can increase the excretion of calcium in the urine, thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis, or bone thinning.
☕️The effect of coffee on cholesterol varies depending on how it is prepared.
☕️It has been reported that coffee consumption has a positive effect on asthma patients and reduces the risk of diabetes. Of course, without exaggerating the amount.
☕️Consuming more than 5 cups of coffee a day can weaken the immune system.
☕️Regular coffee consumption speeds up our metabolism.
(Source: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 48:464–486, 2008)