Coffe - Benefits and Disadvantages
Coffee has long been a favorite drink of musicians, poets, and thinkers. For instance, Honoré de Balzac reportedly consumed up to 60 cups of coffee a day (Gökcen & Şanlier, 2019). The debate about coffee’s impact on the human body continues. Within a coffee bean, there are over 2,000 chemical substances, only half of which have been studied. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the basic effects of coffee.
The Benefits of Coffee
Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. This is why a cup of coffee can help alleviate sleepiness and headaches; it is also an excellent antidepressant. Numerous studies confirm that coffee enhances memory, mood, reaction speed, attention, and cognitive functions (Samoggia & Riedel, 2019). Moderate consumption of coffee can effectively prevent tooth decay, cholelithiasis, diabetes, heart attack, atherosclerosis, and many other diseases.
The Disadvantages of Coffee
Despite its benefits, coffee is not without its drawbacks. It raises blood pressure, which can be problematic for pregnant women and can lead to addiction. While coffee energizes people, this property can interfere with sleep. Additionally, if a person is taking medication, it is essential to consult a doctor about whether it is safe to consume coffee. This beverage can enhance, weaken, or alter the effects of medication. For example, researchers have studied the behavior of alendronic acid when taken with water and other drinks (Gökcen & Şanlier, 2019). They found that black coffee and orange juice weakened the absorption of the drug by 60%. Similarly, the effectiveness of thyroid medications is reduced by 55% when taken with coffee (Gökcen & Şanlier, 2019). Furthermore, drinking coffee on an empty stomach stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which can lead to serious digestive issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee is one of the most popular drinks worldwide, with many people consuming it daily. However, debates about its benefits and harms persist. Numerous studies are conducted, with some scientists highlighting the negative impacts of coffee on human health, while others continue to uncover new beneficial properties. It is important to note that coffee can be beneficial to health when consumed in moderation.
