Coffee is a beloved beverage around the world, and for good reason. It can help you stay alert and focused, and it may even offer some health benefits. But it's important to understand the potential risks of drinking coffee, too. In this article, we'll explore what coffee does to your body, the potential benefits and risks of drinking it, and how to enjoy it safely. When you drink coffee, the caffeine in it blocks the effects of a chemical called adenosine.
This causes you to feel more alert and energetic, which is why many people drink coffee or tea to stay awake. Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, so it can keep you awake even if you don't want to be. The most noticeable effect of caffeine on the brain is alertness. You'll feel more awake and less tired, so it's a common ingredient in medications to treat or control sleepiness, headaches, and migraines. Drinking one or two cups of coffee a day can also help prevent heart failure, when a weakened heart has difficulty pumping enough blood to the body. For those who drink coffee, experts suggest preparing it with a paper filter.
Unfiltered coffee is associated with higher rates of premature death and may contain compounds that increase levels of LDL cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol. Moderate coffee intake of two to five cups a day is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancer, Parkinson's disease, and depression. Some research shows that drinking coffee could be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is safe for most women to drink three to five cups of coffee a day with a maximum intake of 400 milligrams of caffeine. A review of 11 observational studies involving more than 29,000 people also found that the more coffee people consume, the lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Evidence from the American Institute for Cancer Research concludes that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of endometrial and liver cancer. Based on a systematic review of a large body of research, drinking coffee is not a risk for the cancers that were studied.
Another review of 21 studies showed that drinking three to four cups of coffee a day was associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke. In addition, drinking at least one cup of coffee a day was also associated with a lower risk of death from cancer. For example, one study found that drinking more than two cups of coffee a day was associated with lower rates of liver scarring and liver cancer in people with liver disease. Coffee lovers around the world looking for their favorite morning drink are probably not thinking about its health benefits or risks. But it's important to understand that while coffee can help adjust your concentration and increase your energy levels, it can also keep anyone awake if you drink it too close to bedtime. If you're prone to developing insomnia, the coffee habit can be the trigger that causes a chronic problem. Although studies have yielded conflicting results, some research suggests that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Studies have also suggested that coffee increases heart rate due to its impact on hormones and neurotransmitters. As for improved mood and ultimately a decrease in depression, according to the AARP “coffee reduces the risk of suicide”. So if you're looking for an energy boost or just want to enjoy your favorite morning beverage without worrying about its effects on your health, make sure you're drinking it in moderation.
