Coffee is one of those products around which a lot of research exists. Some studies talk about benefits, others about harm. But the number of people who drink this drink is not decreasing. The long history of coffee gives us many facts about this drink. This article will focus on the benefits of coffee.
Types of coffee drinks
Grain Brazilian coffee is used to prepare a variety of drinks – both pure coffee and with the addition of milk, cream, syrups, ice cream, and alcohol. All drinks are prepared on the basis of strong espresso. Doppio is a double espresso.
To get another drink, you need to add the following ingredients to one part of the espresso:
- Americano – two parts water
- Cappuccino – part hot and two parts frothed milk;
- Latte – two parts hot and one part frothed milk;
- Viennese – two parts of whipped cream;
- Mochaccino – one part of hot chocolate and whipped milk;
- Mocha – one part each of hot chocolate, milk, and whipped cream.
A wide range of coffee types allows you to choose the perfect drink for every day and combine the most unexpected tastes.
Properties of caffeine
The main ingredient in coffee is caffeine. It is a causative agent of body systems: it improves brain function, speeds up the work of the heart, and stimulates the activity of the gallbladder. But if you abuse the drink, it can lead to negative consequences: tremors, high blood pressure, heartburn, and insomnia. Drinking a drink in moderation and adhering to some rules, the usefulness of coffee still outweighs the “benefit/harm” scales.
So, let’s figure out whether coffee is good for health and how this drink affects the body.
Stimulation of the nervous system
The health benefits of coffee come from just 1-2 cups a day, which will help you feel less tired. All this is the action of caffeine, which enters the bloodstream and then moves to the brain. Here it blocks adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It in turn increases the production of dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. These hormones increase energy levels and improve mood and overall cognitive function.
Improve physical performance
Coffee is good for those who play sports. According to studies, caffeine increases physical activity by 11-12%. This is due to the fact that the substance causes the production of adrenaline, as already mentioned in the paragraph above. Thanks to this hormone, our body is ready for intense physical exertion. Caffeine also breaks down fat cells, turning them into free fatty acids that can be used by the body as fuel. Therefore, 60 minutes before exercising in the gym, you can drink a serving of coffee beans to increase efficiency.
Fat burning
Almost every weight loss product contains caffeine. This natural substance can speed up metabolism by 3-11%. However, the visible result was noticeable only in those who had not previously consumed coffee on an ongoing basis.
Coffee Protects Against Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Natural coffee reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 65%. This disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the main cause of dementia in people over 62 years of age. Unfortunately, the world has not yet found a cure for this. To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to lead an active lifestyle, adhere to a healthy diet, and avoid stress.
Coffee is good for the liver
The British journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics published a review combining 9 studies, which indicated that drinking just two cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of liver cirrhosis by 45%. However, doctors could not say exactly what coffee is good for the liver. Most likely, this is due to the content of substances such as chlorogenic acid, cafestol, and caveolae, which have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes
The benefits of natural coffee have been seen in the fight against type 2 diabetes. Currently, about 300 million people on the planet suffer from type 2 diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation says that by 2030 every 10 adults on Earth will have a diagnosis. According to an extensive study that analyzed 18 scientific papers, one cup of coffee reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 7%. A total of 457,922 people took part in the trial. But the debate around the link between coffee and diabetes is ongoing, so it’s best to check with your doctor.
Coffee with milk is good for bones
Despite the above benefits, coffee interferes with the absorption of beneficial elements, in particular calcium. By adding milk to the drink, will help compensate for the loss of this essential element.
Other benefits of coffee
Increase Sexual Desire
Numerous studies have confirmed that people who drink a couple of cups of coffee a day are more sexually active. The benefits of coffee are equal for men and women. And coffee is a powerful aphrodisiac, so even the smell of the drink causes reflex stimulation aimed at sexual desire.
You can choose an automatic coffee machine for your office or home, and delicious coffee in a matter of minutes, which can save you valuable time.
Harm and contraindications
Although moderate consumption of the drink does not cause much harm to the body, its large amount can affect the condition of the bones and the level of calcium in the blood. “Poor quality coffee can have a lot of impurities that can cause nausea, headaches or a general feeling of being unwell,” the expert added. “It can also provoke insomnia and anxiety. If you have high cholesterol, then it is better to choose filtered coffee. Contained in coffee cafestol and kahweol increase LDL cholesterol (with low-density lipoprotein. – Approx. ed.), so filtering is necessary – it reduces LDL levels.
Also, according to the specialist, contraindications for drinking the drink are:
- stomach problems;
- pregnancy;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- childhood;
- hypertension;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- insomnia, etc.
In addition, coffee is harmful to people with mental disorders, because it can provoke anxiety, nervous excitement, and even panic attacks.
