Coffee, the most consumed drink in the world, is sometimes accused of all evils and sometimes praised for its many virtues. But then, is coffee good for your health? Effects, mode of action, precautions, the maximum amount to drink... We tell you everything.
Definition: what is caffeine?
Caffeine is the active ingredient of coffee, a substance with important physiological actions since it is responsible for the consequences of coffee on your body. It is quickly absorbed, assimilated and its effects manifest themselves very quickly in the brain. It is eliminated in a few hours at the urinary level. Note that the latter is not only present in coffee, it is also present in tea, cocoa, kola (nuts), and certain medicines.
Where does coffee come from?
The coffee tree is a tropical shrub grown for its fruits called 'cherries' containing pulp and green coffee beans. The roasting of the latter will develop the smell so sought after and characteristic of coffee. There are several varieties of coffee but two of them are particularly well known:
- arabica with subtle aromatic notes.
- robusta, for enthusiasts of a more full-bodied taste and richer in caffeine.
Mode of action
Caffeine crosses the blood-brain barrier. Once present in the brain, it neutralizes adenosine receptors with an important role in the hormonal message. The resulting increase in nerve activity causes the release of adrenaline, which then influences the heart rate.
Coffee can alleviate a migraine.
Virtues and benefits of coffee
Coffee lovers know it well: consumed without notorious excess, caffeine has the particularity of stimulating the nervous system, therefore plays a role in alertness especially at night when a state of drowsiness is felt by allowing a better visual perception and better reflexes.
Caffeine can alleviate a migraine thanks to its vasoconstrictor effect but in large quantities, the opposite effect can be observed. It leads to an improvement in digestive functions such as the stimulation of gastric secretions, increases intestinal motor skills. As for its diuretic effect, it is no longer to be proven. This is because caffeine increases urinary power. As for athletes, it reduces the perception of fatigue. In asthmatics, it would improve breathing. And good news, coffee would affect the morning mood!
Is it effective against fatigue?
Coffee is a whiplash drink! 'Coffee is a stimulant of the central nervous system, so it will give a boost in energy. It stimulates our alertness, which reduces the impression of fatigue. Coffee also stimulates our cognitive functions, which allows us to be focused', informs Dr. Diana Kadouch, a nutritionist doctor.
Is coffee good for the heart?
'Yes! It has been shown that consuming three cups of coffee a day, decaffeinated or not, would reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. Coffee consumption is associated with a low risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke,' explains Dr. Diana Kadouch, a nutritionist. 'The consumption of coffee has a real positive effect compared to people who do not drink it.' Indeed, Dr. Kadouch explains that if a person drinks coffee reasonably, there is no risk of hypertension or a feeling of palpitations.
Wrongdoing
If coffee has undeniable health assets, there are some downsides. Indeed, the consumption of coffee can cause:
- an acceleration of the heart rate,
- palpitations in sensitive people.
- it can potentiate the effect of certain drugs such as aspirin or certain antihistamines. Vigilance is required!
- Its association with risk factors such as alcohol or tobacco can have an impact on the occurrence of cancers.
Number of cups per day not to be exceeded
Even if this pleasure break has benefits, beyond 2 to 3 cups per day, its impact on your health can be deleterious. But the effects of coffee vary significantly from one subject to another depending on its sensitivity and elimination capacity. Moderate your consumption in case of adverse reactions.
Coffee and pregnancy
Caffeine consumption in pregnant women should be moderate because the fetus takes a good week to eliminate caffeine. Not to mention all the effects that its consumption can cause in adults, imagine on the fetus!
Coffee and sleep
The effects of coffee on sleep are well established but there are variations in individual responses to coffee consumption before sleeping. Sleep is later and of lower quality.
Precautions and contraindications
Coffee is contraindicated in people with:
- heart problems,
- gastric problems (gastritis, ulcer),
- high blood pressure.
Dietician's Council
Coffee contains almost no calories unless you add sugar! It contains some minerals far from being uninteresting such as potassium, vitamins PP and B9 but also polyphenols with antioxidant properties.
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