Having a cup of coffee in the morning, one at lunch time and one in the afternoon when chatting with friends or families or while in the office may be a routine for many people. But have you ever considered what coffee can do to your health? Does coffee have any real nutritional value? Is it healthy for you? Drinking coffee can give you important perks, but there are some drawbacks as well that you must consider if you love your coffee. In this article, we take a look at some of the pros and cons of drinking coffee.
Pros:
Reduces risk of diabetes
According to a number of studies, drinking at least 4 cups of coffee a day can help reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes by 30 percent. Polyphenols are a type of molecule contained in coffee that can help prevent inflammatory illnesses including Type 2 diabetes. In addition, coffee contains chromium and magnesium which can be helpful for reducing the risk of diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity.
Cognitive benefits
People who drink coffee tend to stay more alert. But, it is important that coffee is consumed in moderate amounts daily. About three cups of coffee a day can also help in maintaining mental health for long.
Reduces risk of heart diseases
Coffee contains a number of compounds which can have an effect on your cardiovascular system. Depending on the amount of coffee you consume, this effect can be negative or positive. Moderation is key and if you keep it at 2 cups a day, it can help you reduce risk of heart diseases as you age.
Fights free radicals
Coffee is a good source of antioxidants and it is important to remember that coffee comes from a plant. It contains more than 1000 phytochemicals which can help fight free radicals in the body which are responsible for causing cell damage and premature aging.
Cons:
Addiction
Coffee contains caffeine which can give rise to a number of health issues. If you consume coffee daily or consume stronger brews, then you can easily develop caffeine dependency. One you become addicted, it can be quite hard to quit. However, if you try to quit, you can develop withdrawal symptoms such as depression, constipation, drowsiness, loss of appetite and headaches.
Premature aging
The body contains natural anti-aging hormones but when you consume too much coffee, the production of these hormones is reduced. This leads to premature aging.
Increases stress levels
Caffeine stimulates adrenal glands and this process can be responsible for increasing an individual’s stress level. Drinking coffee can also increase anxiety if the person is already working in a stressful environment.
Cause weight gains
Caffeine is responsible for causing fluctuations in blood sugar which can contribute to cravings. A number of studies have found that coffee is connected to food. You can’t deny that when you are having a cup of coffee, you pair it with dessert, muffin or doughnut. In addition, when the caffeine buzz wears off, you reach for fatty snacks and food to keep you going.
