The benefits and harms of drinking natural coffee

Caffeine, one of the most active components of coffee beans, has been named one of the most common drugs of abuse by university researchers in Melbourne. The statements of Australian researchers are by no means groundless, since excessive and long-term consumption of coffee can cause physical and mental dependence, and if the daily norm is exceeded, nausea and tinnitus.

Coffee addiction has become a real attribute of modern man. This statement is especially relevant in relation to residents of megalopolises and cities. For them, the 5-10 minutes they spend drinking their favorite drink becomes, in their opinion, a way to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle and another reason to enjoy the bitter-tart aroma and taste of coffee. Years of such habit lead to the fact that it is associated with relaxation, but this is far from the case. And in this article we will introduce you to the reasons that should prompt you to choose in favor of and abandon coffee and caffeine-containing drinks.

Why do people think that drinking coffee is good for health?

Caffeine is often called a soft drug, and it’s hard to disagree with this statement. We all know that a cup of strong aromatic coffee can evoke in us:

• a surge of strength and passion for physical activity;
• elimination or smoothing of pain;
• normalization of mood;
• sharpening of attention, intellectual abilities and memory.

This is why many people believe that coffee is a healthy and necessary product in their daily diet.

Advertising plays an important role in the popularization of this invigorating drink. Endless viewing of videos with images of beautiful and successful people with a cup of coffee in their hands, broadcast on television or on the Internet, numerous printed advertisements listing the beneficial properties of this drink - all this is deposited in people’s subconscious, and they begin to buy this product with pleasure. stores, without thinking about the fact that it is harmful to our health.

With prolonged drinking of coffee, we notice that this “ritual” becomes an integral part of our life, and without a morning dose of an invigorating drink, our mood worsens and everything falls out of hand. This dependence is not observed in those who strictly monitor the “daily intake” of the drink, and in such cases, drinking coffee does not harm health.

What dose of coffee is considered normal?

One liter of traditionally brewed coffee contains about 1500 mg of caffeine. A daily dose of this substance that stimulates the nervous system is considered harmless for the human body, which is no more than 1000 mg. When it is exceeded, depletion of nerve cells is observed and after some time the person develops dependence.

Most studies conducted to study the effects of coffee on the body show that the maximum permissible dose of caffeine per day is 500-600 mg (i.e., no more than 5-6 cups of coffee), and for children and adolescents it is even lower. When addiction or overdose of caffeine develops, a person experiences the following symptoms:

• headache;
• irritability;
• fatigue;
• drowsiness;
• muscle pain.

The appearance of these symptoms should always be a reason to refuse another cup of coffee and reconsider your attitude towards this invigorating drink!

Why is coffee bad for your health?

Harm to the nervous system and mental health

Prolonged stimulation of the tissues of the nervous system leads to the fact that it is constantly in an excited state and experiences excessive stress. Such intense work causes depletion of nerve cells, and they cannot ensure the coordinated functioning of all systems and organs.

In addition to the negative impact on the physical functionality of the nervous system, coffee has a destructive effect on mental health and can cause insomnia. Constant overexcitation of the cerebral cortex can lead to the development of:

• unmotivated aggression;
• psychosis;
• paranoia;
• epilepsy.

Harm to the cardiovascular system

Overexcitation of the nervous system causes activation of the vasomotor center, and a person’s pulse and heart rate increase, as the heart begins to contract faster and the blood vessels narrow. Despite the short duration of this effect of caffeine, in coffee lovers who drink coffee frequently, constant hard work of the cardiovascular system leads to an increased risk of developing arterial hypertension and.

Drinking coffee is especially harmful for those people who suffer from various diseases or have a predisposition to them.

The greatest damage to blood vessels and the heart is caused by coffee prepared by brewing, rather than in a coffee maker.

Harm to metabolism

Coffee consumption leads to impaired absorption of the following microelements and vitamins:

• sodium;
• magnesium;
• vitamin B6 and B1;
• calcium.

As a result of a lack of microelements, a person’s teeth begin to deteriorate, developing, and frequent pain in the neck and back. A lack of magnesium and vitamins B6 and B1 causes disruption in the blood supply system, and a person may experience headaches, irritability and other symptoms of cerebrovascular accident.

Harm to Fertility

Caffeine can stimulate the excessive secretion of adrenal hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. An increase in their level leads to hormonal imbalance, and women will experience a deficiency of such an important hormone for the onset and successful completion of pregnancy as progesterone.

That is why avoidance of caffeine-containing drinks is recommended for all women and pregnant women. It is especially harmful to drink this invigorating drink after the 20th week of pregnancy and in the last months of gestation. Research confirms that consuming even 4 cups of coffee a day increases the risk of premature miscarriage in 33% of women.

Harm to the fetus and unborn child

Excessive consumption of coffee during pregnancy can cause the following disturbances in fetal development:

• risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies;
• delayed physical and mental development;
• the birth of a child with caffeine addiction;
• tooth growth at a later date.

Harmful to normal weight

Excessive coffee consumption leads to extra pounds. This conclusion was reached by many scientists who studied the effects of caffeine on the human body. The reason for the appearance of excess fat is a hormonal imbalance, provoked by excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Because of this, it begins to function incorrectly, and a person’s metabolic processes slow down, and more fat appears under the skin.

Harm to the immune system

Caffeine contributes to the insufficient production of thyroid hormones, and due to their deficiency, malfunctions in the functioning of our immunity appear. As a result, a person becomes more susceptible to the development of various infectious diseases, and it takes a longer time to recover.

Harm to skin and hair

An insufficient amount of thyroid hormones and disturbances in the absorption of microelements and vitamins lead to the following unpleasant symptoms for both women and men:

• dryness and flaking of the skin;
• roughening of the skin on the elbows and soles;
• brittleness and dullness of nails;

Harm to the liver

Some doctors have differing opinions about the harmful effects of coffee on the liver. Some hepatologist doctors recommend that patients with alcoholism or alcoholism develop a small amount of this drink with the addition of milk. In their opinion, coffee is necessary to slow down the development of scarring (fibrosis) in liver tissue. However, it should be noted that excessive consumption of this drink can harm this vital organ.

The liver is a real “laboratory” for decontamination and removal of toxic substances from the body. And when growing some varieties of coffee and producing drinks such as decaffeinated coffee, pesticides and other toxic substances are used - ethyl acetate and methylene chloride.

They have a toxic effect on the liver, and it spends a huge part of its resources on processing these poisons. In addition, the liver is involved in the production of enzymes necessary for the breakdown of substances contained in coffee and their metabolism. As a result, the liver of coffee drinkers experiences increasing stress, becomes depleted, and the person’s risk of developing hepatitis increases.

Harm to teeth

Coffee contains many substances that pigment teeth, which cause darkening of teeth and contribute to the appearance of tartar. Dental plaque accumulates a greater number of pathogenic microorganisms, which can cause the development of various inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and tooth loss.

Harmful to the development of children and adolescents

In addition to all the health problems that are caused by caffeine overdose in adults, drinking coffee in children can cause problems in their development and health.

Almost everyone loves coffee; it is considered the most common invigorating drink that is usually drunk during the day. For several centuries, its unforgettable taste and pleasant aroma have been popular among many people around the world. But despite this, debate about its harmful properties has not subsided for many decades.

Some sources believe that taking it is useful, while others, on the contrary, are ardent opponents of drinking this drink. Many medical studies have been conducted that have shown that the harm of coffee is undeniable, and doctors strongly recommend refraining from drinking it, otherwise your health may suffer.

Coffee contains few vitamins and minerals, but substances such as caffeine and chlorogenic acids are present, which cause stomach problems, and can only be called useful with some degree of relativity.

Let me take a closer look at the harm that comes from drinking coffee.

When they talk about its harm, they most often mean the substance it contains - caffeine. Since when it enters the body in large doses, it becomes a dangerous poison that can even be fatal, and it should be noted that its lethal dose is ten grams.

The safe dose of caffeine for the human body is three hundred milligrams per day. For information, one cup contains from one hundred to two hundred and fifty milligrams of this substance.

In a soluble drink there is an order of magnitude less of it than in a ground representative. But, despite the difference in numbers, the bottom line is that it is recommended to drink no more than two cups a day.

Effect on the nervous system

Caffeine affects the nervous system, it can invigorate and give additional energy, however, this is not always the case. Depending on how it is broken down by the body, its effect on a person is determined: some experience excitement, while others may experience lethargy, apathy and drowsiness.

The ability to break it down is laid down at the genetic level; accordingly, it is almost impossible to determine its optimal dose for the body, and often it is exceeded.

As a result of exceeding the dose over many years, neuroses, behavioral abnormalities, depression, increased anxiety, lethargy, irritability, and other nervous disorders may occur.

In addition, coffee is addictive, and a person becomes dependent on it. Many, without drinking it in the morning, will experience some discomfort. A person cannot collect his thoughts, lethargy, absent-mindedness, weakness, irritability appear, performance decreases, and mood deteriorates.

Moreover, you gradually have to increase the amount of drink you drink in order to maintain the usual level of caffeine impact on your body.

Therefore, for those who have decided to stop drinking this drink, it is not recommended to give it up abruptly; it is best to gradually reduce its amount, this will be more gentle on the body.

Effect on the gastrointestinal tract

Coffee has the property of greatly increasing the acidity of the stomach, so it is not recommended to drink it on an empty stomach; the most harmful is an instant drink, which is very popular. As a result, unpleasant consequences appear, such as heartburn and gastritis. The best option would be to consume it after meals.

Effect on the cardiovascular system

Caffeine has an stimulating effect, which often causes tachycardia and puts additional stress on the heart. It is excluded from the diet of patients with heart problems, since the drink can only aggravate the situation.

Effect on the urinary system

It should be noted that this drink has a diuretic effect. Therefore, patients suffering from kidney disease should exclude it from their diet.

The effect of coffee on pregnancy

There is scientific evidence that excessive consumption by pregnant women significantly increases the likelihood of miscarriage. But, if you do not consume more than three cups a day, then the possibility of interruption will decrease to three percent. This needs to be monitored especially strictly after the twentieth week of gestation.

Effect on metabolism

Getting into the human body in large quantities, it helps to wash out many important salts, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and other substances. Moreover, it interferes with their normal absorption when they enter the body with food.

Accordingly, avid coffee lovers need to take multivitamin complexes that contain useful vitamins and microelements. This is especially true for the fair sex, since with each cup they drink, their likelihood of developing osteoporosis increases.

Decaffeinated coffee

You should know that in order to remove caffeine from beans, they are treated with special chemicals. Therefore, it is difficult to say which of them is more harmful to the human body.

Conclusion

Moderation is important in everything! Keeping this in mind, you don’t have to worry about your health and enjoy drinking one or two cups of this aromatic drink.
Be healthy and cheerful!

Tatyana, www.site

Coffee is a drink that is loved in all corners of the world! Real coffee lovers are ready to drink it morning, noon and evening! But can such passion become detrimental to our health? People have been looking for the answer to this question since the advent of coffee. If some claim that it is absolutely harmless, and moreover, beneficial for our body, then others are categorically against drinking this drink. There is true grain in both positions. About the benefits of coffee. It's time to look at the other side of the coin.

Ivan Pavlov is a name that is not only widely known in narrow circles, but is known to any average person. However, not everyone knows that it was he who was one of the first to study the properties of coffee. His research showed that excessive (!) consumption of this drink can cause:

• nervous exhaustion;
• disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract;
• addictions;
• disruptions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• dehydration;
• deterioration of the condition of nails, skin, hair.

Nervous system

• Coffee is the best way to wake up! To do this, you don’t have to pour a boiling drink on your feet, just take a couple of sips and you’ll fall asleep right away! Thus, coffee “awakens” the nervous system, makes our brain work and “give birth” to bright thoughts. It would seem, what is the harm if coffee has such a stimulating effect? The fact is that with frequent use, an addiction arises, due to which we can no longer “wake up” and cheer up without coffee. This, in turn, leads to nervous exhaustion, irritability, lethargy, apathy, nervousness and anxiety. However, this does not mean that we should give up coffee completely. You just need to choose the right dose for you.

Heart and blood vessels

• We know very well that everything in the body is interconnected. So, coffee makes not only our nervous system work more actively, but also our heart. After a cup of this drink, it begins to beat faster, the blood increases the speed of movement through the vessels, and the pulse increases. That is why coffee is not recommended for hypertensive patients, as well as people with coronary artery disease and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. As a result of drinking this drink, blood pressure increases, which is completely contraindicated in the presence of such diseases.

  By the way, excessive coffee consumption can also cause disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. At the same time, it is easy to deduce a direct relationship: the stronger the drink, the higher the risk of developing “heart” problems.

Gastrointestinal tract

• Coffee contains substances that increase acidity. This, in turn, can cause ulcers, liver and pancreas diseases. However, such consequences can be prevented. First, remember that this property is primarily inherent in instant drinks. That is why drink natural coffee. Secondly, never drink coffee on an empty stomach! You should drink it after a snack or meal.

Genitourinary system

• Among the negative consequences that drinking coffee can lead to, we have listed “dehydration.” This is true. This is because coffee, like tea, for example, has diuretic effects. Remember, coffee does not compensate for water! On the contrary: the more coffee you drink, the more water you should drink, thereby replenishing lost fluid. For the same reason, coffee is not recommended for people with kidney and urinary tract diseases.

Oncology

• Fortunately, most doctors today do not consider coffee to be a cause of cancer and tumors. However, for many years this myth has been quite widespread both in our country and abroad. Many studies of this drink have proven that coffee has anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties and triggers the process of destruction of cancer cells. This miraculous effect is explained by the fact that the fruits of the coffee tree contain polyphenols in large quantities, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Coffee contains several times more of these substances than any type of tea, juice or wine. Therefore, doctors recommend drinking this drink for skin cancer and even using it as an alternative to sunscreen. Coffee is also believed to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

  Among other things, coffee is a “happiness” drink because it contains serotonin. In the case of cancer patients, this fact is of significant importance, because loss of strength and depressive moods are frequent companions of such diseases.

Appearance

• Despite the fact that coffee is actively used in cosmetology as a base for masks and scrubs, experts believe that drinking it can lead to premature aging. This is primarily due to its dehydrating properties, because “feeding” and hydration are very important for our skin.

  In addition, vasodilation, which is also caused by drinking coffee, can cause a “mesh” on the face, burst capillaries and redness. It’s hardly worth talking about the effect of coffee on tooth enamel: like any coloring product, coffee can cause yellowness and plaque formation.

Harm of coffee for pregnancy

• The harm of coffee for expectant mothers has been scientifically proven. If a pregnant woman drinks at least 4 cups of coffee a day, then the risk of miscarriage is more than 30 percent. But as soon as she reduces her coffee consumption to 3 cups, the risk percentage drops rapidly. Coffee has a particularly strong harmful effect during pregnancy from 20 weeks.

Harm of coffee for the content of microelements in the body

• Another “disadvantage” of coffee is that it interferes with the absorption of a number of microelements and vitamins, including, for example, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. This is fraught with the occurrence of osteoporosis, which women should be wary of primarily. In order to prevent disease and replenish the loss of microelements, coffee drinkers need to periodically drink vitamin-containing complexes.

Effect on the body

• The main negative factor of constant coffee consumption is the occurrence of addiction. We have already talked about this earlier. Coffee actually becomes a drug, and a person has to increase the dose all the time. However, if you decide to get rid of this addiction, do not make “sudden movements”, reduce the amount of drink you drink and its strength gradually.

Well, if you can’t give up coffee, then pay attention to our useful tips!

Remember that everything is good in moderation, and then coffee will not cause your body any harm! Be healthy!

You can choose a recipe for hot chocolate, coffee and cocoa based on the ingredients you have using our service.

We invite you to also read the article.

Paul 21.10.2017 20:23
Article, of course. interesting. But there are other interesting facts in this video that are not mentioned here: https://youtu.be/qp1M7Zuro8E

Iapetus 07.06.2017 05:16
Ignorant article.
You know, if a “writer” makes a lot of punctuation and spelling errors, his knowledge is questionable.

Svetlana 24.02.2017 12:33
I love coffee and drink it all the time. But then I made a discovery. Do you know that there is NATURAL decaffeinated coffee? I had no idea before. And I just fell in love with him lately. I even wrote an ode to him)

Alpha Elephant 04.02.2017 22:07
“Among other things, coffee is a “happiness” drink because it CONTAINS serotonin” - wow! I, being naive, thought that serotonin was a hormone produced by the brain, but it turns out that it is “contained” in coffee. Powerful.

The article will reveal all the mysteries that coffee conceals, answer questions about the harms and benefits of coffee, how to store coffee, what are the differences between Arabica and Robusta, which coffee grind to prefer, and many others.

A drink without which many can no longer imagine their lives, coffee has not only become a fixture in the diet, but has also become an integral part of small talk and business meetings, as well as a means to boost energy, improve mood, and a salvation for people with low blood pressure.

However, from time to time you hear about the results of another study with new facts about the harm or benefits of coffee. Should I give up this familiar drink, or is it completely harmless? In order to make an informed decision, you need to know all the pros and cons of coffee.

How does coffee affect the human body?

The effect that coffee has on the human body consists of the actions of its individual components. Therefore, first you should look into the chemical composition of this drink.

Raw coffee beans

Raw coffee beans contain:

• proteins, fats and carbohydrates
• alkaloids (trigonelline and caffeine)
• acids (chlorogenic, quinic, citric, caffeic, oxalic, etc.)
• tannins
• mineral salts and trace elements (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, nitrogen, etc.)
• vitamins
• essential oils

When roasting, the proportions of elements contained in the grain change, and new compounds are formed (for example, vitamins PP). Depending on the type of coffee beans and the degree of roasting, the composition of the drink also differs.

• Caffeine
  Known for its properties of stimulating the nervous system, increasing productivity, boosting energy, reducing physical fatigue and drowsiness. Caffeine is also accused of causing addiction and addiction.

IMPORTANT: Caffeine is found in many plants, but in large quantities - in guarana, tea leaves, coffee beans, cocoa and kola nuts.

• Trigonelline
  During the process of roasting beans, trigonelline participates in the formation of the multicomponent substance kafeol, which gives coffee its characteristic taste and aroma. In addition, when fried, trigonelline releases nicotinic acid (vitamin PP or B3), which improves microcirculation, reduces cholesterol levels, etc.

IMPORTANT: A lack of vitamin PP can lead to the development of pellagra (symptoms: diarrhea, mental impairment, dermatitis).

• Chlorogenic acid
  It is present in various plants, but coffee has the highest concentration of this acid. The beneficial properties of chlorogenic acid include improving nitrogen metabolism. In addition, the acids contained in coffee help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Chlorogenic acid imparts an astringent flavor to coffee.

• Vitamin P
  Strengthens the walls of capillary vessels. One cup of coffee contains approximately one fifth of the daily requirement for this vitamin.

• Essential oils
  They have an antiseptic effect and participate in the formation of the attractive aroma of coffee.

• Tannins (tannins)
  They have a beneficial effect on digestion and give coffee a bitter aftertaste.

Harm from drinking coffee

At first glance, the components present in coffee do not cause any harm to the body. But recommendations to give up this drink are still heard quite often. This can be explained by the following negative factors:

• Addiction
  Regardless of how many cups of coffee you drink a day, you become accustomed to a certain dose of coffee, without which you already feel some discomfort. For this reason, and also because of the feeling of pleasure that coffee evokes, some people try to attribute narcotic properties to coffee. However, the release of the “happiness” hormone serotonin is also observed after eating chocolate. Obviously, classifying these products as drugs is an exaggeration. As for addiction, the unpleasant symptoms of irritability and headaches that appear when you suddenly stop drinking coffee usually disappear quickly.

• 
  Drinking coffee is often associated with a risk of heart disease, particularly coronary heart disease. There is no reliable evidence that coffee can cause coronary heart disease in a completely healthy person. However, for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, drinking coffee, as well as other caffeine-containing products, is hazardous to health.

• Increased pressure
  Coffee can indeed increase blood pressure, but this effect is short-lived. In addition, research results have shown that in most cases, people who are not accustomed to coffee react with an increase in blood pressure. For those who drank coffee on a regular basis, the increase in blood pressure was either not observed at all or was slight. Therefore, a direct relationship between coffee consumption and the development of hypertension has not been identified. It should be noted that we are talking about reasonable amounts of daily coffee consumption (see below for more details) and healthy people. Obviously, coffee is contraindicated for hypertensive patients.

• Inability to absorb calcium
  Coffee interferes with the full absorption of calcium. This is one of the reasons why drinking coffee is not recommended during pregnancy, when the female body especially needs calcium. In addition, there is no point in combining the intake of foods that serve as a source of calcium with the consumption of coffee (curds, cheeses, etc.), since calcium simply will not be absorbed by the body.

• Nervousness and irritability
  These and more serious disorders of the nervous system can be caused by excessive caffeine consumption. According to the study, drinking more than 15 cups of coffee per day can lead to hallucinations, nervousness, convulsions, fever, increased heart rate, vomiting, stomach upset, etc.
  Individual sensitivity to coffee should also be taken into account here. For some, 4 cups a day has no effect on their well-being, while others feel nervous even after one.

• Formation of benign breast tumors
  This conclusion was reached when studying the effect of excessive doses of caffeine on the female body. This applies to all caffeinated products. There is evidence that a benign tumor disappears when caffeine consumption is stopped.

• Dehydration
  One of the disadvantages of coffee is dehydration of the body, and a person does not always feel thirsty. Therefore, coffee lovers should control the amount of liquid they drink and remember the need for additional water intake.

• And etc.

Coffee should not be consumed if:

• atherosclerosis
• insomnia
• hypertension and heart disease
• glaucoma
• increased excitability
• cholecystitis
• liver cirrhosis
• diseases of the stomach (ulcers, gastritis, etc.), kidneys
• and etc.

You should not indulge in coffee before bed due to possible insomnia and increased excitability.

It is advisable to give up coffee or reduce its amount during pregnancy. This warning was initially explained by the threat of miscarriage. Recent studies say that caffeine abuse affects the weight of the fetus, as well as the duration of pregnancy. Caffeine reduces baby's birth weight and prolongs gestation period.

In general, it is advisable to talk about the dangers of coffee under the condition of significant abuse, when purchasing low-quality, cheap coffee, as well as in case of violation of the rules for preparing this drink.

Benefits of drinking coffee

Reasonable consumption of caffeine not only does not harm, but also has a positive effect on the functioning of the body. In particular, coffee:

• promotes mental activity of the brain
• tones, improves mood, adds strength and energy
• eliminates headaches, migraines
• relieves fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness
• is an antidepressant, reduces the likelihood of suicidal episodes

• stimulates memory and prevents Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases
• weakens the effect of hypnotic substances, caffeine is used for intoxication with poisons and drugs
• stimulates the stomach
• increases heart activity, increases blood pressure, which alleviates the condition of hypotensive patients
• has anticarcinogenic properties, reduces the risk of developing cancer
• reduces the likelihood of liver cirrhosis, gout, diabetes, kidney problems

It is important to emphasize that the positive effect of coffee consumption can only be achieved with moderate consumption of this drink.

Daily coffee consumption

You can allow yourself 300-500 mg of caffeine per day without harm to your health. Depending on the degree of roast and variety, one mug of coffee contains 80-120 mg of caffeine. This means that approximately you can drink 3-4 cups per day without worrying about the possible consequences.

The permissible daily dose of caffeine during pregnancy, according to WHO, is 200-300 mg, which is equivalent to 2-3 mugs of coffee.

However, remember that coffee is not the only source of caffeine, so calculate your individual servings based on other caffeine-containing products you consume.

Some studies have documented the negative effects of coffee even when the daily volume of 4-5 mugs is regularly exceeded.
A daily dose of 10 g of caffeine is considered lethal, which corresponds to approximately 100 cups of coffee.

INTERESTING: In terms of the amount of coffee consumed per capita, Finland is in first place, the USA is in second, the UK is in third and Russia is in fourth place.

Types and varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta

There are two most popular types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta, while there are more than a hundred varieties.

Arabica

• the most common type of coffee
• has a milder taste, slight sourness and strong aroma
• contains about 18% oils and 1-1.5% caffeine

Robusta

• characterized by a coarser aftertaste and astringent aftertaste
• contains about 9% oils and up to 3% caffeine
• often used in the preparation of instant coffee
• Usually, due to the bitter taste, they are not consumed in their pure form, but mixed with Arabica in different proportions.
• inferior in popularity to Arabica due to its specific taste
• The caffeine content of Robusta is twice that of Arabica

In addition to these types, there are also Liberica and Excelsa coffees, which are similar in taste to Robusta and are used to create blends.
The taste, smell and chemical composition of coffee, including the amount of caffeine, is determined by the climate, the soil of the coffee trees and other factors, the diversity of which determines the presence of a large number of coffee varieties.

Some of them:

• Santos, Victoria, Conilon (Brazil)
• Colombia
• Ethiopian Arabica Harar
• Arabica Mysore (India)
• Tapanchula, Maragogip (Mexico)
• Mandeling, Lintong (Indonesia)
• Arabien Mocha (Yemen)
• Nicaragua Maragojit et al.

What grind is coffee?

Depending on the method of preparation, the duration of development of the aroma and taste, different types of grinding are used. Highlight:

Rude

• Application: Best suited for use in French presses, piston infusers or classic coffee pots.
• Time required for full manifestation of taste: up to 8-9 minutes

Average

• Application: the most versatile grind, used for different brewing methods, good for carob coffee makers
• Time: up to 6 minutes

Thin

• Application: making coffee in a coffee maker
• Time: up to 4 minutes

IMPORTANT: There is a special grind type for espresso, which is marked accordingly on the coffee packaging. Expresso coffee machines are immediately equipped with a special coffee grinder to obtain a special grind.

Very fine (powdery)

• Application: ideal for cooking in a Turk to obtain so-called Turkish coffee
• Time: 1 minute

If the grind is too fine, it may taste bitter; if the grind is too coarse, the coffee may turn out watery, because if prepared incorrectly, it will not have time to reveal its flavor. In addition, ultra-fine coffee as well as very coarse grinds can clog the coffee machine. Therefore, it is important to adjust the grinding well, to find the most suitable individual taste depending on the type of preparation.

You can grind the coffee yourself using a coffee grinder (manual or electric) or buy the required grind, obtained industrially. The latter usually undergoes additional filtration (through a special sieve) to select coffee particles of the same size. It is known that homogeneous coffee exhibits its taste properties better.

How long can you store ground coffee?

Coffee is very sensitive to air and light. Therefore, it should be stored in an airtight container in a cool place.

After opening the package, ground coffee loses its original aroma and taste within a week. Accordingly, to maximize the preservation of taste, ground coffee must be kept in a vacuum.

The most popular coffee drinks

By combining many different ingredients with coffee in various proportions, a wide range of coffee drinks are obtained. Ice cream, caramel, milk, chocolate, liqueur, honey, berry syrups, etc. - This is an incomplete list of products compatible with coffee that give it a unique taste and smell.

Among the most common coffee drinks:

• espresso− pure coffee, which is prepared in small volumes with a high concentration of coffee, which makes the drink very strong; is the basis for preparing other types of coffee drinks
• Americano− this is an espresso with a high water content for those who do not like the bitterness of strong espresso
• cappuccino− coffee with added milk and formation of milk foam
• macchiato− subtype of cappuccino: coffee + milk foam in equal proportions
• latte– milk with coffee, where milk takes up a large share of the drink
• glasse− coffee with ice cream
• Irish− coffee with alcohol
• mocha− latte with chocolate
• Viennese coffee− espresso with whipped cream, sprinkled with chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.
• Romano− espresso with lemon zest
• Turkish coffee− with foam with added spices (cinnamon, cardamom, etc.), classic coffee is brewed in a Turk
• and many others

Is coffee with milk beneficial or harmful?

Milk suppresses the effect of caffeine, so coffee with milk has a less tonic effect. For people suffering from gastritis or other diseases for which it is not recommended to indulge in caffeine, coffee with milk
in limited quantities it can be a great solution.

IMPORTANT: In its pure form, coffee does not contain calories, but with the addition of milk it loses its properties as a dietary product.

Is coffee with lemon good or bad?

Rich in vitamin C, lemon is undoubtedly a healthy product. In addition, lemon also neutralizes the effects of caffeine. When combined with lemon, the coffee drink acquires a special taste and is perfect for those who love coffee but are wary of excessive caffeine exposure.

Is coffee with cinnamon good or bad?

Cinnamon is known for its numerous healing properties and is widely used for weight loss. Therefore, coffee with cinnamon (without sugar) can be not only a tasty drink, but will also promote weight loss (subject to other necessary conditions).
However, cinnamon, especially in large quantities, has a number of contraindications:

• pregnancy, hypertension, liver and kidney problems, increased excitability, individual intolerance, etc.

Is decaffeinated coffee good or bad?

At first glance, decaffeinated coffee solves all the problems associated with the negative consequences of excessive caffeine consumption. However, everything is not so simple.

• Firstly, This coffee still contains caffeine, but in small quantities.
• Secondly, The overwhelming majority of the decaffeination process involves treating the beans with a chemical solvent, ethyl acetate, which, despite subsequent cleaning with boiling water, risks remaining on the coffee bean.
• Third, One of the negative consequences of drinking decaffeinated coffee is an increase in the amount of free fatty acids in the blood, which are responsible for the formation of bad cholesterol.

In addition, caffeine, as mentioned, has a positive effect on the body when taken correctly.

IMPORTANT: According to research, the accusation that caffeine increases blood pressure is unfounded. Perhaps other components of coffee are to blame.

Therefore, drinking decaffeinated coffee is not always a reasonable substitute.

How to make coffee correctly?

The final properties of coffee, including its benefits or harm, depend on the method and correctness of preparation.

In order to make good coffee at home if you don’t have a special coffee machine, you need to:

• pour coffee into the Turk

IMPORTANT: It is better to give preference to the finest grind of coffee.

• pour cold water
• wait for the foam to rise and remove from heat
• let it sit a little and repeat the procedure two more times
• Before pouring coffee into cups, the latter should be heated by pouring boiling water over them.

IMPORTANT: Coffee should not be brought to a boil.

To prepare Turkish coffee, use 10 g (3 tsp) per glass of water, but the dosage can be changed based on preference.

• In order to check the quality of coffee beans, you can fill them with cold water, shake them a little and drain the water. If the color of the water has not changed, it means the coffee is of high quality, i.e. does not contain dyes
• A test for the presence of impurities in ground coffee can be carried out in a similar way: pour cool water. If impurities are present, they will settle and you will notice them at the bottom of the container.

To summarize, we list 10 Key Facts Things you need to know about coffee:

1. With moderate consumption (no more than 3-4 cups per day), coffee does not harm a healthy person
2. Moreover, coffee has a number of beneficial properties, including stimulating brain activity, suppressing depression, and preventing the development of many diseases.
3. Contraindications to drinking coffee exist if you have problems with the heart, nervous system and other diseases of the liver, kidneys, etc.
4. Arabica contains half as much caffeine as Robusta

girl and guy having a cup of coffee

5. Coffee grinding makes a difference in different ways of preparing coffee. For example, the finest grind is used to make Turkish coffee and requires less time to develop its taste than a coarser grind.
6. The amount of caffeine increases with heat treatment, i.e. darkly roasted beans contain less caffeine than lightly roasted beans
7. Instant coffee is made from cheaper, less valuable coffees and contains more caffeine

8. It is preferable to buy coffee beans and grind it before preparing it, since ground coffee quickly loses its aroma and original taste characteristics, and it cannot be stored for a long time without vacuum packaging.
9. Decaffeinated coffee may even be harmful if decaffeinated using certain methods.
10. It is recommended to drink coffee in the morning, but not on an empty stomach, as it stimulates digestion

Video: Coffee. Harm and benefit

Video: Scientific news about the benefits of coffee

Many people wonder: why is coffee harmful? After all, many people insist that it has a detrimental effect on the body. But this is not entirely true. The drink made from roasted ground coffee beans has a lot of benefits. However, due to its specificity, not everyone can drink it. And not in unlimited quantities. If you neglect these nuances, then the drink will really be harmful. However, first things first.

Compound

Coffee comes in many different types. I can talk about them endlessly. But no matter what kind of coffee it is, it must include:

• Caffeine. Alkaloid and psychostimulant. It is beneficial for migraines, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Promotes performance, eliminates drowsiness.
• Amino acids. Increases endurance and tone.
• Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium. Essential substances involved in many body processes.
• Trigonelline. An alkaloid that enhances blood circulation and dilates blood channels. Promotes the removal of cholesterol from blood vessels.
• Vitamins. Necessary substances for the body that it cannot synthesize itself.
• Tannin. A phenolic compound that strengthens blood vessels and improves the body's absorption of vitamin C.
• Tannins. Aromatic compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect.

As you can see, the composition contains useful substances. It turns out that coffee is not harmful? Instead of discussing this, it is better to simply turn to a comparative review made in 2016 by biologists at Harvard University. It was made on the basis of their own research. The results showed that the benefits clearly outweighed the harm. And its moderate consumption reduces overall mortality.

Instant drink

But it really doesn’t bring any benefit. Drinking instant coffee is harmful, and that's for sure. That's why:

• It contains more caffeine than the natural drink. And this substance flushes calcium from the body. And if the grains contain the permissible amount, then the norm is exceeded in the instant drink. And significantly.
• The process of processing grains into soluble granules and powders evaporates their natural essential oils. And along with them, the tonic properties disappear. To replenish them, dyes and preservatives are added to the product, which are harmful to the body.
• For people with stomach and liver diseases, this drink is completely prohibited. It contains substances that strongly irritate the mucous membrane. The result may be an ulcer or gastritis.
• An instant drink without caffeine completely increases the acidity in the stomach.
• The special structure of this dubious “elixir” negatively affects weight and aggravates the situation with cellulite. Yes, 100 grams of dry powder contains only 94 calories. But it’s not them that matter here, but the structure and properties of the drink.
• Drinking instant coffee is harmful because it contains enough “chemicals” that are addictive, similar to alcohol. Which sometimes becomes so strong that a drink made from natural grains seems disgusting to a person.
• Chlorogenic acid is found in high concentrations in instant coffee. This is bad because it provokes an increase in homocysteine ​​levels, which is why heart disease develops.

Contraindications

Is coffee harmful to health? Of course, if the person is unwell. Negative consequences from drinking the drink can occur if you have the following diseases and ailments:

• Cardiac ischemia.
• Glaucoma.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Kidney diseases.
• Chronic insomnia and increased excitability.
• Gastritis and ulcer.

Tea or coffee?

Both of these drinks invigorate and tone. After all, both contain caffeine. So what is more harmful - tea or coffee?

Many people think it's the latter. And they replace coffee with green tea (for hypertension, for example). However, drinking this drink also increases blood pressure. In addition, believing that tea is more harmless, people can drink liters of it. This cannot be done - you need to monitor the quantity.

And if a person decides to give up coffee in favor of tea because he noticed strange changes in his body after drinking an aromatic drink, then at first it is better to brew a small amount of leaves. You need to check what effect a small dose will have. And then make stronger tea, if desired.

Proper use of the drink

This is also worth talking about, since we are talking about why coffee is harmful. To minimize possible negative consequences and get the maximum benefit from the drink, you need to learn and apply the following recommendations in the future:

• It's better to drink coffee in the morning. At this time of day its tonic effect is most appropriate.
• It is advisable to consume after or with meals. This way the drink will most fully reveal its best qualities.
• Was there no food in the plans at all? Then it is better to refuse the drink. Caffeine will put a strain on the pancreas and stomach, and they will begin fermentation, despite the lack of food.
• It's better to drink coffee with milk. Is this drink harmful? No, its negative effect is minimal. Caffeine removes calcium from the body, and milk contains this macronutrient. So the balance is not upset.
• 20 minutes after a cup of strong black coffee, you need to drink a glass of clean water. The liquid will restore the body's hydrobalance and help quench thirst. Naturally strong coffee dehydrates.

It is also undesirable to add cognac to this drink, as many people like. This alcoholic drink, in such small quantities as it is mixed in, lowers blood pressure. And coffee increases. Dissonance of actions arises, and this negatively affects health.

Action of theophylline

This is one of the main components of coffee. Theophylline has both benefits and harms.

It accelerates blood circulation and also relieves bronchospasm due to its bronchodilator properties. This gives its results. As a result, diuresis (the amount of urine per day) increases in the kidneys. Therefore, coffee is recommended for people with edematous syndromes. And the drink also reduces shortness of breath. Therefore, it is useful for people suffering from asthma, obstructive and chronic bronchitis.

What is the harm? Minimal actually. In healthy people, theophylline provokes increased urination, which then causes dehydration. Therefore, coffee lovers need to drink enough water.

Abuse = mental problems

Well, it’s worth returning to the topic of natural coffee. As you know, everything is good in moderation. But abusing anything never gives good results.

As mentioned earlier, caffeine is a powerful psychostimulant. It stimulates the central nervous system, enhances cardiac activity and accelerates the pulse, dilates blood vessels.

According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Melbourne, the results of which were published in The Daily Mail, caffeine is the most common psychoactive drug in the world. With regular drinking of more than 5 cups of the drink per day, a person may begin to experience auditory hallucinations and even the feeling of the presence of things that are not actually there.

Effect on the liver

Scientists at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Diseases also conducted a number of studies, the results of which helped answer the question of why drinking coffee in large quantities is harmful.

This drink can cause liver problems. Especially if the person abusing it takes any drugs (painkillers, for example). This puts double stress on the liver. It is believed that the organ perceives such a strong drink as a toxin. And tries to remove this irritant. And eventually, with regular use, it wears out, which is accompanied by pain.

It is interesting that moderate doses are beneficial - they reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis. In addition, the drink helps the liver become less susceptible to various diseases (hepatitis in particular).

Arterial pressure

The invigorating drink is believed to have a negative effect on blood pressure. Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University came to this conclusion in their research, summing up that coffee is harmful to health.

But even here everything is ambiguous. If a healthy person drinks the drink, then blood pressure indicators remain unchanged. But for those diagnosed with hypertension, it is better to give up coffee. Blood pressure from its use can increase to a critical level. And this leads to either myocardial infarction or stroke.

Caffeine also blocks adenosine metabolism, which stimulates brain activity and increases blood pressure. At the same time, the adrenal glands stimulate the production of adrenaline, which also increases blood pressure. Based on this, scientists concluded that with regular consumption of the drink, blood pressure becomes chronically elevated, even with initially normal values. So, in excess, coffee is harmful to both the liver and blood pressure.

Heart

The drink also affects its work. Coffee causes tachycardia, manifested by increased heart rate. Nothing terrible for healthy people, and even useful for athletes, because it increases blood flow to the tissues and improves performance and results.

But for those who have illnesses, it is better to abstain from the drink. Why is coffee harmful? Because it can provoke a crisis in hypertension. And if there is heart failure, then the condition will worsen with regular consumption of coffee due to an increase in the muscle's need for oxygen. With coronary artery disease, a heart attack or even a heart attack may occur. An overdose of caffeine leads to arrhythmia.

Other Possible Consequences

Talking about why coffee is harmful, it is also worth noting that often abuse of this drink leads to:

• Changes in behavior. Excess caffeine can make a person irritable and inadequate. This is due to difficulty breathing, which interferes with the oxygen supply to the brain, which affects behavior and decision-making.
• Insomnia. Is it harmful to drink coffee at night? There is no clear answer to this question. Some people can drink a cup of ristretto and sleep sweetly. Others will toss and turn for several hours if they allowed themselves a cappuccino at four o'clock in the afternoon.
• Addiction. Forbes published the results of a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University, which states that a lack of caffeine negatively affects a person’s mood and cognitive functions. To return to normal, you need to drink coffee. It turns out to be a vicious circle.
• Headache. According to the American Heart Association, people who have been without their usual drink for a long time and at the same time worked hard suffer from them. And they need caffeine to narrow dilated blood vessels.
• Prostration. There are such “blockages” that a person is at work for days. Coffee helps maintain tone and vigor. But then, when a person finally gives in all the work and returns home, a sharp loss of strength sets in, which is superimposed by tension, anxiety, drowsiness and fatigue.

That's all why coffee is harmful. As you can see, in all cases we are talking about either abuse or dependence on this drink by people for whom it is contraindicated. Within acceptable limits, it is useful and recommended.