The effect of coffee on the human body: features, properties and recommendations of experts

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

People have loved coffee since ancient times. This drink has many fans, but there are many who are sure that coffee is extremely harmful to the body. The truth, as usual, is out there somewhere. What exactly is the effect of coffee on the body? Let's figure it out!

There are different types of raw materials. The classic is made from roasted coffee beans. The effect of instant coffee on the body is somewhat different, because this drink has a different composition. Another variety is green beans, about which there are many myths.

Product composition

The main ingredient is caffeine. It has a stimulating effect, the consequence of which is an increase in activity. Synthetic analogues of caffeine activate the vasomotor and respiratory centers of the brain, increase the activity of the cortex, and accelerate the transmission of nerve impulses.

The effect of coffee on the body is also due to other substances, an important place among them is occupied by alkaloids of caffeine and theophylline.

And roasted coffee beans contain:

• tannins - give a bitter taste;
• kafeol (this component enhances blood circulation, lowers cholesterol);
• vitamin P, necessary for the walls of blood vessels;
• chlorogenic acid (important for protein metabolism);
• essential oils that provide a unique aroma and taste.

Scientists have found more than a thousand biologically active substances in coffee beans that affect metabolism. Among them are amino acids, alkaloids, organic acids. The effect of drinking coffee on the human body is determined by the totality of all ingredients.

Many have heard of theobromine in coffee. The effect on the body of this component is similar to the effect of caffeine: it stimulates the work of the heart, nervous and respiratory systems. This component is indispensable in a stressful situation: it helps to cope with nervous tension, numbs pain, makes it possible to concentrate and find the right solution. But if you want to improve your he alth with theobromine, look for it in cocoa or chocolate: most coffees are actually virtually free of this substance.

Effect on the heart and blood vessels

Drinking a drink briefly raises blood pressure. The pulse quickens immediately. But there is a caveat.

Coffee lovers who regularly drink their favorite drink do not have this effect. But for those who drink it very rarely, even a caffeine-free drink raises blood pressure. Doctors also noticed that coffee increases low blood pressure, but normal blood pressure does not. Clinical studies have confirmed that people who drink about 5 cups a day, almostdo not have problems with high or low blood pressure. But it is worth increasing the amount to 6 cups, as persistent hypertension is guaranteed.

People with coronary disease are not recommended to drink coffee. This is due not only to the effect on the blood vessels, but also to the effect of coffee on the body as a whole. Studies have not established a link between the amount of coffee and susceptibility to heart disease. But modern medicine is quite clear: exceeding the recommended amounts leads to arrhythmias.

The effect of caffeine on blood vessels is rather positive. Drinking a drink in reasonable doses improves blood microcirculation in tissues, strengthens the walls. Many European heart centers recommend drinking several cups daily in addition to a low-cholesterol diet for atherosclerosis.

It should be understood that moderate coffee consumption does not harm the heart in any way. In any case, there is no clinical and laboratory evidence of its harm. Drink a couple of cups a day and don't worry about cardiovascular he alth.

Influence on the nervous system

Caffeine also stimulates nervous activity: efficiency increases, fatigue decreases, a feeling of cheerfulness comes, the thought process is activated.

Drinking 4 cups daily significantly reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

We should not forget about the negative impact of coffee on the body, in particular on the nervous system. Excessive stimulation of it is fraught with exhaustion. This pattern was studied by I. P. Pavlov inthe beginning of the 20th century. Exceeding the recommended doses of coffee can have the following consequences:

• sluggishness;
• drowsy;
• failure;
• retardation;
• depressive states.

Effect on the genitourinary system

This drink has a pronounced diuretic effect. It is necessary to monitor the amount of fluid consumed. Regularly replace the loss of fluid, especially in the heat. Diuretic property can be used: it is recommended to drink the drink during colds and ailments.

It should be remembered that with increased urination, the body actively loses calcium.

Effect on the digestive system

Drinking on an empty stomach is undesirable. Caution should be taken with the drink for patients with gastritis and pancreatitis. Remember: coffee drink irritates the gastric mucosa, increases the production of gastric juice.

There is also a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract - peristalsis is activated.

Liver effects

Currently, scientists do not have data on the negative effects of coffee on this organ. But for bile coffee is useful. Just a few cups a day helps to clear the ducts, which is an excellent prevention of gallstone disease.

Coffee and metabolism

Biologically active substances, which are rich in brewed coffee beans, are involved in metabolism. The drink improves antioxidant protection, indirectly affects the reduction of the risk of diabetes.

Coffee is commonly believed to be addictive, butscientists assure that we can only talk about psychological addiction. Stop drinking coffee - and you may feel longing for the pleasant moments that he gave you in the morning or during a break. But you won't feel any breakage.

Carcinogenicity is also a big question. Coffee belongs to the third group (substances about which there is not enough data to refute or confirm the effect on the development of tumors). By the way, talc and mobile phones belong to the same category. A number of scientists believe that coffee does not increase, but reduces the risk of developing tumors. This issue is currently being actively investigated.

It is worth mentioning the effect on cholesterol. The drink indirectly affects the metabolism of fatty acids, lowers cholesterol.

Instant drink

It is generally accepted that this option is safe, but in fact, the effect of instant coffee on the human body exceeds the effect of natural varieties. This is due to the increased caffeine content.

Instant drink has a stronger effect on pressure, secretion of gastric juice. This pleasure is not just not recommended, but is categorically contraindicated for people with gastrointestinal diseases, pregnant women, and adolescents.

We must not forget that many manufacturers use the cheapest raw materials for the production of instant coffee. The quality of natural grain is much higher.

Green coffee

You can make a tasty and he althy drink from unroasted grains. Such a product is popular with those who want to lose weight. Tasteand its smell is not as expressive and pleasant as that of the usual classics brewed in a Turk. But there are more useful substances in grains that have not been roasted.

The components of green coffee really accelerate the metabolism, which contributes to weight loss. In addition, the drink helps to restore strength for a new workout. But do not hope that the result will come by itself: green coffee only promotes weight loss, and does not magically cause it. Kilograms will go away, but for this you need to try, combining proper nutrition with reasonable physical activity.

The effect of coffee on the female body

There is an opinion that regular consumption of a natural drink reduces the risk of getting pregnant. This drink should not be considered a contraceptive, but ladies trying to conceive should keep their consumption to a minimum.

Coffee is not recommended for pregnant women. Its negative effect on the fetus is a proven fact.

Exploring the effect of coffee on a woman's body, scientists have found a connection with the formation of breast tumors. Benign tumors can resolve on their own, it is only necessary to reduce the intake of caffeine.

During menopause, the harm of coffee is associated with calcium leaching. During lactation, the drink is all the more undesirable for the same reason.

If there is a benefit of this drink for the woman's body, it is currently unknown. However, promoting weight loss natural varieties of coffeescientists confirmed long ago.

The effect of coffee on the body of a man

But for men, this drink is useful. Coffee can be attributed to natural aphrodisiacs: it prolongs and enhances potency, stimulates the sex glands. However, this statement is true only for he althy men. Studies have not found any positive or negative effect of coffee on impotence.

But you shouldn't get carried away with this drink. Excessive consumption can lead to increased levels of estrogen (female sex hormones). In this regard, instant coffee is also more dangerous than natural coffee.

There is an opinion that coffee can provoke the progression of prostatitis.

How to and how not to

In reasonable quantities, the drink is harmless. The number of cups depends on many factors. The effect of coffee on the body is also determined by the individual reaction. The average dose should not exceed 3-4 cups per day. For a morning cup, be sure to grab a couple of sandwiches, sweets, gingerbread. At lunchtime, enjoy a drink after your meal.

To increase the benefits of coffee, combine it with other products: milk, cream, ice cream, honey, cinnamon, lemon.

Do not forget that it is strictly forbidden to abuse this drink. An overdose can even lead to death. 15 or more cups of coffee per day will invariably cause a number of negative consequences. These include the following:

• hallucinations;
• neurotic phenomena;
• vomit;
• tachycardia;
• stomach pain;
• convulsions;
• temperature increase;
• shortness of breath.

Be careful at the end of the day. The effect of coffee on the body, as we already know, is stimulating. A couple of evening cups can turn into insomnia.

As you can see, coffee cannot cause much harm if you drink this drink within reasonable limits.