Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world. Many people rely on it to give them a kick-start in the morning and to help them get through the day.
There has been a lot of mixed science about the health benefits of this caffeinated beverage over the years. There’s research showing the addictive properties of coffee, and there are other studies showing major health benefits. Here’s a look at coffee and if this popular drink is actually good for your health.
One of the main concerns with drinking coffee is the high caffeine intake. So how much caffeine is safe?
According to Health Canada, adults can have 400mg of caffeine a day without adverse effects. For a more conservative dose, Health Canada recommends no more than 2.5mg/kg of body weight.
That means you can have your daily Starbucks. A grande brewed coffee has 330mg of caffeine. A venti is pushing the upper limit at 415mg of caffeine, so it’s better to limit yourself.
So is coffee actually good for you?
This popular drink may not be a good choice for everyone, but it can have many health benefits for the average adult.
Coffee is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the world. It can increase circulation, liver function, boost exercise performance, and even blood flow to the brain.
Coffee protects the liver from cirrhosis, which is good news for all the heavy drinkers out there. Obviously cutting down on alcohol is the healthiest option, but coffee might protect you from extensive damage. It also lowers your risk of developing liver cancer.
The increased blood flow to the brain improves cognitive functionality. Caffeine fires off neurons in the brain, which improves brain clarity, allowing the brain to process more. This can be great if you’re looking for optimal mental performance. However, these effects are temporary and it can be dangerous to rely on caffeine for mental stamina.
Coffee can also boost your metabolism. This won’t necessarily make you lose weight itself, but added to a healthy diet and moderate exercise and it can be the boost you need to drop fat.
Coffee drinkers also have less risk of developing Parkinson’s. This is a result of the caffeine, proving caffeine isn’t all bad. This also means that decaf coffee has no effect.
There has been a lot of research on the effects of caffeine and exercise. Caffeine doesn’t increase the oxygen capacity of cells, nor does it increase physical strength. However, it can give you the performance boost to push you to exercise harder and longer. It supplies the muscles with the energy they need to go even further. Drinking coffee can help you go faster and longer, which may be beneficial for competitive sports. It has also shown to increase post-exercise energy levels.
The polyphenols found in coffee also reduce oxidative stress, reducing inflammation. This helps protect against disease-causing damage. Long-term studies have shown that coffee also decreases cardiovascular-related mortality.
Studies show that women who drink coffee may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, these studies had women consume far more coffee than the recommended caffeine allowance. It isn’t clear if moderate consumption has any effect.
Women with breast cancer should avoid drinking this drink. Studies have found coffee consumption was associated with a higher mortality rate in breast cancer patients.
Caffeine can be addictive. Many people rely too heavily on coffee for energy levels. You shouldn’t be dependent on a stimulant to get you through the day. Too much coffee can also lead to adrenal fatigue.
You should limit your coffee consumption to the morning. Coffee can affect the system for 12 hours after consumption. It is important to get a good nights sleep, and coffee lingering in the body is not going to help.
Buy organic coffee when you can because coffee bean plants are one of the most chemically sprayed plants in the world. The fewer chemicals you consume the better.
Coffee in moderation can be great but limit your coffee intake. Cut yourself off if you find yourself becoming dependent on coffee, otherwise enjoy!
