Coffee love knows no boundaries. A morning coffee mug occupies an indispensable position in the hearts and on the tables of many.
As we all know, the benefits of consuming coffee are huge; but there are certain myths and facts we need to be aware of so that we can avoid the dark side of consuming coffee or caffeine.
The caffeine in coffee offers an intense amount of alertness that is needed to begin the day as it is a brain stimulant and thereby enhances energy and metabolism levels.
Moreover, coffee contains numerous antioxidants that make it a potent health booster.
But how much is too much?
According to Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, “moderate coffee intake — about 2–5 cups a day — is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver, and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and depression”.
While some argue that coffee should not be taken empty stomach as it can cause acidity or increase in stress levels; studies do point to the slight rise of acid levels in the stomach but that doesn’t lead to any digestive issues and depends largely on an individual’s tolerance.
Moreover, the rise in cortisol (stress hormone) is also temporary not causing an issue either. If you are the one who can’t think of a day start without coffee there are no reasons to stop.
Then a theory about coffee being addictive circulates.
Yes, it is but not to an extent like other drugs endangering the physical and socio-mental well-being. Instead, caffeine dependency on the nervous system can be a better word to describe it.
Besides, during pregnancy coffee is considered a big no-no. If you had been consuming earlier, go for it. However, studies confirm keeping a limit on your caffeine intake keeping it to fewer than 200 mg per day. No evidence has been recorded so far in the context of caffeine causing difficulty in conceiving or causing birth defects.
It is popularly known for its dehydrating effect because it causes you to urinate more. As per research published in the National Library of Medicine; when consumed in moderation, it contributes to daily fluid requirement and does not harm fluid balance.
Knowing of caffeine as a strong stimulant some tend to opt for decaf or decaffeinated coffee but as it is prepared by rinsing the beans in solvents it does contains a lesser amount of caffeine yet along with that it is devoid of the nutrients that caffeine carries.
Furthermore; butter coffee is the uproar these days. Being high in fat content keeps you satiated for longer hours but as a replacement to the usual breakfast doesn’t make it a healthy choice as it lacks certain other nutrients.
Usually, consumed as part of a high protein diet with otherwise restricted calorie intake it aids in improving metabolism and henceforth weight loss, but more research is needed.
Dr Nisma Haris
The writer is a general physician, content creator
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