POWERFUL GUIDE TO COFFEE CONSUMPTION
A lot has been said about caffeine in coffee, and the
health effects. However, caffeine is not
the only component of coffee. Brewed
coffee from typical grounds prepared with tap water contains 40 mg caffeine
per 100 gram and some essential nutrients, but in insignificant amounts. In espresso,
however, likely due to its higher amount of suspended solids, there are
significant contents of magnesium, the B vitamins, niacin and riboflavin, and
212 mg of caffeine per 100 grams of grounds.
Polyphenols (antioxidants) in coffee have been shown to
affect free radicals in the laboratory; contrary to popular believe, there is
no evidence that this effect occurs in humans. Polyphenol levels vary depending
on how beans are roasted as well as for how long. As interpreted by the Linus
Pauling Institute and the European Food Safety Authority, dietary polyphenols,
such as those ingested by consuming coffee, have little or no direct antioxidant
value following ingestion.
Does drinking coffee have any specific health benefits? Research
results available are contradictory. Similarly, research results are conflicting
regarding the potentially harmful effects of coffee consumption. Furthermore, results and generalizations
depend on age, gender, health status, and amount consumed.
Drinking caffeinated coffee in moderate amounts does not increase
your risk for heart diseases. Coffee's negative effects are more common when
taken in excess, with potential health risks due mainly to its caffeine content
and can therefore be avoided by drinking less coffee or using decaffeinated
coffee.
Caffeine belongs to the class of drugs called ‘psychoactive
drugs’; drugs like marijuana and cocaine belong to this class. Caffeine is however
100% legal, making it the most widely consumed psychoactive drug. It is
contained in coffee, tea and kola nuts. Energy drinks and soft drinks like colas
(originally produced from kola nuts) contain significant amounts of caffeine
(that is where the energy is coming from and this is also the reason why people
who drink coke regularly become addicted to it).
For people who take colas excessively, there is an increased
risk of chronic kidney disease (phosphoric acid used in colas is thought to be
a possible cause).
Some people find it difficult to sleep disruption if they
consume caffeine, especially during the evening hours, but others show little
disturbance. Caffeine being a psychoactive drug can produce a mild form of drug
dependence; you know this has occurred, when you experience sleepiness,
headache, and develop an irritable mood after stopping caffeine, following
repeated daily intake. The body adapts to the increased blood pressure and
heart rate, and increased urination due to caffeine; when you use caffeine for
long, these parameters may not be affected anymore.
Caffeine is used to reduce physical fatigue and to
prevent or treat drowsiness. It produces increased wakefulness, increased
focus, and better general body coordination. The amount of caffeine needed to
produce these effects varies from person to person. Desired effects begin
approximately one hour after consumption, and a moderate dose usually subsides
in about three or four hours. Caffeine can delay or prevent sleep, and improves
task performance during sleep deprivation. These are the reasons why most
people (including me) take coffee. If it works for you, then you know what I am
talking about. The energy is overwhelming, like an electric charge.
What are the health effects of EXCESSIVE caffeine
consumption?
·
Restlessness,
·
Fidgeting,
·
Anxiety,
·
Excitement,
·
Increased urination,
·
Diarrhea (I have experienced this one countless times. It is horrible),
·
A rambling flow of thought and speech,
·
Irritability,
·
Irregular or rapid heartbeat,
·
In cases of much larger overdoses, mania, depression, lapses in judgment, disorientation,
disinhibition, delusions, hallucinations, or psychosis may occur.
·
Massive overdose can result in death.
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