Advantages And Disadvantages Of Drinking Coffee

This stimulating and delicious drink is obtained by roasting and crushing the seeds of the coffee tree, or coffee plant, a tropical tree or shrub.

Coffee is one of those special drinks that can be consumed at any time of the day or with every meal, but drinking coffee can also be a drink for socializing or just for fun.

However, there are many doubts as to whether this is a food that can be, or not. This is because although it offers certain health benefits, in some cases it can also worsen various health problems as indicated in this study by the University of Valladolid.

In this article, we will explain everything to you in detail. What we must keep in mind is that we must always moderate its consumption.

Interesting facts about coffee

If there is one thing that should be kept in mind, it is that  coffee is the second most consumed drink in the world,  after water. It is assumed that at least four hundred billion cups of coffee are consumed each year.

In which country is it most frequently used? The countries that answer this question are Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands. Although in Spain, we also consume a lot of coffee, around 4.5 kilos per person per year.

Coffee consumption and pain relievers

The relationship that we can establish between coffee and pain relievers is not absurd. Indeed, it is believed that it can be really beneficial for your health.

The reason is that, the combination of coffee with the intake of painkillers would  increase their effects by 40%. This would speed up the reaction of the drug. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

We have to be especially careful when mixing coffee with other types of drugs. Whether they are pain relievers or not. Consult the doctor first.

Consumption of coffee is beneficial for your health

Drinking coffee can have many health benefits. Some of its properties may even make this drink a great way to prevent certain diseases.

• Fight type 2 diabetes:  although coffee is a drink rich in magnesium and chromium, substances that stimulate the body’s use of insulin and regulate blood sugar, it it is still too early to talk about its alleged beneficial properties in this type of diabetes. These are statements from this study carried out by the Carlos Haya University Hospital in Malaga.
• Lower likelihood of developing mental disorders:  Regularly consuming coffee can reduce the chances of developing diseases or disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s by 60%, according to the claims of this study carried out by the Institute of Environmental Medicine ( Sweden).
• Coffee prevents constipation:  even though it is a laxative, you have to be careful. According to this study published by the Spanish Association of Gastroenterology, its excessive consumption can contribute to the development of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Improved physical performance:  The caffeine in coffee helps increase adrenaline levels. A hormone that prepares the body for significant physical exertion.
• Fight depression:  According to research from Harvard University, coffee consumption helps control depression. Again, this benefit is attributed to caffeine.

Disadvantages of coffee

Despite the benefits of coffee, in reality, this drink can also cause a host of “side effects”. Let’s see some of them.

• Headaches:  Consuming large amounts of coffee can lead to headaches and even migraines. This is indicated by this study carried out by the Health Services of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.
• Coffee is detrimental to gastrointestinal health:  it is an irritating drink and excessive consumption can cause ulcers and damage both the intestine and the stomach, according to the University Hospital of Ramon y Cajal (Spain ).
• Affects our mood:  It can make us more anxious or euphoric.
• Increases the risk of miscarriage:  during pregnancy it is better not to take coffee. Indeed, it can alter the hormonal levels of the pregnant woman and expose her to a significant risk of miscarriage. This is what confirms this research carried out by the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.

In addition, we have previously mentioned the benefits of coffee for people suffering from constipation. However, its excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea, colic, the famous irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia. For this reason, it makes sense to consume this drink in moderation.

Coffee and hallucinations

Another consequence of excessive coffee consumption are hallucinations, according to this study carried out by the University of Antioquia (Colombia). These can be visual (seeing things that are not real), auditory (hearing sounds that are not coming from nowhere) or related to the sensation of being accompanied by a presence.

On the other hand, hallucinations generally arise following very heavy consumption. But this is not the case with moderate doses.

Indeed, moderate coffee consumption can have benefits. However, we must remain cautious. Also, in the case of stomach ulcer or pregnancy, it is strongly advised to refrain from consuming this drink. In these situations, and many more, it can represent an evil rather than a good.