The role of coffee

A fast-paced day has begun, and a cup of coffee has become a standard breakfast for many people. However, does coffee have the same effect as you think?

Refreshing

YES! Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that prolongs the time the brain stays awake, making the mind clearer and sharper, and the attention more focused, which can improve the efficiency of work and study. However, the exact dose of caffeine required to produce an effect is different for each person, mainly depending on body size and caffeine tolerance. Caffeine can start to work in the body in less than an hour, and the effect disappears within 3 to 4 hours.

Can drinking coffee reduce your sleep by 2 hours?

NO! Consuming caffeine does not reduce the required sleep time, it can only temporarily reduce the feeling of sleepiness. Caffeine sleep disorder caused by long-term excessive coffee intake has been verified by the American Psychiatric Association.

Does coffee help you lose weight?

YES! Caffeine can increase the rate at which the body consumes calories. Studies have found that 100 mg of caffeine (about 1 cup of coffee) can accelerate fat decomposition, increase the body's metabolic rate by 3 to 4 percent, increase energy consumption, and have a weight loss effect if consumed in moderation. However, as time goes by, the body's tolerance to caffeine increases, and this effect will weaken.

Will drinking coffee cause osteoporosis?

NO! There is no clear evidence that caffeine is associated with bone loss and osteoporosis. Studies have found that the caffeine in cola is not the cause of bone loss. On the contrary, the phosphoric acid content in it is more directly related to osteoporosis in older women.

Can coffee cause cancer?

YES OR NO! The effect of coffee on tumors varies depending on the type of tumor. It may increase the risk of lung cancer, but it has a protective effect on colorectal tumors and liver cancer. Coffee is safe for other types of tumors.

Can coffee improve anxiety?

NO! A small amount of caffeine can make people feel refreshed, happy and relieve depression. But a large dose of coffee can lead to caffeine anxiety, which manifests as general anxiety disorder, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Can pregnant women drink coffee?

YES! The half-life of caffeine in a healthy adult is about 3-4 hours, and in a pregnant woman it is about 9-11 hours. However, considering that drinking a lot of coffee during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth, the WHO guidelines on pregnancy care recommend that pregnant women moderately limit their coffee intake.

Can coffee reduce cardiovascular disease?

YES! Coffee can also reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and Parkinson's disease. Drinking 1.5 cups of coffee a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 11%.

Source: Professor Gu Jianwen's Medical Science