The old Chinese doctor said that the benefits of drinking coffee can improve qi and blood, promote digestion, enhance immunity and improve heart health

The global craze for coffee and the unique perspective of traditional Chinese medicine

In modern society, coffee has become a popular drink around the world. Whether it is a refreshment when waking up in the morning or a nap in the afternoon, coffee occupies an important position in the daily life of many people. From Europe and the United States to Asia, coffee shops are everywhere and have become places for socializing and relaxation. Especially in the fast-paced life, the refreshing effect of coffee makes it an indispensable daily drink for many people.

However, the health benefits of coffee are not only revealed by Western medicine. Many people don’t know that traditional Chinese medicine practitioners also have their own unique insights on coffee. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, diet is closely related to the health of the body, and each food and drink has its own special role. Although coffee originally originated in the West, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have found that a moderate amount of coffee not only helps to improve qi and blood, promote digestion, but also helps to enhance immunity and improve heart health.

This article will explore coffee from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, reveal its potential health benefits, challenge traditional concepts, and demonstrate the health value of coffee in traditional Chinese medicine culture. Drinking coffee is not just a Western lifestyle, it has also found its place within the framework of traditional medicine, bringing many unexpected benefits.

How coffee stimulates the nervous system to promote blood flow

As the main active ingredient in coffee, caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system, stimulate the body's natural response, and enhance blood circulation. This effect is highly consistent with the concept of "Yang Qi" in traditional Chinese medicine theory. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Yang Qi is the driving force for maintaining life activities and promoting blood circulation, and caffeine can promote the circulation of Qi and blood by increasing the "Yang Qi" in the body.

When coffee enters the body, caffeine quickly enters the blood and acts on the brain, stimulating the nervous system to release adrenaline. This hormone can accelerate the heartbeat, dilate blood vessels, promote blood circulation, and thus improve the efficiency of oxygen and nutrient delivery. For many people with weak constitutions and insufficient Qi and blood, drinking coffee in moderation can effectively improve symptoms of insufficient Qi and blood, such as pale complexion and cold limbs.

From a TCM perspective, coffee's warming effect helps regulate the balance of Qi and blood in the body. By boosting Yang, coffee can help Qi and blood flow better in the body and avoid Qi stagnation and blood stasis. Especially in cold seasons, drinking a cup of warm coffee can not only warm the body, but also help the body maintain abundant Yang and promote blood circulation.

How does coffee help regulate the stomach and promote digestion and absorption?

Caffeine is not only the key ingredient of coffee for refreshing, but its role in regulating the stomach and intestines cannot be ignored. Studies have found that coffee can stimulate gastric acid secretion and increase gastrointestinal motility, thereby promoting the digestion and absorption of food. For many people with indigestion and stomach discomfort, drinking coffee in moderation can sometimes have an unexpected soothing effect.

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the spleen and stomach are the "foundation of the body" and are responsible for the digestion of food and the transformation of nutrients. The bitter ingredients in coffee can help regulate the spleen and stomach and improve the gastrointestinal function. Caffeine can accelerate the digestion of food by stimulating the secretion of gastric juice. Especially when there is a lot of greasy food, coffee can effectively relieve the burden on the stomach and help digestion.

In addition, the caffeine in coffee can promote gastrointestinal motility and prevent food from staying in the gastrointestinal tract for too long. For problems such as constipation, the stimulating effect of coffee can provide some help, help smooth bowel movements, and maintain intestinal health. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that good spleen and stomach function is the basis for maintaining good health, and a moderate amount of coffee can help regulate spleen and stomach function and enhance digestion.

How coffee's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can help boost immunity

The antioxidant components in coffee, especially polyphenols, have been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These components can effectively remove free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and thus help enhance the body's immune function. With age or environmental pollution, the free radicals in the body increase, which can damage cells and reduce the efficiency of the immune system. The polyphenols in coffee reduce this damage by neutralizing free radicals and keep the immune system functioning healthily.

In TCM theory, "tonifying" is the key idea to strengthen the body and improve immunity. Although coffee is regarded as a refreshing drink in the West, its rich antioxidants and ability to regulate inflammation coincide with the "tonifying" theory of TCM. TCM believes that maintaining balance and harmony in the body is the basis for improving immunity. Coffee can help replenish the "positive energy" in the body through its multiple mechanisms and improve the body's resistance, especially for people with weak constitutions or frequent fatigue. A moderate amount of coffee can help enhance physical strength and immunity.

In addition, coffee's anti-inflammatory effects can also help prevent the occurrence of chronic inflammation-related diseases. Long-term chronic inflammation can cause the immune system to overreact and reduce its normal defense function. The natural ingredients in coffee can effectively reduce this inflammatory response and help the immune system return to a healthier state. Therefore, drinking coffee in moderation can not only boost energy and mental state, but also strengthen the function of the immune system from the inside out.

How coffee regulates heart health and improves cardiovascular function

Medical research in recent years has shown that drinking coffee in moderation has many positive effects on cardiovascular health. The caffeine in coffee not only stimulates the nervous system, but also effectively regulates blood pressure. Several studies have shown that moderate caffeine intake can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels by promoting vasodilation and improving blood circulation. In addition, antioxidants in coffee, such as polyphenols, have also been shown to help reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis and further reduce the incidence of heart disease.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is the "king of the kingdom" and is vital to the health of the whole body. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the key to heart health lies in the smooth flow of blood and the harmony of qi and blood, and coffee can help maintain heart function by promoting blood circulation and improving blood fluidity. Traditional Chinese medicine also mentions that the "qi" of the heart is often closely related to factors such as emotions and stress, and the refreshing effect of coffee can help relieve mental fatigue, improve mood, and indirectly promote heart health.

In addition, the caffeine in coffee can also increase metabolism and enhance physical strength, thus helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by sitting for long periods of time or lack of exercise. Although excessive caffeine intake may cause some discomfort, drinking coffee in moderation can help maintain good heart health and reduce complications caused by long-term cardiovascular problems. Therefore, drinking coffee in moderation can be a beneficial means of heart health.

An old Chinese medicine practitioner's guide to drinking coffee: moderation, timing, and food pairing

Old Chinese medicine practitioners have their own unique insights on the issue of drinking coffee, emphasizing that drinking in moderation is the key. Although coffee is good, drinking too much may cause physical discomfort, such as palpitations, insomnia or gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, drinking coffee in moderation, no more than one or two cups a day, is the best choice to stay healthy. Chinese medicine believes that maintaining a balance between diet and life is the basis for conditioning the body, and coffee should be used as a supplementary drink rather than a daily main drink.

When it comes to choosing the right time to drink coffee, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners suggest that the best time is in the morning or in the morning. At this time, the body's qi and blood gradually recover, and a moderate amount of coffee can help improve vitality and concentration. But avoid drinking coffee immediately after a meal, because the acidic components of coffee may stimulate gastric acid secretion and affect digestion. Coffee in the afternoon or evening can easily interfere with sleep, so it is not suitable for people who are prone to insomnia.

In addition, pairing with food is also something you need to pay attention to when drinking coffee. An old Chinese doctor mentioned that coffee is better paired with foods rich in protein or fat, which can relieve the stimulation caused by caffeine and protect the gastric mucosa. For example, you can pair coffee with some nuts, whole wheat bread or low-fat dairy products, which can supplement nutrition without causing too much burden on the stomach.

Finally, coffee is not suitable for everyone. For people with Qi or Yin deficiency, especially those with high blood pressure, gastric ulcers or heart disease, the stimulating effect of coffee may aggravate their condition. Therefore, it is very important to understand your own constitution when choosing whether to drink coffee. For these people, it is recommended to drink coffee with caution under the guidance of a professional Chinese medicine practitioner.

Summary: The comprehensive health benefits of coffee from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, coffee is not only a refreshing drink, it also has unique health benefits. Drinking coffee in moderation can help improve qi and blood, promote digestion, enhance immunity, and improve heart health. These effects are highly consistent with the concept of "harmony between yin and yang and promoting the circulation of qi and blood" in traditional Chinese medicine. By adjusting the balance of qi and blood in the body, coffee can effectively improve the body's self-repair ability and improve overall health.

However, the benefits of coffee are not achieved overnight. The key is to drink it in moderation. Excessive coffee consumption may cause some negative effects, especially for those with weak constitutions or specific health problems. Therefore, Chinese medicine emphasizes that when enjoying the benefits of coffee, it is necessary to reasonably adjust the amount of drinking according to one's constitution and health status, so as to "adapt to the time and place".

Combining the research results of modern medicine with the traditional wisdom of Chinese medicine can provide more options and ideas for our health management. As a part of modern life, coffee can not only help refresh the mind, but also promote physical health if consumed properly. In the fast-paced modern life, drinking coffee in moderation can not only make people feel refreshed, but also bring many health benefits.

In summary, coffee has a multi-dimensional health significance from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, and drinking it in moderation can bring many benefits to our bodies. By integrating it into our daily lives in a scientific and rational way, coffee can become a beneficial assistant for us to maintain health.