Can eating coffee beans be toxic? Is there really a risk?

Can eating coffee beans cause poisoning? This is a common English question in coffee shops, and many people are concerned about it. In fact, coffee beans themselves do not cause poisoning, but excessive intake may bring some risks.

First of all, coffee beans contain caffeine, which is a stimulant. A moderate intake can refresh the mind, increase concentration and alertness. However, excessive intake of caffeine may cause side effects such as increased heart rate, insomnia, anxiety and indigestion.

Secondly, green coffee beans before roasting contain a lot of acid substances. These acids can easily cause discomfort in the stomach and may irritate the gastric mucosa. Therefore, eating green coffee beans directly may cause stomach discomfort or digestive problems.

It is also important to note that most commercially ground coffee powder sold on the market has been roasted and is usually used to brew beverages. Therefore, as long as it is used normally, even if a large amount of coffee powder is consumed, it will not cause significant harm to the human body.

However, if you plan to eat coffee beans directly or grind them into powder, you need to be careful. Excessive intake of caffeine may cause symptoms of toxicity, such as arrhythmia, breathing difficulties, and neurological problems. In addition, long-term and high-intake caffeine may also have negative effects on the kidneys and digestive system.

In conclusion, consuming small amounts of ground coffee beans is generally safe and harmless when used appropriately. However, to avoid potential risks, be sure to follow the correct usage instructions and do not over-rely on coffee for energy or abuse it.