Study on the TCM properties and side effects of coffee

This article discusses the effects of coffee in TCM and possible side effects. From a TCM perspective, coffee is believed to be refreshing, but long-term excessive drinking may have negative effects on the body. Coffee may cause insomnia, palpitations, and even affect the digestive system. Although coffee has a refreshing effect, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive dependence. This article aims to remind readers to pay attention to the side effects of coffee, drink it reasonably, and stay healthy.

In the fast-paced modern life, coffee has become an indispensable choice for many people to refresh their minds. Do you know about the Chinese medicine properties and potential side effects of coffee? This article will explore the properties of coffee and its possible effects on the body from the perspective of Chinese medicine.

1. The TCM properties of coffee

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, food and drink are considered to have properties and functions. As an imported drink, the properties of coffee in traditional Chinese medicine are not very clear, but based on existing research and observations, we can preliminarily judge that coffee has a warming property.

In traditional Chinese medicine, foods with warm properties are generally believed to enhance the body's yang energy and increase body heat. For people with cold constitutions, drinking coffee in moderation may help improve cold symptoms. However, it should be noted that the warm properties of coffee may also cause some people to experience internal heat symptoms, such as dry mouth, oral ulcers, constipation, etc.

2. Side Effects of Coffee

1. Impact on sleep : The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that stimulates the central nervous system, increases attention and alertness. Excessive drinking can affect sleep quality and even cause insomnia. If this continues for a long time, it may cause neurasthenia and other problems.

2. Digestive system problems : Coffee may irritate the gastric mucosa. Drinking a lot of coffee will increase excessive secretion of gastric acid, leading to digestive system problems such as stomach pain and gastric ulcers. Caffeine may also interfere with intestinal absorption function. Long-term drinking may affect nutrient absorption.

3. Cardiovascular effects : Caffeine can increase blood pressure and accelerate heart rate, which is a major hidden danger for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Ordinary people may also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases if they drink it in large quantities for a long time.

4. Impact on bone health : The diuretic effect of caffeine may lead to excessive loss of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This effect is more significant, especially for middle-aged and elderly people and those who drink coffee for a long time.

3. Recommendations for drinking coffee properly

1. Control the amount of drinking : Drink coffee in moderation and avoid excessive intake. The amount of caffeine consumed per day should not exceed 400 mg, which is about the amount of two cups of ordinary coffee.

2. Pay attention to your personal constitution : Different people have different constitutions, and their reactions to coffee will also vary. People with cold constitutions can drink it in moderation, but people with hot constitutions should be more cautious.

3. Not suitable for pregnant women and children : Due to their special physical conditions, pregnant women and children should try to avoid drinking coffee to avoid affecting their health.

4. Eat a balanced diet : When drinking coffee, you should pay attention to a balanced diet and consume more foods rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium to reduce the impact of coffee on bone health.

5. Choose low-caffeine or decaffeinated coffee : For those who want to continue to enjoy the taste of coffee but want to reduce caffeine intake, low-caffeine or decaffeinated coffee is a good choice.

As a modern beverage, coffee not only brings us a refreshing effect, but also brings certain side effects. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, we should pay more attention to its properties and effects on the body, and drink it reasonably to truly enjoy its benefits. I hope that through the discussion in this article, everyone can have a more comprehensive understanding of coffee, drink it scientifically, and live a healthy life.