Coffee: pros and cons from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine

Coffee has its pros and cons from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine. Coffee can refresh the mind, promote metabolism, relieve fatigue, has a diuretic effect, and can improve constipation. Drinking too much coffee may cause insomnia, palpitations and other adverse effects, especially drinking on an empty stomach may irritate the stomach. Drinking coffee in moderation is beneficial, but attention should be paid to its potential adverse effects, especially those with sensitive constitutions should drink with caution.

In the fast-paced modern life, coffee has become a must-have drink for many people. It not only refreshes the mind, but also plays an important role in social occasions. Chinese medicine has a unique view on the pros and cons of coffee.

1. Benefits of Coffee

1. Refresh the mind : The caffeine in coffee is an alkaloid that can stimulate the central nervous system and make people excited. For people who often feel tired, drinking coffee in moderation can help improve work efficiency.

2. Promote digestion : Caffeine can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and promote the secretion of digestive juices, thereby aiding digestion. However, it should be noted that excessive drinking may over-stimulate the gastric mucosa, leading to stomach pain, gastric ulcers and other problems.

3. Antioxidant : The various antioxidants contained in coffee, such as chlorogenic acid and cafestol, help to eliminate free radicals in the body and slow down the aging process.

4. Social media : In social situations, coffee becomes a bond between people. A cup of coffee makes strangers become familiar and communication easier.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the warming properties of coffee can boost the body's yang energy, helping to dispel the cold and keep warm. Drinking coffee in moderation can also help promote blood circulation, remove wind and dampness. For people with a cold constitution, drinking coffee in moderation can help improve symptoms such as cold hands and feet, and joint pain.

2. Disadvantages of coffee

1. Insomnia and palpitations : Although the stimulating effect of caffeine can temporarily improve mental state, long-term excessive drinking may lead to insomnia, palpitations and other adverse effects. People with poor heart should be more cautious when drinking.

2. Affecting calcium absorption : Certain ingredients in coffee may affect the body's absorption of calcium. Long-term excessive drinking can easily lead to calcium loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

3. Stimulate gastric acid secretion : Excessive consumption of coffee may stimulate excessive secretion of gastric acid, cause damage to the gastric mucosa, and cause stomach pain, gastric ulcers and other diseases.

4. Increase anxiety : The stimulating effect of caffeine may increase anxiety in some people and is not conducive to mental health.

In the eyes of traditional Chinese medicine, the warming nature of coffee may cause internal heat if consumed in excess, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, oral ulcers, etc. For people with a hot constitution, excessive consumption of coffee may aggravate the heat in the body and cause various discomforts. Traditional Chinese medicine also believes that the irritation of coffee may cause damage to a person's positive energy, and long-term excessive consumption may affect the overall balance of the body.

The Harmony Method of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that "medicine and food have the same origin". Any food should be enjoyed in moderation and in moderation. Coffee, as a modern beverage, is no exception. Drinking coffee in moderation can refresh the mind and promote digestion, but drinking too much may cause a series of health problems. While we enjoy the pleasure brought by coffee, we should also pay attention to our body's reactions, adjust our eating habits, and achieve real healthy enjoyment.

Whether it is coffee or other food, only by reasonable combination and moderate intake can we maintain the health and balance of the body. Let us find our own way of harmony in our busy lives!