The effects of coffee: a boost or a killer?

introduction

Coffee is a widely loved drink that not only refreshes the mind, but also has rich flavor and cultural connotations. However, there is controversy about the effects of coffee on physical health. Some people believe that coffee can increase alertness and concentration, and improve work efficiency; while others worry that excessive coffee intake may lead to dependence, insomnia and other problems. This article will discuss this topic.

Positive effects: refreshing

First, let's look at the positive effects of coffee on brain function. Studies have shown that moderate coffee intake can improve alertness, concentration, and reaction speed. This is because it contains a substance called caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system after entering the blood and promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, making people feel more awake and energetic.

In addition, studies have found that moderate coffee intake can improve memory. Caffeine can affect memory-related brain areas such as the hippocampus and frontal cortex, improving the brain's ability to process information. This is one of the reasons why many people like to drink coffee when preparing for exams or working.

Negative impact: source of harm

However, excessive coffee intake may have certain negative effects on health. The first is the stimulation of the digestive system. Coffee contains substances such as tannic acid and caffeine, which can stimulate gastric acid secretion and promote intestinal peristalsis. Long-term excessive intake may cause stomach pain, indigestion and other problems.

In addition, excessive coffee intake may also cause neurological problems. Although moderate intake can refresh the mind, excessive dependence on caffeine can easily cause symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and palpitations. In particular, drinking strong black coffee at night can interfere with sleep quality and make it difficult for people to enter a deep sleep state.

Individual Differences and Appropriate Intake

It should be noted that coffee affects everyone differently. Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine and experience adverse reactions even with a small amount, while others can tolerate higher doses of caffeine without significant discomfort. Therefore, the choice of whether to drink coffee and the amount of coffee consumed should be adjusted according to individual circumstances.

According to the recommendations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), it is relatively safe and reasonable for adults to consume 300-400 mg (about 3-4 cups) of caffeine per day. However, special groups such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, heart patients and patients with hypertension should limit or avoid excessive caffeine intake.

in conclusion

In summary, moderate coffee drinking can refresh the mind and has certain benefits. However, over-dependence or excessive intake may lead to negative effects. While enjoying the delicious taste and maintaining a healthy balance, we should consume coffee reasonably based on individual differences and professional advice.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone to pay attention to the quality and production method of coffee. High-quality coffee beans and the appropriate degree of roasting can retain more nutrients and reduce the production of harmful substances. In addition, avoiding adding too much sugar, creamer and other additives is also an important part of maintaining healthy drinking habits.

References

[1] Nehlig A. (2010). Is Caffeine a cognitive enhancer?. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 20 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S85–S94.

[2] Temple JL. (2009). Caffeine use in children: what we know, what we have left to learn, and why we should worry. NeuroSCience and biobehavioral reviews, 33(6), 793–806.

[3] Nawrot P., Jordan S., Eastwood J., Rotstein J., Hugenholtz A., & Feeley M. (2003). Effects of caffeine on human health. Food additives and contaminants, 20(1), 1–30.