Coffee, the hidden double effect

Coffee is not only a popular drink, but also has a dual effect. It can refresh the mind, help people eliminate fatigue, improve concentration and work efficiency, but excessive drinking may also have negative effects on the body, such as insomnia, palpitations, indigestion and other problems. While enjoying the pleasure brought by coffee, we should also pay attention to drinking in moderation and avoid over-dependence to maintain physical and mental health.

In this fast-paced era, coffee has almost become a necessity in modern life. Whenever we are exhausted or need to refresh ourselves, a cup of fragrant coffee can always bring us a short-term comfort. Is this "friend" really as simple as we imagine? What benefits and negative effects does it bring us?

1. The magic ingredient in coffee: caffeine

Let’s get to know the protagonist of coffee - caffeine, which is an alkaloid and a central nervous system stimulant that is prevalent in the world. After entering the body, caffeine can temporarily block adenosine receptors, making people feel excited and reducing fatigue. Because of this, coffee has become a must-have companion for many night owls and overtime workers.

Benefits: Refresh your mind and improve work efficiency

For most people, the most direct benefit of drinking coffee is that it refreshes the mind. When working or studying, a cup of coffee can often restore people's spirits and improve work efficiency. Caffeine can also promote metabolism and help the body consume calories, thereby achieving the effect of weight loss. It can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because caffeine can dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

Disadvantages: Causes of insomnia and anxiety

The stimulating effect of caffeine sometimes brings side effects. For people who are sensitive to caffeine, consuming too much coffee may cause insomnia, accelerated heartbeat and even panic. Long-term and excessive drinking may also cause anxiety, mood swings and other problems. Caffeine may also aggravate the symptoms of certain chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, gastric ulcers, etc. For pregnant women, excessive caffeine intake may also affect the development of the fetus.

Other effects of coffee

In addition to caffeine, coffee also contains a variety of other bioactive ingredients, such as polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, etc., which also have certain effects on human health.

Benefits: Antioxidant and reduced risk of diabetes

The polyphenols in coffee have antioxidant effects, which help to remove free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. This may be because certain ingredients in coffee can stimulate insulin secretion and increase the body's sensitivity to insulin.

Disadvantages: Digestive problems

Long-term and excessive drinking of coffee may cause digestive system problems, such as excessive stomach acid, gastric ulcers, etc., especially drinking coffee on an empty stomach, which is more likely to irritate the gastric mucosa. Coffee may also aggravate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For those who already have digestive system diseases, drinking coffee may aggravate their condition.

How to drink coffee scientifically?

Since coffee has both advantages and disadvantages, how should we drink it scientifically? Drink it in moderation according to your physical condition and lifestyle. For people who are sensitive to caffeine, it is recommended to reduce the intake or choose low-caffeine drinks, avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach, and drink it after a meal. Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with certain chronic diseases should drink it with caution. It is also very important to choose high-quality coffee beans and the right way to drink it. Try to choose coffee without sugar or creamer to reduce the intake of calories and fat.

Coffee is a double-edged sword. It has both uplifting benefits and disadvantages that cannot be ignored. We should drink coffee scientifically according to our actual situation so that this "friend" can truly become a good companion in our lives rather than a hidden danger.