Coffee: Benefits And Harms

Coffee is rich in flavors and aromas, there is a huge variety of varieties and methods of preparation, but it acts differently on our body, and not always beneficial. This is a whimsical drink that creates an individual relationship with each of its fans. To this day, scientists argue about its benefits and harms.

Effects of coffee on the body. The benefit

Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system and is the most active ingredient in coffee. In addition, it is contained in cocoa, tea, chocolate; it is obtained from about 60 species of plants. Used in the preparation of various beverages (Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, etc.); is part of drugs that are used to increase appetite and invigorate; during colds and bronchial asthma. Caffeine interferes with a number of processes occurring in the brain, so it is able to quickly restore body tone after sleep, charge with energy, speed up thinking and physical reflexes. The pituitary gland, under the influence of caffeine, produces a hormone that stimulates the increased production of adrenaline. Thanks to the action of adrenaline, the heart rate increases and the liver produces more glucose, which in turn allows the body to use more energy. In addition, caffeine constricts blood vessels, relieves breathing due to its ability to relax the airways, relieves muscle contractions.

English scientists have concluded that coffee can have an analgesic effect, but only on women. In men, this is not noticeable.

German scientists believe that large amounts of caffeine would prevent baldness, but the effect is manifested only when applied externally; to get the hair the right dose of the substance, you need to rub 60-80 cups of coffee a day.

According to Canadian scientists, caffeine increases the body's ability to withstand high physical activity, which increases overall activity in sports. It also contributes to the breakdown of fats.

Caffeine has been found to have a beneficial effect on vision. It increases the sensitivity of the retina, forcing it to react quickly to the outside world. As a result - everything around is brighter, with saturated shades and details.

Coffee helps protect the oral cavity from harmful bacteria, which has a positive effect on teeth and protects them from caries.

Caffeine contributes to the accumulation of serotonin (happiness hormone) in the body.

Caffeine is a source of valuable ingredients for cosmetic products.

Linolenic acid contained in caffeine restores skin elasticity, slows down the aging process, has anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Many global cosmetic brands create face creams based on it, which protect the skin from the aggressiveness of external factors and increase its elasticity and smoothness.

In addition, the natural ingredients in caffeine help get rid of toxins and break down fats. Many anti-cellulite products contain caffeine, in particular body shaping creams and body contours. According to scientists, only the aroma of coffee helps to lose weight on a mental level.

But along with the pros, there are a number of cons of coffee, which depend on who drinks it, how they take it and in what quantities.

The harm of coffee:

• caffeine overdose leads to severe headache, dizziness, causes anxiety, tension, nervousness;
• the combination of coffee and alcohol increases the impact of alcohol on the body;
• the combination of coffee and smoking increases the risk of developing hypertension by 35-60%;
• coffee stains teeth yellow;
• the action of coffee has a narcotic effect: in case of caffeine deficiency, severe depression is possible;
• coffee is a stimulant and has a number of contraindications, in particular: it should not be taken together with sedatives and hypnotics;
• the drink is able to exacerbate hypertension, some gastrointestinal diseases, is absolutely unacceptable in most cardiovascular diseases and retinal injuries.

How to drink coffee so as not to harm your body?

• Do not drink coffee on an empty stomach. Its consumption after a hearty lunch is also not appropriate.
• Regarding the addition of milk and various creams to coffee, the opinions of scientists differ: some of them believe that the combination of these products is unacceptable - it affects the production of certain enzymes and is harmful to the skin; according to others - the addition of milk and cream reduces the harmful effects of the drink on the gastric mucosa and intestines.
• Coffee can also be used as a medicine, but for this purpose it is better to boil it not in water, but in rosehip tincture.
• Do not overdo it with coffee. "Popular Nutrition" mentions a certain amount of the drink that an adult needs to improve his mood for a while and increase his ability to work - this is 1 to 10 grams. To get the body such a dose, take 3 teaspoons of ground coffee, add water (or rosehip tincture) and boil.

A few tips for coffee lovers

• To reduce the damage of the drink on the gastric mucosa, take it with cold water.
• Do not add spices to coffee - this often causes general fatigue and headaches.
• Experts advise that while brewing ground coffee, do not break the foam that forms on the surface, it does not allow the loss of aromatic substances.