Coffee is among the most popular hot beverages in the world, second only to tea. Made from the roasted beans of the coffee plant, the drink has a distinctively rich and earthy flavor that is frequently enjoyed as is or enhanced with milk, sweeteners or other flavorings. Coffee delivers only modest amounts of vitamins and minerals. It also contains a significant amount of caffeine, a naturally occurring stimulant.
Contents
A typical medium serving of coffee from a fast-order establishment contains around 414 g, according to the USDA. The beverage, when made without milk, sweeteners or other flavorings, contains only trace amounts of carbohydrate, fat and protein. The remainder comprises indigestible matter, other nutrients and water. Coffee contains no appreciable amounts of dietary fiber.
Calories
The USDA also states that black coffee is not a significant source of calories in the diet. There are only around four calories in a medium serving. Carbohydrates and proteins each provide a little less than two calories, while fat provides a little more than 1/2 calorie.
Vitamins
Coffee provides modest amounts of some vitamins. The highest amount of vitamins in a medium serving are riboflavin at almost 0.2 mg or around 18 percent, and pantothenic acid at 0.6 mg or 12 percent of the daily recommended amount. Smaller quantities of vitamins within coffee include thiamin, niacin and folate.
Minerals
Small amounts of certain dietary minerals are also available in coffee. A medium serving contains potassium at 160 mg or 3 percent, and manganese at 0.1 mg or 5 percent of the daily recommended allowance. Other minerals in coffee include magnesium and phosphorus.
Caffeine
A medium serving of coffee contains 166 mg of caffeine, a mildly addictive stimulant. Many people use the caffeine in coffee to remain alert and improve cognitive abilities. However, according to the Harvard University Medical School, in larger doses, caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and may trigger irregular heartbeats. The stimulant may also produce nervousness, irritability and sleep disturbances.
Benefits
The Harvard University Medical School states that coffee may reduce the risk of gallstones, colon cancer, damage from liver disease, and Parkinson's disease. Coffee may also enhance endurance in physical activities that occur over a long duration. Studies on the effects of coffee on other medical disorders are largely inconclusive.
Member Comments