Coffee is historically controversial, according to MayoClinic.com. However, coffee is not intrinsically unhealthy. Even despite its caffeine content, coffee in moderate amounts will result in little to no detrimental health effects, depending on how it's prepared. Furthermore, coffee is expansively diverse; there are a myriad of ways to prepare its series of flavors. Most often prepared by passing hot water through coffee grinds, other methods include using hot milk, soaking the ground coffee in water and blending strong coffee with ice.
Caffeine Benefits
Caffeine is a stimulant. Accordingly, the foremost benefit of caffeine is that it provides energy. It also increases metabolism, stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness. Caffeine can also cause a short, though dramatic increase in blood pressure that could exacerbate a preexisting condition. Because it increases metabolism, ingesting caffeine alongside exercise could benefit weight loss. Appearing in some pain medications, caffeine can also mitigate or alleviate headaches.
Caffeine Detriments
In moderate amounts, such as that contained in 2 cups of brewed coffee, caffeine is not harmful to those who are not sensitive to it. However, to those with a sensitivity or in inordinate amounts, caffeine can cause a myriad of direct and indirect problems that can affect health. Direct issues include irritability, nausea, heart palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, muscle tremors, restlessness, gastrointestinal problems and headaches. These effects can lead to cumulative issues, such as depression, sleep disorders and cardiovascular complications. In large amounts, caffeine has a diuretic effect that can tax the kidneys.
Caffeine in Coffee
The caffeine in a single cup of coffee is usually 100 mg, although this modulates dramatically. In regular coffee from common franchises, caffeine content can be anywhere from 95 to 206 mg. Lattes begin with a caffeine content of 150 mg, while generic instant coffee can have anywhere from 20 to 180 mg of caffeine in a single serving. According to the MayoClinic website, caffeine consumption of 400 mg or greater per day is excessive and can lead to complications such as gastrointestinal disturbances, restlessness and insomnia.
Coffee Nutrition
The nutrition of coffee varies, depending on the type and its preparation. Most coffee is acidic enough to exacerbate existing gastrointestinal problems, such as peptic ulcers. It can also cause gastrointestinal complications, such as diarrhea, frequent urination and cramping. Moreover, coffee naturally contains enough cholesterol to mildly affect blood serum levels. Americans usually prepare coffee with milk or cream and sugar, which adds a new dimension to its nutrition. Specifically, it contributes carbohydrates and fats, which, in large quantities, can also be detrimental.
Alternately, coffee may have some benefits. It may prevent type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease and liver cancer, according to Mayo Clinic; moreover, it contains a large amount of antioxidants.
References
- MayoClinic: Caffeine Content of Coffee, Tea, Soda and More...
- MayoClinic: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
- MedlinePlus: Caffeine
- MayoClinic: What's The Connection Between Caffeine and Depression?
- MayoClinic: Caffeine: High Blood Pressure
- MayoClinic: What Does Research Say About Coffee and Health? Is It Good for Me or Bad for Me?
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