Coffee — some of us love it, some of us hate it, and others need it to survive Monday mornings. Coffee is more popular now than ever. Almost every fast-food chain, restaurant, and gas station offers this liquid gold. But do you know what coffee actually does to you? Here are a few truths about coffee - the good and the bad.
Coffee Can Fight Against Free Radicals
In simple terms, free radicals are small chemical compounds that can react with cells in your body, and cause damage. One way to fight against these compounds is with antioxidants. Guess what is a rich source of antioxidants? That’s right, coffee! Coffee contains many powerful antioxidants that help fight against free radicals, and keep your body healthy. Without antioxidants, your body will be susceptible to many diseases. So when you’re enjoying your Starbucks latte, you’re also helping your body potentially fight off disease!
Coffee Can Increase Mental Alertness
One thing that we all love about coffee is the caffeine that it contains. Caffeine is a stimulant, which affects the central nervous system. When we are tired, our brain releases chemicals that tell us it is time to rest. Caffeine gets in the way of this process by making you feel more focused and alert. There is no known proof that coffee increases mental performance on tests. However, it can improve alertness in situations of lack of sleep; for example, during nighttime driving, working at night, or when you are suffering from a cold.
Although coffee can help you stay focused, too much will do the opposite. The key here is balance. Too much coffee can make you feel jittery or even experience heart palpitations. When drinking coffee, make sure you are aware of how much you are consuming.
Coffee Can Inhibit The Absorption Of Vitamins
Many people start their morning routine with a cup of coffee, breakfast, and maybe even a multivitamin. But did you know that drinking coffee can negatively impact the way your body absorbs vitamins and minerals? The caffeine in coffee may interfere with vitamins such as calcium, vitamin D, and iron. It is best not to drink coffee during meal times because of this.
Coffee Can Be Addictive
If you’re an avid coffee drinker like I am, then you know how hard it can be at times to get ready in the morning without your usual cup of Joe. This is because coffee can be highly addictive. In May of 2013, caffeine withdrawal was added as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). That’s right, coffee withdrawals can produce the same effects as heroin or tobacco withdrawals. Within the first 24 hours of quitting, you begin to feel mentally foggy. Your muscles begin to feel fatigued, and you are more irritable than usual. You then start to feel nauseous and headaches set in. It is important to be aware of how dependent you are on drinking coffee. If you rely on coffee every day, multiple times a day, then you may want to start slowly cutting back.
