In the midst of busy city life, there is one drink that has become a necessity for many people, and that is coffee. Whenever the morning sun shines through the windows and the sober birdsong sounds, people start their day.
At this time, a steaming cup of coffee, with an uplifting aroma, becomes the key to starting the day.
However, have you ever wondered what happens to people who drink coffee for a long time? Let's find out.
1. The origin and popularity of coffee
Coffee, a drink that originated in ancient times and is now popular around the world. There are many legends and stories about the origin of coffee. One of the most popular stories is about an Ethiopian shepherd named Qadi.
He noticed that his sheep became unusually active after eating a special red fruit, so he tried the fruit as well and found that it brought an uplifting feeling. This is what we know today as coffee beans.
Over time, coffee's fame spread to the Arab region, from the Arab region to Europe, and finally across the globe.
The popularity of coffee is not only because of its refreshing effect, but also because of its unique flavor and rich taste, so that people can enjoy food while also feeling the joy of life.
Second, the main components of coffee and their functions
The main ingredient in coffee is caffeine, a substance that stimulates the central nervous system, which can keep a person alert and improve concentration. That's why many people choose to drink a cup of coffee when they need to concentrate on work or study.
However, caffeine is not the only component of coffee, which is also rich in antioxidants and a variety of nutrients.
A study showed that the antioxidants in coffee can help remove free radicals in the body and protect cells from damage. That's why some studies have found that drinking coffee in moderation may help prevent certain types of cancer.
In addition, other components in coffee, such as minerals and vitamins, are also beneficial for human health.
However, despite the many benefits of coffee, drinking too much can also be problematic. Caffeine is a stimulant, and excessive intake can lead to problems such as anxiety and insomnia.
Therefore, you need to drink coffee in moderation and don't rely on it too much. While enjoying the pleasures and benefits of coffee, it is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
3. The effects of long-term coffee drinking on the body
The effects of long-term coffee consumption on the human body are complex, including both potential health benefits and possible side effects.
First, regarding the positive effects of coffee, studies have shown that caffeine has the effect of enhancing cognitive function and memory.
A study in older adults found that people who drank coffee daily performed better when tested for memory and reaction time.
In addition, the neuroprotective effects of caffeine have been linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
In addition, coffee's antioxidant components, such as chloroic acids, are thought to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, especially liver and colon cancer. However, coffee also has its potential adverse effects.
Excessive caffeine intake can lead to caffeine poisoning, with symptoms including anxiety, tremors, heart palpitations, and insomnia. In addition, long-term consumption of large amounts of coffee may also exacerbate osteoporosis because caffeine interferes with calcium absorption.
For people at risk of heart disease, high doses of caffeine intake can cause irregular heartbeats. Therefore, people are advised to consume coffee in moderation according to their health condition.
4. How to drink coffee correctly
In order to maximize the benefits of coffee and minimize its potential adverse effects, it is important to consume it appropriately. First of all, it is recommended that adults should limit their daily caffeine intake to less than 400 mg, which is equivalent to about four cups of coffee.
In addition, when choosing coffee, choose additive-free and organically grown coffee beans whenever possible to reduce the intake of pesticides and chemicals.
For people who are used to adding a lot of sugar and cream to their coffee, it is advisable to gradually reduce these additives to reduce the intake of extra calories and fat.
Secondly, the timing of coffee consumption is also very crucial. Avoid drinking coffee in the evening or before bedtime, as the stimulating effects of caffeine may affect sleep quality.
In addition, certain groups of people, such as pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, and people with specific health conditions, should adjust their coffee intake according to their doctor's recommendations.
By following these recommendations, people can enjoy coffee healthier while protecting their physical health.
5. The combination of coffee and a healthy lifestyle
Coffee, while rich in nutrients and health benefits, is not a substitute for a well-rounded healthy lifestyle. The refreshing effects of coffee are not a substitute for adequate sleep, nor are the antioxidant effects of coffee a substitute for a balanced diet and moderate exercise.
Therefore, coffee should be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle, not as a whole.
Eating habits are a key component of a healthy life. A balanced diet should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats, while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
Exercise is another important aspect, and it is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.
In addition to diet and exercise, it is also important to maintain good mental health. Although caffeine can temporarily improve mental state, it does not solve long-term stress and anxiety problems.
Therefore, it is necessary to maintain mental health through good stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.
6. Reasons why certain groups of people should avoid drinking coffee
(1) Children and adolescents: Children and adolescents are still in the stage of growth and development, and their nervous system is not yet fully developed.
Caffeine can produce a stimulating effect through the central nervous system, but for an immature nervous system, it may cause overexcitability and insomnia.
(2) Pregnant women: Pregnant women are another group of people who need to pay attention to their caffeine intake. Studies have found that the half-life of caffeine in pregnant women is longer than that in non-pregnant women, indicating that caffeine is excreted more slowly in pregnant women.
In addition, caffeine can also enter the fetus through the placenta, and the fetus's liver cannot metabolize caffeine efficiently, which may affect the development of the fetus. Excessive caffeine intake has been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage.
(3) Heart disease patients: Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system, causing the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise. For people with heart disease, this can aggravate their condition.
Especially for people with coronary heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, etc., too much caffeine may trigger the onset of the disease.
conclusion
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world and is considered a necessity of life by many people due to its unique flavor and refreshing effect.
However, the effects of coffee are complex and varied, with both benefits and potential risks. When coffee is consumed in moderation, you can enjoy its health benefits, such as improving memory and preventing certain types of cancer. However, excessive consumption of coffee may lead to caffeine poisoning, osteoporosis and other problems.
Therefore, we need to put coffee in perspective as part of a healthy lifestyle rather than a comprehensive solution.
At the same time, we also need to pay attention to our physical condition and adjust our coffee intake appropriately according to our needs and health conditions. Only in this way can we truly enjoy the pleasure of coffee and at the same time take care of our health.