What happens to your body when you drink coffee every day?
Coffee has been praised for centuries, either for its taste or its fresh aroma, and some have even considered it one of the greatest “inventions” in the world.
For many people, a cup of coffee is a daily routine, where they drink it before even thinking about doing anything in their day, and for others, there’s nothing better than having it in the middle of the day.
According to a survey by market research firm Drive Research published in July last year, nearly 75% of adults in the United States drink coffee daily.
But a cup of coffee may be more useful than just a daily routine or giving someone the energy to get through the day easily and focus. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, it is a natural source of phosphorus and magnesium.
If you are one of the many people who drink coffee every day, it is important to know what this habit does to your body, both in terms of benefits and risks, according to an article on the website “Eating Well” that compiled both from many studies.
Health benefits of coffee
- More energy
Coffee beans contain caffeine, a natural stimulant that can help you feel more alert, as it stimulates the central nervous system, which helps people get more energy.
- Improved mood
Many coffee lovers agree that a good cup of coffee is a ticket to happiness. And there is actual data to support this idea.
A study published in 2019 in the journal “Physiology and Pharmacology Basic and Clinical” found that healthy adults experienced an improvement in mood 30 minutes after consuming caffeine.
Drinking regular coffee led to a more significant improvement in mood than drinking decaffeinated coffee.
- Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Coffee also contains a number of biologically active polyphenol compounds that may support certain aspects of our health, including brain health.
Evidence published in 2021 in the journal “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” suggests that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of developing some neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
- Heart and blood vessels
According to a study published in 2018 in the journal “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,” daily coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Improved thyroid function
A study published in 2023 in the journal “Nutrition” found a potential link between moderate caffeine intake and improved thyroid function among people with metabolic disorders.
Potential risks
While coffee consumption is associated with some great benefits, there are also some potential risks.
- Anxiety
Excessive caffeine intake is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, according to research published in 2020 in the journal “Nutrients”.
Another study published in 2021 found that consuming larger amounts of caffeine is also associated with sleep disturbances and decreased appetite.
- Increased risk of fractures
Coffee consumption is associated with negative effects on bone health, according to some data, and the more coffee is consumed, the higher the risk of fractures, especially for older adults.
- Potential complications of pregnancy
Organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest that it is safe to consume up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per day during pregnancy.
However, new evidence suggests that even small amounts of caffeine may come with some risks. An analysis published in the journal “BMJ” in 2021 found that 14 studies suggest that caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.
- Potential increase in blood pressure
Regular coffee consumption is often associated with both positive and negative effects on blood pressure.
While short-term consumption may cause a slight and temporary increase in blood pressure, studies, such as those published in 2022 in the journal “Blood Pressure,” show that long-term consumption does not lead to sustained increases in blood pressure.
However, individual responses to coffee may vary, and those with specific health conditions, or who are at risk for high blood pressure, should consult a doctor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee has both potential benefits and risks. Consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is about four cups of coffee, is generally considered safe for most adults. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks, especially for pregnant women, people with anxiety or mood disorders, and those with certain health conditions.
