Coffee is a constant in our days. Its consumption can in fact be considered a real ritual in Italy. But how does taking this drink affect our health?
General data
It was found that, on average, each compatriot consumes an average of 2 cups of coffee per day.
Data in hand, the benefits following this daily intake actually outweigh the risks. This is the result that emerged from a publication in the New England Journal of Medicine.
By taking up to 4-5 cups of coffee daily, if you are in good health and excluding certain phases of a woman’s life (pregnancy and breastfeeding), you can exploit the many positive effects of the drink, first among all, the reduction of the development of chronic diseases.
Caffeine
With the amount of caffeine indicated above, it will be difficult to exceed an intake of 400 milligrams of caffeine, considered safe for adults based on available evidence.
Instead, a slightly lower caffeine intake would seem to be recommended for people taking certain types of medications, such as bronchodilators, antidepressants and antihypertensives. This is because caffeine in these cases would remain in circulation for longer and prevent the complete absorption of some of these molecules.
What is caffeine? This substance is a natural stimulant present in coffee beans, cocoa, tea leaves, guarana berries and kola nuts.
In particular, caffeine blocks a neurotransmitter that causes drowsiness. This improves energy levels, mood and some brain functions such as memory, attention and response times.
Furthermore, caffeine can increase adrenaline levels and also induce significant improvements in physical performance. It also increases metabolism and helps burn fat.
Benefits
Coffee is rich in powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, and also contains several key nutrients including riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin.
Some studies have shown that coffee can decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, liver cirrhosis, and colorectal and liver cancer.
Risks
However, the harmful effects of caffeine abuse are the risk of developing central nervous system disorders and cardiovascular problems, as it can increase blood pressure.
In conclusion, it can be said that as with all substances, establishing the right dose is important to avoid any health risks. In a healthy person, a consumption of 3-4 cups of coffee per day seems to be compatible with good health.