Coffee is probably the second most popular drink on earth - the first, of course, is water. Many people, both young and adults, rely on coffee to kick start their day and boost their energy. The scent and aroma alone can wake up your senses in the morning.
Like any other food or beverage, coffee also has it's pros and cons to our health. It's easy to comprehend why, and even with the cons, coffee has many benefits to our health and our life. If you're an avid coffee fan, you might want to learn these pros and cons.
The Pros
It contains natural antioxidants
Natural antioxidants are basic necessities for the body. A daily dose of antioxidants can maintain a healthy immune system which, as you may know, is key to fending off diseases. Basically, you are getting your daily dose of vitamins in a cup.
It prevents kidney stones and gallstones
Based on studies done on coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers, it has shown a significant difference on the likeliness to develop kidney stones and gallstones.
It can help prevent asthma
Caffeine is related to theophylline – an active ingredient that was used as an asthma treatment. Coffee can improve the airways which can improve symptoms of asthma attacks.
It can help with diabetes patients
Coffee has been proven to be a protection from development of type 2 diabetes. Higher consumption of coffee (with less sugar, of course) can reduce the risks of diabetes and this is mostly owed to antioxidants.
The Cons
It can develop heart disease
Although some studies show that coffee is good for the heart and cardiovascular system, the complexity of this beverage combined with the complexity of the heart may sometimes clash, too.
Caffeine has been linked to heart problems, starting from palpitations to chest pains. Regular palpitations can disrupt the heart’s rhythm which can result to heart problems. Coffee increases plasma homocysteine which increases the risks of coronary heart disease.
People who drink less coffee have lower risks of heart diseases because of the antioxidants in coffee.
It can increase cholesterol levels
Diterpenes are chemical compounds that can be found in unfiltered coffee. These compounds are also responsible for raising cholesterol levels in the body. High cholesterol levels can present many health risks, among them are hypertension and heart problems. Filtered coffee is safe from this compound.
It can develop rheumatoid arthritis
Studies show that coffee can trigger arthritic responses. The same is true whether coffee is caffeinated or decaffeinated. People who regularly drink coffee are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis as compared to those who drink less coffee.
Coffee is more than just a beverage to many people. It's a routine; it's a way of life. Some people can hardly get by their day without having a cup or two brewed from their best automatic drip coffee makers. One thing is for sure: too much of something is bad. So keep a balanced relationship with coffee to maintain the pros and avoid the cons.
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