How does coffee harm the body?

The sweet, nose-tickling scent of coffee in the morning...

This fragrant, energizing beverage is a part of the daily routine for millions of people every morning.

Countries with the highest coffee consumption (per capita per year):

• Finland: approx. 12 kg
• Norway: approx. 9.9 kg
• Iceland: approx. 9 kg

There is no doubt about coffee's energizing effect, but what else does this delicious beverage hide?

Composition of coffee

1. Caffeine

   • This is the main active compound that stimulates the central nervous system.
   • Excessive caffeine can cause anxiety, insomnia, and heart rhythm disturbances.

2. Chlorogenic acids

   • For some people, it can cause increased acidity or stomach irritation.

3. Diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol)

   • These substances are more concentrated in unfiltered coffee (e.g., Turkish or espresso). They can increase "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood, especially if coffee is consumed in large quantities.

4. Acrylamide

   • This substance forms when coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures. It is a potentially carcinogenic substance, and large amounts can be harmful.

Harmful effects of coffee on the human body

1. Cardiovascular disorders: Coffee can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Excessive caffeine intake is associated with arrhythmia – an irregular heartbeat, which can be dangerous for people with heart conditions. Studies show that consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (4–5 cups of coffee) can increase the risk of hypertension (Zhou et al., 2016).
2. Gastrointestinal irritation: Coffee stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause acidity problems such as heartburn, stomach pain, or even ulcers. Additionally, for some people, coffee can cause diarrhea due to increased intestinal motility.
3. Sleep disturbances: Caffeine is a strong stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and therefore can disrupt sleep patterns. It is especially dangerous to consume coffee in the late afternoon or evening, as the effects of caffeine can last up to 6 hours or longer. Insomnia and poor sleep can lead to fatigue, nervousness, and reduced productivity.
4. Anxiety and addiction: Excessive coffee consumption can lead to anxiety disorders, increase stress levels, and promote caffeine addiction. Over time, the body needs increasingly higher doses of caffeine to achieve the same effect, and its withdrawal can cause headaches, irritability, and fatigue.
5. Impaired mineral and vitamin absorption: Coffee can hinder the body's absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. This is because caffeine increases calcium excretion in urine, and some coffee components reduce iron absorption from plant-based foods.
6. Health risks for pregnant women: For pregnant women, excessive coffee consumption can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

How to reduce the harm of coffee?

• Switch coffee to healthier alternatives.
• Drink smoothies in the mornings, fruits will also give you energy :)
• If you cannot change coffee, consume it in moderation.

grasole.com

This article is not the author's personal opinion and is not intended to advertise food supplements. It provides general information that is not related to the purchase or use of specific products. If you have health problems, are taking medications or other supplements, consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting new supplements. Health decisions should be made taking into account your individual condition and, if necessary, after consulting a healthcare professional. If you have comments or questions about the content on this page, please contact us by email at studija@grasole.com.