What is coffee for? Useful properties of coffee

Most scientists have concluded that coffee has properties that help in improving performance and relieving fatigue, as well as having a stimulating effect on mental activity. Caffeine improves the blood supply to the brain. In addition, coffee stimulates psychomotor activity, which increases brain activity. The use of this drink increases the productivity of brain activity several times. However, it is important to remember that it is forbidden to drink it on an empty stomach, as in this case it can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Coffee: health benefits and harms

The caffeine contained in it affects not only the brain, but also the kidneys, heart and other organs, increasing their blood supply. Some believe that with the constant use of this drink, the risk is significantly reduced. It is believed that caffeine interferes with the crystallization of cholesterol, which is part of the stones, and also promotes the breakdown of fats and the outflow of bile. American scientists have found that if you drink four cups of the drink daily, then the risk of bowel cancer decreases by about 24%, but their opponents say that with such an amount of coffee consumed, problems with other organs may appear.

However, coffee, the benefits and harms of which are of great interest to many scientists, can also alleviate asthma attacks and allergies, activate intestinal activity, prevent caries, and it also retains potassium in the body. Scientists have found that its lovers are noticeably less likely to become chronic alcoholics.

Researchers from India have found that coffee, the benefits and harms of which are of interest to everyone, has protective factors against radiation. People working with radiation sources should consume at least three cups of the drink a day. It is believed that it is very useful for low acidity of the stomach and weakened heart activity. But the information that coffee promotes weight loss is a myth. The degree of influence of this drink on the process of splitting fats and accelerating metabolic processes is so negligible that there can be no talk of its benefits in this case. Four cups of a drink drunk per day only contributes to the activation of metabolic processes by only one percent, but this is very little for weight loss.

There is also such a product as instant coffee, the benefits and harms of which are also of interest to many. It is important to understand that this drink does not bring any definite benefit to the body. And most experts recommend to abandon it altogether.

Coffee: benefits and harms for the emotional state

It has long been proven that coffee contains serotonin (which is considered to be the hormone of happiness), which serves as an excellent antidepressant. If you drink just three cups of this drink a day, you can significantly reduce the risk of depression. Statistics show that coffee lovers commit several times fewer suicides than non-drinkers. Those people who drink it regularly are themselves more confident, they are not characterized by low self-esteem, there are no unjustified fears.

The harm of coffee on the human body

Coffee is known to contain caffeine. Many people are convinced that this component is not entirely beneficial for our health, so followers of the healthy lifestyle movement consume coffee only with a reduced content of caffeine. However, doctors from England are convinced that caffeine is simply necessary for human health. In the absence of this component in our diet, irritability and headaches may appear. That is why we need to drink coffee, tea, chocolate. The composition of coffee includes thirty organic acids necessary for us. In connection with all of the above, it becomes clear that we just need to drink coffee, but at the same time observe the measure.

It's hard to overestimate how popular coffee has become. Many simply cannot imagine a good start to the day without a cup of this fragrant invigorating drink. Someone likes to brew it in a Turk, someone bought an expensive coffee machine, others prefer to drink an instant drink. Now you can find coffee of various varieties and degrees of roasting. In coffee shops, you can easily find coffee with syrup, ice cream or spices, cream or milk. Have you ever wondered if drinking coffee is bad or good?

Is drinking coffee good or bad? There are many myths around this topic. We tried to figure out where the truth is, and where only unsubstantiated conjectures. Let's first understand all the advantages and disadvantages of coffee. Let's just clarify that we use proven scientific data and the results of the latest research. But the opinions of scientists are quite contradictory. Some believe that the benefits of coffee are a strong argument for drinking it in moderation (3-4 cups a day). Others believe that the harm from coffee overlaps all its beneficial properties. It was previously believed that coffee can negatively affect the body due to the high dose of caffeine it contains. It was even believed that it can provoke the development of cancer of the intestines and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Now these arguments have moved into the section of myths. Recent studies on how coffee affects the body have only confirmed its benefits. Coffee is especially useful for the digestive tract, in particular the intestines. It normalizes peristalsis. Also, coffee can speed up the metabolism. Thanks to this ability, under the influence of coffee, the intestinal mucosa and other organs are updated.

It should also be borne in mind that the reaction to coffee in each person can be individual. For some, this drink only benefits, while for someone it can even provoke the development of allergic reactions. Why such a contradictory reaction? It is explained by the fact that coffee contains a huge amount of active substances. It's about a thousand different components. Of course, our body can perceive them differently. A lot depends on the strength of the coffee, the degree of roasting, freshness. Until now, most of the components that make up coffee have not been studied.

Health benefits of coffee

The health benefits of coffee are undeniable:

1. Since these fragrant grains contain caffeine, coffee can have a stimulating effect on the psyche and nervous system. Caffeine is a powerful alkaloid. It is he who to a greater extent affects both the benefits of this drink and its harm. The beneficial properties of caffeine are that it is an excellent stimulant of cardiac activity and the nervous system. It is its action due to the fact that after a cup of coffee we feel a surge of energy. This is a great and proven way to increase productivity. A cup of high-quality, properly brewed coffee can charge you with energy and good mood for the whole day. Caffeine raises blood pressure, so you need to make sure that it enters your body in moderate doses. For hypotensive patients, a cup of coffee can be a real salvation from low blood pressure. But for hypertensive patients, drinking this drink is extremely undesirable, as it can provoke even higher pressure.
2. Caffeine improves brain activity, namely, improves memory and attention.
3. Increases performance.
4. Fragrant grains help to avoid type 2 diabetes. What is the reason for this amazing property? The fact is that coffee contains a unique combination of caffeic, chlorogenic acid and caffeine. All these substances interfere with the accumulation of amyloid protein. But it is the amyloid protein that leads to the appearance of the second type of diabetes mellitus.
5. It is the prevention of the development of incurable Parkinson's disease. Surprisingly, scientists have found a link between moderate coffee consumption and the prevention of Parkinson's disease. Those members of the experimental group who regularly drank several cups of coffee a day, practically did not suffer from this terrible disease. It was found that coffee can have a beneficial effect on the state of the brain and central nervous system. But a caffeine-free drink does not have such an effect. In fact, decaffeinated coffee loses most of the health benefits of this magical drink.
6. It is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, stroke. This effect is explained by the fact that coffee is able to expand the lumen of the vessels of the heart and brain.
7. Improves secretion in the stomach. Caffeine and other components of coffee effectively stimulate the process of juice secretion in the stomach, increasing acidity. This property can be used by those patients who have been diagnosed with gastritis with low acidity. Coffee will help increase it and improve the process of digesting food.
8. Helps fight depression. The antidepressant properties of coffee are especially good in women. Of course, a drink alone will not cure clinical depression, but this popular drink can be used for prevention and to combat mild depression and blues.
9. May prevent the development of cirrhosis of the liver. These data were provided by American scientists. They found that coffee can prevent the development of cirrhosis in patients who abuse alcohol. But most likely, this effect is no longer associated with caffeine. Some other active substance comes into play here. So far, there is no exact information about him.

What is harmful coffee

Is coffee bad for health? We have listed the main beneficial properties of coffee, which have long been proven from a scientific point of view. But we should also not forget that coffee can harm our body. The most common cause is excessive coffee consumption. We are talking about exceeding the recommended dose of coffee (3-4 cups per day). It is also important to remember that there are people who are prone to individual intolerance to those components that make up coffee, primarily caffeine. So, what can harm coffee.

1. Sometimes it can provoke tachycardia and insomnia. This effect is observed in people prone to increased excitability. In them, by nature, the processes of excitation in the central nervous system predominate over the processes of inhibition. Coffee is not able to cause such an effect. He can only make it worse.
2. Coffee is contraindicated in hypertensive patients, especially in large doses. The immoderate use of a fragrant drink for a person prone to high blood pressure is fraught with a deterioration in his general condition. In the worst case, even a hypertensive crisis can begin. Therefore, people who are prone to high blood pressure can occasionally drink only a cup of weak coffee. At the same time, you need to listen to how your body reacts to the drink.
3. May raise cholesterol levels. This effect is associated with the action in the composition of coffee of a substance such as cafestol. It was found that its level in coffee from coffee makers is somewhat lower. It is assumed that cafestol is filtered through special paper filters that are used in coffee makers. A low content of cafestol in instant coffee has also been found. It is important to remember that cholesterol can be the culprit in the development of cardiovascular diseases. A direct link has been established between high cholesterol levels and the development of such dangerous pathologies as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and atherosclerosis.
4. May be somewhat addictive. Do not classify coffee as a drug. Oddly enough, but there is such an opinion. It is related to the substance caffeine. It, as we have already mentioned, is an alkaloid. Therefore, there was an opinion that coffee is addictive and even addictive. This is not entirely true. People who drink a lot of coffee and do it regularly can really feel overwhelmed and lifeless without it. Without their favorite cup of coffee, they become drowsy, lose their mood, and even get a headache. But this, of course, is not the addiction that is observed in drug addicts. Therefore, experts advise not to abruptly give up coffee. If you decide to take a break and replace your usual coffee with another drink, give it up gradually. Lower your caffeine dose every day. Make your coffee less strong, drink less. This way you will avoid the so-called withdrawal syndrome.
5. May increase the acidity of gastric juice. It is well established that the components contained in coffee are able to increase the secretion of gastric juice and increase its acidity. If for people with low acidity, this is a useful property, then for those who have high acidity, this drink is contraindicated. If there is no aggravation, then sometimes you can afford a cup of this magical drink, but not on an empty stomach. If you drink it after meals in moderation, there will be no harm. But those who have been diagnosed with a stomach ulcer should not drink coffee.
6. High calorie counts. By itself, coffee has virtually no calories. A cup of black instant coffee without sugar contains only two calories. But it is worth adding sugar, milk, cream or honey, and the calorie content of the drink will increase hundreds of times. If you are obese or just have extra pounds, then it is better to drink coffee without such high-calorie supplements. It may not be as tasty, but you will be provided with only the beneficial properties of the drink. In extreme cases, you can add a little sugar.
7. Negatively affects pregnant women. Doctors have long noted that the components of coffee negatively affect the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus. This is primarily due to the fact that caffeine is able to stimulate blood circulation and increase vascular tone. For pregnant women, this is very undesirable, since caffeine can provoke an increase in pressure. It negatively affects the placenta and can even increase the tone of the uterus. Of course, this effect will not be after one cup of weak coffee. With a strong desire, you can still afford to drink a cup of weak coffee at least occasionally. In this case, you should listen to how the body reacts to it. You also need to remember that caffeine is able to pass the placental barrier. This means that the baby's tiny body will be exposed to its powerful stimulating effect. The result is the following - during pregnancy it is better to refuse any kind and type of coffee.
8. Powerful diuretic action. Coffee is able to remove fluid from the body. On the one hand, this is a positive effect - in this way you can get rid of extra pounds. On the other hand, the rapid elimination of fluid can lead to dangerous dehydration. Therefore, coffee lovers need to drink plenty of fluids. This will keep the body from dehydration.
9. Affects the central nervous system, thereby stimulating it. This can provoke increased excitability, insomnia, panic attacks. But to get this effect, you need to drink a lot of coffee.
10. Able to flush calcium from the body. This damages the bones and teeth. Other trace elements may also leach out. This negative impact is also very dangerous for the pregnant woman and the unborn child.
11. Causes darkening of tooth enamel. It has long been established that tea and coffee stain the enamel of the teeth in an unsightly yellowish tint. This is due to the fact that these drinks contain a large amount of coloring substances. This is also why coffee stains are so hard to get out of clothes. Especially quickly tooth enamel turns yellow from strong coffee. Also, do not drink coffee with ice cream. In this case, the teeth will suffer from a strong temperature difference. That's why you shouldn't combine hot coffee and cold ice cream.
12. Reducing the size of the breast. This is the most unexpected negative effect of coffee. Scientists recently found that frequent drinking of strong coffee can reduce breast size in women. This can be a strong argument for women to reduce their daily dose of caffeine.

Some interesting facts about instant coffee

Here are some important facts that you will need to know about this popular drink.

1. Instant coffee is of significantly lower quality. We are used to instant coffee. It was invented not too long ago. Few people know that due to preliminary heat treatment, instant coffee almost completely loses its aroma and its taste quality deteriorates significantly. To restore them, manufacturers add flavorings and taste enhancers. Although it is much more convenient to simply pour boiling water over instant coffee than to brew insoluble coffee, it is better to give preference to the latter.
2. Remember that manufacturers often add dyes, antioxidants, stabilizers, flavors to instant coffee. If there are no such additives in coffee, it is called organic.
3. Instant coffee has the same positive and negative qualities as the grain version. But they are not so pronounced.
4. The technological process of growing coffee is almost always associated with the use of pesticides. After the coffee is extracted, they can easily end up in the finished instant coffee. In this case, they will definitely be in a cup with a ready drink. Therefore, try to buy coffee from large trusted manufacturers. They value their reputation and try to use high quality raw materials.

green coffee

Recently, the popularity of green coffee has been growing. What does he represent? Why is it called green? What properties does it have? This type of coffee is increasingly appearing on store shelves. It is believed that it helps to get rid of extra pounds and remove toxins from the body. In fact, green coffee is just unroasted regular coffee beans. Previously, it was considered unprocessed raw material and was not commercially available. Now it is being bought more and more. It is generally accepted that green coffee has more pronounced antioxidant and stimulant properties. During roasting, indeed, some of the beneficial substances of coffee are destroyed, so roasted coffee loses a little of its beneficial qualities. But in green coffee, all useful substances are stored in maximum concentration. However, often in the production of green coffee some of the useful qualities were lost. Despite the fact that this coffee is not roasted, it is still affected by high temperatures. And if we are talking about the production of powdered or granulated coffee, then it is also subjected to high pressure. A lot of useful components are preserved in freeze-dried coffee. At the same time, a decoction of grains is made, then it is frozen and dried in a vacuum.

Is it true that green coffee contains significantly less caffeine? This green coffee is supposedly very different from roasted coffee. Actually, this is a myth. Caffeine belongs to the group of alkaloids. Heat treatment practically does not affect its condition and concentration. Roasted coffee will have as much caffeine as green coffee.

Green coffee does not have the usual aroma and taste. This encourages manufacturers to resort to some tricks. Often other substances are added to green coffee. This is how green coffee drinks are made. Most often, manufacturers simply add fruit flavors and call their product a fruit drink.

Is it possible to reduce the harmful effects of coffee

As you can see, despite all the benefits, coffee also has a negative effect. Can it be reduced? Of course you can. To do this, you need to use such simple secrets.

1. To avoid insomnia, do not drink coffee right before bed. It should be drunk no later than three hours before you go to bed.
2. Do you have high blood pressure, nervous excitability? There is a solution - drink coffee without caffeine. It is caffeine that is responsible for the stimulation of blood vessels and the central nervous system. But don't even get carried away with decaffeinated coffee. It contains many other substances that are also stimulants.
3. To reduce the level of cafestol in coffee, use regular paper filters in your coffee machine. They significantly prevent cafestol from getting into the brewed coffee. Recall that scientists consider cafestol to be the substance that causes an increase in blood cholesterol, develops a tendency to atherosclerosis and can provoke cardiovascular pathologies. Also, do not abuse instant coffee, it contains cafestol in high quantities.
4. Do you have diabetes? This does not mean that you need to give up coffee completely. Just don't add sugar to it. Don't make the drink too strong. Drink 1-2 cups a day.
5. Do you suffer from high acidity of the gastric juice or have you been diagnosed with hyperacid gastritis? Just don't drink too strong coffee. Dilute it with milk or cream. Also, do not drink this drink on an empty stomach. Remember that an increase in acidity is dangerous because it can provoke the development of peptic ulcer. But after eating coffee will not affect your acidity.
6. Do you tend to be overweight? Just don't add cream, honey, syrup, ice cream, too much sugar or milk to your coffee. By itself, coffee has only two calories. But all sorts of additives to it increase the calorie content of the drink hundreds of times.
7. There is an easy way to insure yourself against dehydration. You just need to drink a glass of clean water regularly.
8. During pregnancy, it is better to completely refuse coffee. If you just can't do it, you can only afford a couple of cups of weak coffee a month. Be sure to add milk or cream to it.
9. To prevent vitamins and trace elements from being washed out of the body, consume more dairy products. Your diet should be as varied and complete as possible.
10. Bean coffee is more useful than instant coffee. In soluble, all kinds of flavoring additives are necessarily present. Give preference to coffee beans. It is better to buy packages with the inscription "Eco". This means that the farmers did not add pesticides and other chemicals when growing this product.

Decaffeinated coffee: pros and cons

As we have already found out, most of the negative properties of coffee are associated precisely with the presence of caffeine in it. It turns out that in order for this drink to bring only benefits, it is enough to exclude this component from it? Decaffeinated coffee really sells and has its fans. But is it really that safe? How useful is it?

We have studied in detail how decaffeinated coffee is made. Forced to upset his supporters. This type of coffee is not at all as healthy and safe as we think. For that. To get a caffeine-free product, this substance is literally washed out of the coffee powder. For this, special chemicals are used. Moreover, this process is repeated several times, since it is not so easy to get rid of such a stable alkaloid. The result is a product of dubious quality, in which, nevertheless, a certain part of the caffeine is present. But during this technological process, aromatic oils, useful minerals, etc. are easily lost from coffee.

So what is more in coffee: good or bad

So, let's find out exactly what is more in our favorite invigorating drink! Is it more helpful than harmful, or vice versa? In fact, as the results of scientific studies show, a lot depends on the dose of coffee that we are used to receiving. Scientists have found that 2-3 cups of strong coffee a day are relatively safe. If you do not exceed this amount, you most likely will not encounter its negative manifestations. With such an amount of a drunk drink, you will only cheer up, fill your body with energy, improve metabolism, get a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, brain, cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. If the dose is exceeded, then the negative effect of coffee on the body will increase. In addition, people with hypersensitivity to the components of this drink eat. They should choose a safe dosage individually.

The tolerance of the drink is also influenced by genetic predisposition and general health. It is undesirable to drink a lot of coffee for people who:

• easily excited;
• too nervous;
• overly emotional;
• suffer from diseases of the adrenal glands;
• suffer from insomnia;
• experiencing strong physical exertion;
• suffer from various chronic diseases.

In this case, it is better to refuse coffee altogether.

A few tips on that. How to reduce the harm from coffee:

1. It is important to be able to listen to your body. It will tell you how specific coffee is good or bad for your body. Can't you imagine starting your day without a cup of coffee? Have no idea how to do without it throughout the day? Nothing stimulates you but this magical drink? These are the first signals that it is time for you to stop drinking coffee. You have symptoms of caffeine addiction. Your body ceases to adequately perceive its components.
2. Let's say you don't have chronic diseases and caffeine addiction. But still, it’s better not to drink coffee every day! Give your body the opportunity to work fully without such powerful doping. Scientists have established the optimal and safest amount of coffee to drink - one mug a couple of times a week.
3. It is better to drink coffee without sugar, cream, honey, milk and other additives. The healthiest option is medium-strength insoluble black coffee. Remember that the harmful properties of the drink appear only when we begin to use it regularly. To benefit from coffee, drink it infrequently, a couple of times a week. That way you won't get used to it.
4. Buy only quality coffee. It is better if it is in grains. Cook it yourself at home. You can choose organic coffee beans. It may be a little more expensive, but no pesticides were used in its cultivation.
5. Buy less coffee in coffee shops. It's expensive, and they often use low-quality, cheap coffee. But all kinds of additives are extremely harmful to the figure and can provoke the appearance of extra pounds.
6. If you realize that you have become addicted to coffee, do not give it up immediately, gradually. This will help you avoid negative consequences from the so-called cancellation effect. Be prepared for the fact that your general condition may worsen, weakness, irritability, headache, mild depression will appear. These are, of course, unpleasant symptoms, but they will soon pass. To support your body, drink more pure water or still mineral water. You can drink some rose hips, green tea, mint infusion.

The result we got is this - coffee can bring both benefit and harm. The main thing - do not abuse this drink! In reasonable quantities, it will really be useful for your body.

In fact, the benefits and harms of coffee are determined by the amount drunk and the individual tolerance or caffeine intolerance of each person.

It is rich in antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can help us improve our health.

How useful is coffee? Studies show that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of serious illness.

Below are the medicinal properties of coffee, confirmed by real clinical studies.

1. Coffee increases energy levels and makes you smarter.

Coffee can help people feel less tired and increase energy levels.

This is because coffee contains a powerful stimulant - caffeine, which is considered the most commonly consumed psychotropic substance in the world.

When you drink coffee, caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream, from where it travels to the brain.

In the brain, caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine.

When this happens, other neurotransmitters such as norapynephrine and dopamine increase dramatically, leading to increased firing of neurons.

Many studies show that coffee improves various brain functions. These include memory, mood, alertness, energy level, response, and general cognitive function.

Bottom Line: Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, resulting in a stimulant effect. This in turn affects energy levels, mood, and various aspects of brain function.

2. Coffee will help you burn excess fat.

Did you know that caffeine is found in almost every supplement?

And there are reasons for this. Caffeine is one of the few natural substances that actually help burn excess fat.

Some studies show that caffeine can increase metabolic rate by 3-11%.

Other studies show that caffeine burns 10% fat in obese people and 29% fat in lean people.

However, it is possible that this effect is reduced in those who drink coffee regularly.

Conclusion: Several studies show that caffeine can increase the percentage of fat burned and increase the metabolic rate.

3. Caffeine significantly increases physical performance

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, causing it to send signals to fat cells.

However, caffeine also increases the level of epinephrine (adrenaline) in the blood.

This is the fight-or-flight hormone that exists to make our bodies ready for intense physical activity.

Caffeine causes fat cells to break down fat deposits, releasing them into the bloodstream as free fatty acids.

Considering these effects, it is not surprising that caffeine improves physical performance by an average of 11-12%.

That is why it makes sense to drink a cup of strong coffee half an hour before training.

Bottom Line: Caffeine increases adrenaline levels and releases fatty acids from adipose tissue. In addition, caffeine promotes physical activity.

4. Coffee contains nutrients

Coffee is more than just black water. It contains a large amount of nutrients.

One cup of coffee contains:

• Riboflamin(vitamin B2): 11% of the daily value.
• Pantothenic acid(Vitamin B5): 6% DV.
• manganese and potassium: 3% of the daily value.
• Magnesium and niacin: 2% DV.

And although these figures may not seem very high, most people drink more than one cup a day. If you drink 3-4 cups a day, then these figures increase significantly.

Bottom Line: Coffee contains several important nutrients, including riboflamin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and niacin.

5. Coffee Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a huge problem that currently affects more than 300 million people worldwide.

This disease is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels and an inability to secrete insulin.

For some reason, coffee drinkers have a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Studies show that people who drink more coffee have a 23-50% lower chance of developing this disease. One study even shows 67%.

According to the results of 18 studies in which 457,922 people took part, a daily cup of coffee reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 7%.

Conclusion: Some studies show that people who drink coffee more often have a much lower risk of developing diabetes, a disease that affects about 300 million people today.

6. Coffee may protect you from Alzheimer's and dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia.

This disease usually affects people over 65 years of age.

Unfortunately, there is no single cure for Alzheimer's disease.

However, there are a few things you can do to prevent it from developing.

This is not only proper nutrition and exercise, but also daily coffee consumption.

Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to 65% less risk of getting Alzheimer's.

Conclusion: Coffee drinkers have up to 65% less risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, which is the leading cause of dementia worldwide.

7. Caffeine reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease.

This disease is caused by the death of dopamine neurons in the brain.

Just like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's has no cure.

According to studies, coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, from 32% to 60%.

In this case, this effect is caused by caffeine. People who drink decaffeinated coffee do not have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's.

Bottom Line: Coffee drinkers have up to a 60% lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, which is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder.

8. Coffee protects the liver

The liver is an amazing organ that performs hundreds of important functions in our body.

Several common diseases can have a very strong effect on the liver, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and others.

Many of these diseases can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.

It turns out that coffee can protect us from cirrhosis of the liver. People who drink more than 4 cups of coffee a day have an 80% lower rate of developing the disease.

Bottom Line: Coffee drinkers are less likely to develop cirrhosis, which can be caused by several diseases that affect the liver.

9. Coffee helps fight depression and makes us happier.

Why coffee is good for women is to help fight depression, although men also suffer from it. Depression is a serious mental illness that significantly reduces the level and quality of a person's life.

This is an incredibly common disease. In the US, approximately 4.1% of people suffer from clinical depression.

Another study of 208,424 people found that those who drank more than 4 cups a day were 53% less likely to commit suicide.

Conclusion: Coffee reduces depression and reduces the risk of suicide.

10. Coffee drinkers are less likely to get some types of cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world and is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body.

Coffee can protect our body from two types of cancer: liver cancer and colon cancer.

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of death in the world. Colon cancer ranks fourth.

Studies show that coffee drinkers are 40% less prone to liver cancer.

A study of 489,706 people found that those who drank 4-5 cups of coffee a day had a 15% lower rate of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion: Liver cancer and colon cancer are ranked 3rd and 4th respectively in the list of cancers worldwide.

11. Coffee causes heart disease and reduces the risk of stroke.

It is often said that caffeine raises blood pressure.

There is some truth in this, but the effect of caffeine is small and usually disappears if you drink coffee regularly.

However, the effect may remain in some people who have high blood pressure.

Research does not support the myth that coffee increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In fact. There is evidence that women who drink coffee have a reduced risk of developing heart disease.

Some of these studies also show that coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of having a stroke.

Bottom Line: Coffee can cause a slight increase in blood pressure, which usually subsides over time. Coffee drinkers do not have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke.

12. Coffee prolongs life.

Considering the fact that people who drink coffee suffer less from various diseases, it is logical to assume that coffee prolongs life.

There are several studies that show that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death.

Two studies show that young people and girls aged 18 to 24 have a lower risk of death (by 20% for men and 26% for women).

This effect is especially pronounced in diabetic patients. Diabetics who drank coffee had a lower risk of death (30%) over a 20-year follow-up period.

13. Coffee is the richest source of antioxidants in the Western diet.

For those who eat the standard Western food diet, coffee may indeed be the healthiest food.

And all because coffee contains a huge amount of antioxidants.

In fact, studies have shown that most people get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and vegetables.

Coffee is one of the healthiest drinks on earth.

Most of us start our morning with a cup of aromatic coffee. Some prefer to cook it with their own hands, while others drink an instant drink. Someone drinks coffee with milk, someone with cognac or lemon - everyone has their own preferences. There is conflicting information coming out of medical sources about coffee. Some doctors write about the dangers of this invigorating drink, and there are those who emphasize its benefits. The truth is probably, as always, in the middle. Let's figure it out.

Speaking about the calorie content of coffee as a product, it is impossible to give an unambiguous answer, since this indicator may change due to the presence of additional ingredients. Whether you add milk, cream, sugar, significantly affects this indicator. Changes in the chemical composition of the drink, its taste, nutritional value. The chemical composition of natural coffee depends on the degree of roasting.

During this process, certain transformations occur in the grains and new compounds are formed. There are more than 1000 of these compounds, and all of them affect the original taste of the product, but not its calorie content.

On a note! The number of calories in any sort of natural coffee is approximately the same and is 331 kcal per 100 g of coffee beans. The calorie content of instant coffee may vary and depends on the composition of the drink. Some manufacturers achieve flavor through additional ingredients, and the proportion of natural coffee can be very low. On average, you can give such figures - 119 kcal per 100 g of product.

The composition of coffee includes organic and fatty saturated acids, dietary fiber, mono- and disaccharides, ash. Of the minerals, coffee beans contain:

• calcium;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• iron;
• phosphorus;
• sodium.

Contains product and vitamins. Most of all, vitamin PP is present in the composition, besides it, coffee is rich in vitamins E, B1 and B2.

Beneficial features

The benefits of coffee directly depend on the method of its preparation, but what it is can be said for sure.

Most scientists are skeptical of instant black coffee, but some colleagues argue with them. The main ingredient in this drink is caffeine, which is beneficial when used in moderation. This substance has a tonic, invigorating effect on the body, stimulates the nervous system. But with excessive use, the benefits of instant coffee turn into harm.

A small amount of vitamins, as well as phosphorus, calcium, sodium and iron in the composition can be considered an additional plus of the drink. Regular moderate consumption of black instant coffee helps to resist diseases such as diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

According to recent data, this drink has a role in the prevention of bowel cancer.

Taking black coffee in the morning increases efficiency, improves cerebral circulation. The heart muscle is strengthened, the production of the joy hormone serotonin is increased. This drink is also recommended for hypotensive patients suffering from low blood pressure.

Instant or natural coffee - which is better: video

Natural coffee is considered tastier and healthier than instant coffee, but it takes longer to prepare, because of this it is consumed less often. Scientists confirm the benefits of drinking natural black coffee, provided that it is drunk in the amount of 2-3 cups per day and no more. Some compare the effect of coffee on the body with the effect of a drug, but this is not true. With regular use, caffeine is indeed addictive, but mental dependence is not formed.

• This drink reduces the risk of diabetes and gallstones.
• Serotonin in its composition prevents depressive states. According to statistics, people who moderately consume natural black coffee are several times less likely to commit suicide.
• A drink made from coffee beans improves brain function, increases potency, has a positive effect on the libido of women over 50, and has a diuretic effect.
• Coffee slows down the development of Parkinson's disease and serves as a means of its prevention.
• Coffee grounds are actively involved in cosmetology, it is used for massage and used as a peeling.

Coffee beans contain more than 30 organic acids, a set of vitamins and microelements.

Scientists have proven that there is no chemical interaction between dairy products and coffee, which means that a coffee drink with milk does not lose its beneficial properties, but at the same time, the amount of caffeine that enters the body decreases. In addition, milk or cream added to coffee prevents the loss of calcium during the removal of fluid from the body. Coffee with the addition of dairy products has a warming effect. Fats in the composition of such a drink increase the permeability of cell membranes, which allows the cell nuclei to receive more nutrients. Those who drink coffee with milk are less likely to suffer from hair loss.

American cardiologists announced their research, according to which decaffeinated coffee is more harmful than natural coffee. Tests have shown that the control group of people who took decaffeinated coffee had higher cholesterol levels than those who did not drink coffee at all or drank natural coffee. Why is this product made?

He gained popularity after the persecution of caffeinated drinks. During the production of this coffee, the beans are subjected to a special treatment, as a result of which they are completely deprived of caffeine, while maintaining the characteristic coffee taste. The chemicals needed for this process cause serious harm to the body, as they are poisonous.

Interacting with each other, coffee and cinnamon strengthen the immune system, help resist viruses and colds. Such a drink tones and thins the blood, has an expectorant effect, speeds up metabolism and promotes weight loss. Coffee with cinnamon cleanses the liver and removes toxins. Thanks to the antioxidants contained in cinnamon powder, the drink has a rejuvenating effect and is recommended for use by people over 40 years old.

Such coffee should be used with caution by people with kidney disease and those who are prone to allergies. The dosage of cinnamon should be no more than 0.5 teaspoon per day.

The stimulating effect of this drink should preferably be avoided by people with hypertension and those who have stomach problems.

The main advantage of this drink is its invigorating properties, which is facilitated by lemon. Vitamin C combined with caffeine is an excellent energy booster. In addition, coffee with lemon stimulates the digestive process and improves the secretion of the stomach. The interaction of these products accelerates the metabolic processes in the body, and the antioxidants contained in the lemon prevent aging. Lemon slices are simply sprinkled with sugar on top and thrown into black coffee. 1-2 slices are enough for one cup.

On sale you can find ground coffee beans, and those that are packaged as a whole. Real gourmets prefer to grind their own coffee. They argue that the taste of a coffee drink depends, among other things, on grinding, which can be coarse, medium and fine.

If you brew coffee from freshly ground beans, it will have a richer aroma and taste, since the essential oils do not have time to evaporate.

When you brew coffee in a Turk, use a fine grind, as large particles of coffee beans simply do not have time to reveal their taste. You need to grind such a portion of coffee that you can consume at a time. Coffee beans bring the body all the benefits of a natural drink.

Green coffee has gained popularity due to the fact that its intake promotes weight loss. This product is especially rich in antioxidants that are beneficial to the body. These substances prevent cancer and cell aging. The product improves lymphatic drainage and metabolism. Decoctions and infusions of green coffee beans are used for cosmetic procedures, they have a beneficial effect on the skin. Wraps with ground green coffee beans are used to treat cellulite. Such a drink reduces appetite, drinking it before meals, people eat much less.

Cardamom seeds are known as a spice. They contain many important trace elements, and the spicy aroma goes well with the aroma of coffee beans. One cup is enough to add 1/5 teaspoon of ground cardamom to change the taste of the drink and give it benefits. This spice stimulates blood circulation and eliminates spasms, helps to expel mucus during a cold, and helps lower blood pressure. Such coffee relieves nervous tension and, at the same time, stimulates the brain. The recipe for this drink came to us from ancient India and China.

Rejuvenating and healing coffee with cardamom: video

A drink with ginger will turn out warming and spicy. You just need to grate a small piece of the root and add it to black coffee when brewing. It is useful to drink a drink with ginger after plentiful feasts, it stimulates digestion. Such coffee is also appropriate during a date, as it increases the sexual activity of both men and women. It is often consumed before travel as an antiemetic.

Ginger relieves pain and spasms. And this drink is great for restoring energy.

To benefit from this drink, coffee must be natural, and brandy must be of high quality. Coffee with cognac relieves stress well, helps to fall asleep, relieves toothache and headache, restores strength, helps to get rid of a cold faster. For hypotensive patients, such a drink raises blood pressure. If desired, various spices, pieces of fruit can be added to coffee with cognac. According to the classic recipe, 30 ml of alcohol is added to 200 ml of black coffee.

An unusual option even for gourmets, but some people like to drink coffee with honey. The advantage of this drink is that honey replaces harmful sugar. Beekeeping products are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. Coffee with honey will have a tonic effect, increase your immunity, give an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. So that the processed bee nectar does not lose its properties, add it to a drink whose temperature does not exceed 40 degrees. It is even better to use honey "in a bite", so it will bring more benefits.

The benefits and harms of coffee for the human body

Coffee has a different effect on men and women, on the sick and healthy. There are separate restrictions for children and pregnant women. Doctors recommend regular coffee consumption for children no earlier than 14-16 years old.

Men will benefit from coffee only with moderate use. Drinking 1-2 cups of the drink a day, you can increase your efficiency and sexual activity, gain vigor, improve brain function. With an overdose of caffeine, irritability increases, the heart begins to work for wear and tear. From excessive coffee consumption, the absorption of certain vitamins is disrupted, as a result of which bones and cartilage suffer, teeth deteriorate, and sperm production decreases.

Coffee will benefit female beauty. By improving metabolism, it promotes weight loss. The diuretic properties of the drink prevent the appearance of edema. Coffee reduces appetite, it is useful to drink it half an hour before meals.

Scientists' experiments have confirmed that taking 3 cups of black coffee without sugar per day reduces the risk of uterine cancer by several times.

Women, as well as men, coffee invigorates and improves their mental abilities, therefore, increases efficiency. The danger lies in the fact that the female body easily gets used to coffee, dependence is formed. This can lead to nervous breakdown, insomnia, indigestion. Muscle cramps may also be observed.

With age, people experience disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, so drinking coffee after 50 years should be done with extreme caution. Caffeine causes heart palpitations, which is not safe for a sick heart. You can not abuse the intake of coffee and people with hypertension, if you drink more than 1 cup a day, this can provoke a hypertensive crisis. But you can still afford one cup of aromatic drink in the morning. This will reduce the risk of developing oncology and diabetes, give vigor and good mood, improve cerebral circulation and memory.

For liver problems, it is advisable to drink only natural coffee in moderate doses. According to medical research, regular consumption of this drink inhibits the development of cirrhosis in people who drink. The optimal dose that will benefit is coffee in the amount of 2-3 cups per day. With dosed use, coffee cannot harm the liver.

If you brew weak coffee and drink it twice a day, this will not affect the work of the heart muscle in any way.

If the pancreas is working normally, drinking coffee is not dangerous. On the contrary, drinking strong coffee after a heavy feast, you will help the digestive system absorb food faster. If you drink the drink on an empty stomach, it stimulates the production of enzymes in the pancreas. Therefore, you definitely need to eat something next, otherwise discomfort in the left hypochondrium is possible.

Moderate coffee consumption does not adversely affect healthy kidneys. But if you drink more than 3 cups of strong drink a day, the concentration of calcium compounds in the urine increases dramatically. These and other chemicals in high dosage can eventually lead to the development of urolithiasis. Causing a diuretic effect, coffee makes urine more concentrated, so doctors do not recommend drinking coffee for people with kidney disease. If you really want to, use the minimum amount of coffee, diluting it with milk.

On an empty stomach, coffee has an irritating effect due to the content of chlorogenic acids, so it can cause heartburn and discomfort. Even more harmful from this point of view is instant coffee. It is better to drink a glass of clean water shortly after waking up. Let a cup of aromatic coffee complete your breakfast.

Expectant mothers are allowed to drink coffee in the amount of 1 cup per day with milk. Some doctors generally recommend giving up drinking coffee during this period. The active substances found in coffee reduce the flow of blood to the placenta, which can adversely affect the development of the fetus. All the food taken by the mother is reflected in the child. He may have an increased heartbeat, and as a result, the baby will be born hyperactive and may suffer from sleep disorders.

For weight loss, you can use both black and green coffee. Caffeine speeds up metabolism, allowing the body to burn calories more efficiently. For many, this drink also reduces appetite. Of course, this is just an aid. Without a diet and active physical activity, coffee will not help to quickly get rid of extra pounds.

There are not so many contraindications for coffee, especially if you use it in moderation. Doctors strongly recommend that you stop drinking this drink only:

• people with heart disease;
• with urolithiasis;
• patients with stomach ulcers;
• pregnant women;
• hypertensive patients;
• children under 14 years old.

Everyone else can enjoy the taste and aroma of a magical drink prepared according to many recipes.

Is coffee good or bad for human health: video

For quite a long time, disputes about the benefits and harms of the most common drink - coffee - have not subsided. Scientists around the world have conducted about 19 thousand scientific experiments and studies, the purpose of which was to find out what effect the drink has on our body. And even with such a number of studies, it is not possible to unambiguously answer the question: “Should we start the day with a flavored drink?” Everyone should individually approach the answer to it, listening to their body. If after a cup of drink our body is filled with energy and strength - include it in your diet, if directly opposite changes occur, refrain from coffee in the diet, even if you have read a lot of materials about its positive qualities. The question must be asked on an individual basis.

Statistics on the consumption of natural coffee in each individual country are either in the dynamics of increase or decrease, but at the same time the global balance of consumption of the drink remains stable. There is even a trend of increasing global consumption of the drink.

When comparing the analytical data of the Russian coffee consumption market, the statistical figures indicate a slight decrease in the demand for the product. This is due to the fact that Russian consumers have become more thorough about their health and before including the drink in the diet, they began to study its impact on health more pretentiously.

In Russia, Perth 1 was the first to cultivate the drink. The nobles did not understand the unusual taste of the product, but in every way they wanted to please the courtier and served it at assemblies.

In fact, the usual morning drink, filled with useful substances, in moderation, can only have a positive effect on our body, and this confirms the 12 benefits of the drink, which are confirmed by clinical studies.

Coffee - 12 Health Benefits

1. Energizer that supports brain activity

   Instant coffee is a tonic drink that helps to increase a surge of vigor and strength. No wonder we love to drink it so much in the morning, when you need to quickly wake up and get involved in the working day. It is the caffeine that is part of the drink that improves our attention, activates memory processes.

   Caffeine is a psychoactive substance. Entering the bloodstream, it contributes to the blocking of the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine and increases the indications of dopamine, which activates the neurons of the brain. It is this property of the drink that scientists have confirmed, pointing to the ability of coffee to have a stimulating effect on the state of brain processes, expressed in improving not only our mood, but also activating various brain functions that are responsible for memory, vigilance, attention and the degree of reactions.

   In the East, coffee is taken not only as a tonic drink, but also as a means of eliminating the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The efforts of blood circulation, it will eliminate puffiness and reduce the likelihood of developing stroke conditions.

2. Drink coffee and lose weight

   Few people know that the substance caffeine is included in dietary supplements for burning body fat. Biochemists, having studied the properties of coffee, came to the conclusion that the drink increases metabolic processes from 3 to 11%. Other studies claim that this figure is as high as 29%. Caffeine, stimulating the nervous system, provokes it to send signals that destroy fat cells. This fact indicates the ability of caffeine to increase metabolism and assist in burning fat. However, you should not overly abuse the drink, stick to the truth - all good things know their limits.

3. Improves performance

   There are many recipes for making a drink. Everyone chooses to their taste whether to drink black coffee, or with the addition of milk. In both cases, a cup of aromatic drink, breaking down fats and converting them into free fatty acids, will increase physical endurance and performance. After all, the same adrenaline that we need during physical exertion will increase in the blood of those who drink coffee by an average of 11-12%.

   Fitness trainers are advised to take a strong drink half an hour before training when exercising on simulators. This will raise the level of adrenaline in the blood, promote the release of fatty acids and increase physical performance in the gym.

4. nutritional value

   A number of studies have shown that the product contains about 2,000 active substances and about 30 organic acids, among which caffeine and essential oils occupy a leading position. It is essential oils that determine the quality of the future drink. In addition, one cup of coffee contains: vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), fiber, sugar, fat, minerals and nitrogenous substances. It contains potassium, manganese, magnesium and niacin. In ancient times, in many monasteries, monks were given coffee so that they could defend many hours of prayer services. In our time, it is considered optimal to drink 3-4 cups of the drink per day.

5. Reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes

   Among the list of diseases, diabetes mellitus, in our time, is the most progressive. Health statistics voiced a terrifying figure - about 300 million. people in the world suffer from high blood sugar levels.

   The effect of coffee on blood sugar readings has been examined by more than one scientific study. So, according to the results of some observations, in people who drink coffee, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes has decreased from 23 - 50%. According to the results of others, this figure reached 67%. Analyzing data from 18 mass studies, which involved from 400 to 900 people, scientists recorded a decrease in the likelihood of developing diabetes by 7%.

   This fact suggests that the daily intake of a fragrant product helps to control blood sugar readings.

6. Coffee after 55

   Good coffee will be useful for people over the age of fifty. Indeed, in this age period, in some people, changes in cognitive abilities become noticeable, expressed in impaired memory, attention, thinking, and as a result, the development of the neurodegenerative disease of Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. It can only be prevented. Proper lifestyle, sufficient physical activity, healthy nutrition - this is the list of preventive measures to prevent Alzheimer's.

   Several scientific studies show that the inclusion of coffee in the daily diet reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 65% ​​and Parkinson's disease by 32-60%.

   If there are no contraindications, doctors do not ban the use of coffee for the elderly, after stipulating that it is better to drink it with diluted milk.

7. Protective effect for the liver

   Not so long ago, there was an opinion in medical practice that caffeine is highly undesirable for an unhealthy liver. However, in the 20th century, this opinion changed dramatically. Instead of a categorical ban, doctors began to allow the use of the product for hepatitis and cholecystitis, believing that coffee for preventive purposes is useful for cirrhosis of the liver.

   Studies in this area have confirmed the ability of caffeine to have a beneficial effect on the body. It has been noted that people who consume 2-3 cups a day reduce the risk of diseases of such an important organ as the liver by 80%. However, only a 100% natural drink is suitable for this purpose, without additional impurities and additives.

8. Powerful antidepressant for women

   The invigorating smell and taste of freshly brewed morning coffee acts on us like a powerful antidepressant. Just smelling its fragrant smell, I want to jump out of bed as soon as possible.

   Harvard University did an interesting long-term study that involved women with an average age of 60. Analyzing, at the end of the experiment, the data, scientists confirmed that women drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day reduces the development of depressive states by 15%.

   And those who drank more than 4 cups of the drink suffered 20% less "decreased interest in life." A similar pattern was established for men.

9. Is it good for men?

   Very often, men drink coffee in order to increase efficiency, cope with drowsiness if necessary, increase physical endurance and speed of thinking. Men who work at night, be sure to take a thermos with an instant drink. Indeed, for some time, caffeine will have a tonic effect. But after 12-13 hours without sleep, the body will still require rest and instant coffee will not improve the situation. Only 250-300 ml of the drink will give a person strength for night work, with a constant increase in volume, the tonic qualities of coffee will be enough for only an hour or two, and excessive consumption will cause addiction and worsen the desired result.

   If, nevertheless, there is a need to maintain strength during a sleepless night, it is better for men to brew a drink from ground natural coffee beans.

10. Anti-cancer properties

    The fruits of the plant contain up to 2 thousand active substances, among which polyphenols occupy a significant place: ferulic, coffee, coumaric, chlorogenic acids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. When compared, among drinks containing polyphenols, and these include varieties of green black tea, carrot juice, wine of red grape varieties, coffee will be one of the leaders. The amount of antioxidants with anti-cancer properties in ground coffee is 4 times greater than in tea.

    Phenolic compounds are perfectly released under the action of high temperature water, however, long boiling can destroy unstable compounds. That is why it is not recommended to boil the drink, but only bring it to a boil.

    Scientific studies in this area have found a 15% reduction in the development of colorectal cancer in people who consumed 3 to 4 cups of the drink daily.

    Moderate consumption of coffee as a preventive measure against cancer is fully justified, because the drink has strong antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.

11. Reduces the risk of strokes

    The notion that coffee has a negative effect on the work of the heart was refuted by a recent study by staff at the University of Athens. When observing a group of 700 people, scientists found that those who daily included a drink in their diet had more elastic blood vessels. This fact led to the conclusion that for people with constant high blood pressure, drinking small doses of natural coffee will help keep blood vessels healthy and avoid problems in the work of cardiac activity.

12. Decaffeinated coffee

    No one specifically created this drink, it all happened by chance. During transportation, a cargo of grains was soaked with sea water, it was dried, fried and found that its caffeine content was significantly reduced. It happened in 1903. Since then, decaffeinated coffee has been on the market. Nowadays, the caffeine content is reduced with the help of a special solvent.

    Many people think that a caffeine-free drink is healthier, but this is not entirely true. After all, the chemical treatment of grains does not bring much benefit. Still, it is better to give preference to a natural product, and not to replace it with surrogates, even well-known brands.

Coffee - harm and contraindications

When purchasing plant grains, pay attention to their integrity. Spoiled, broken grains can make the drink toxic, cause headaches and make you feel unwell.

Abuse of the drink in large doses will cause insomnia, nervous irritability and nausea.

Do not rush to give coffee to preschool children. Caffeine can cause them increased anxiety and urinary incontinence.

Listen to the reaction of the body to the product, if it causes an unpleasant feeling, discard it.

Brazil is the largest exporter of coffee beans. In addition to this country, another 65 countries grow the product, whose territories are located along the equator.

The average duration of fruiting of coffee trees is 60-70 years.

To prepare 1 kg of product, 4-5 thousand grains are required.

Among the world's best-selling commodities, coffee is in second place after petroleum products.

By the remnants of the thick after drinking the product, you can also find out your fate, you just need to learn how to correctly interpret the drawing on the bottom of the cup.

J. S. Beethoven was a great coffee lover. He prepared his drink from exactly 60 pre-roasted grains.

In Japan, Costa Rica and Ireland there is a holiday "Coffee Day", and in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) there is a monument to the coffee tree. It symbolizes the country's main agricultural income.