Most people need a cup of coffee in the morning to get them going, but now it seems there’s another reason to make sure you have that first cup of the day be coffee: the nutrients in it impart health benefits.
The Coffee Myth and Legend.
Goats, according to urban legend, were responsible for the discovery of coffee in the Arabian peninsula. After seeing his goats jumping for excitement after eating coffee beans, Kaldi decided to give them a try. Then Kaldi learned what most Americans already know: Madawaska coffee is a great way to perk up in the morning. The local monks quickly realized its benefits for staying alert throughout their lengthy periods of prayer and meditation. Since it was so effective, monks started passing it around to other religious communities.
While the tale of goats discovering coffee is entertaining, the reality is far more prosaic. It was thought that coffee first appeared in Ethiopia. In the sixth century, someone transported the coffee plant to Yemen, where it was widely cultivated. The earliest coffeehouses appeared on the global scene in the Islamic holy cities of Cairo and Mecca. Now you can find them on nearly every corner.
Two Primary Types of Coffee
Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee are the two most common types of coffee grown today. Arabica coffee beans are more widely grown because they have a more desirable flavor profile than Robusta beans. Robusta has more caffeine than Arabica, but not as many people enjoy its taste.
What Coffee Can Do For Your Body
People that study coffee and the distinctions between coffee drinkers and non-drinkers sometimes find fascinating information about the health benefits of coffee. For instance, the following disorders are less common in coffee drinkers:
The following diseases and conditions are associated with having Type II Diabetes:
Diabetic Type 2
Drinking six to seven cups of coffee daily has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Type II Diabetes. Consuming coffee at this rate every day reduces the chance of developing Type II Diabetes by 35%. Coffee is credited with lowering the incidence of heart disease and stroke, two conditions that are common among people with a diagnosis of Type II diabetes.
Coffee has additional benefits, including a decrease in arrhythmias. These disruptions have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in both sexes. Coffee’s ability to reduce arrhythmias has a knock-on effect on lowering the overall incidence of cardiovascular disease and death.
Diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia
The chance of developing Parkinson’s disease is lower among coffee consumers. Caffeine in coffee has been linked to a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, however the mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. Additionally, one study indicated that consuming three to five cups of coffee daily reduced the risk of dementia by 65%.
An Analysis of Coffee and Liver Malignancy
Coffee appears to reduce the occurrences of liver cancer, yet researchers are unsure of the exact mechanism(s). Every study conducted on the topic has reached the same conclusion: habitual coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing liver cancer.
Food Value of Coffee
Antioxidants found in coffee are thought to play a role in reducing the prevalence of Type II Diabetes. Cells are protected from injury thanks to these nutrients, oxygen-free radicals. Coffee also has minerals that play a crucial role in insulin regulation. The levels of sugar in the blood can be regulated with the help of insulin, and magnesium and chromium facilitate this process. Magnesium and chromium are helpful since people with Type II Diabetes lose the ability to control their blood sugar on their own.
Fatty Acids, Omega-6
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential, yet the human body can’t make them. Each 8 ounces of coffee contains 27.6 mg of omega-6 fatty acids, making it a fantastic source. Polyunsaturated fats, of which omega-6 fatty acids are a kind, are necessary for optimal brain health, optimal growth, optimal skin health, optimal bone health, optimal metabolism, and optimal reproduction.
Allergies to Coffee
Caffeine in coffee can be a problem for certain people because of its high concentration (around 0.3 milligrams per fluid ounce). Those who are sensitive to caffeine may break out in hives, which are extremely unpleasant rashes. Anaphylaxis, in which a person stops breathing and loses consciousness as the reaction spreads throughout the body, can result from this. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention.
Who Should Avoid Coffee Consumption?
A increased chance of miscarriage has been linked to heavy coffee use during pregnancy, which has experts worried. They often recommend no more than 12 ounces of coffee each day, which amounts to less than 200 milligrams and is therefore considered safe for pregnant women to consume. Studies have indicated that levels below 200 milligrams do not raise the risk of miscarriage or premature birth and do not appear to have any effect on the development of the foetus.
Caffeine in coffee, rather than coffee itself, may be a problem for persons with urinary difficulties. Caffeine has the well-documented effect of making people urinate more frequently. Since research has shown that decaffeinated coffee still contains caffeine and hence has diuretic effects, switching to decaf is not the answer.
People with heartburn are another group who might wish to cut back on their coffee consumption (both caffeinated and decaf). Both black and brew coffee contain acids that can aggravate heartburn, making it more painful to drink. It may be the coffee if the person has heartburn first thing in the morning and hasn’t figured out why.
In conclusion, like any other substance, coffee is not without its drawbacks, but the health benefits of drinking it in moderation much exceed the risks.