Everything you wanted to know about coffee

The benefits and harms of the popular drink

A cup of coffee is a must-have morning ritual for many. We drink it to wake up, perk up, or give ourselves energy throughout the day. But how often do you think about how drinking this drink affects your body? In this article, we want to dispel popular myths and highlight potential dangers that may lie in wait for coffee lovers.

Types of coffee

Speaking directly about the beans, there are 4 main types of coffee trees. The most common are Arabica and Robusta . Arabica is the most popular type of coffee, it has a sweet and complex taste, it can be drunk in its pure form. Robusta is a cheaper and stronger type of coffee. Because of the bitter taste, Robusta is usually used in a mixture with Arabica.

Note: Robusta contains more caffeine than Arabica.

Two other types of coffee are less known to most people – Liberica and Excelsa . Liberica has a small amount of caffeine, not too rich taste and intense aroma. Excelsa is a rather rare type that has a specific aroma. These two types of coffee are difficult to try, as they are almost never exported in their pure form.

In addition, coffee is distinguished by varieties, the method of processing the beans, the degree of roasting and grinding. So if we talk about how to choose coffee, it is a whole journey into the world of taste.

Caloric content

Roasted coffee beans contain calories, as well as fats and carbohydrates. However, if we are talking about the drink, and not about eating the beans, then during its preparation, water only passes through the beans. Thus, a cup of pure black coffee contains only 1-2 kcal.

The drink becomes truly caloric after adding milk, cream, sugar or syrups to it.

Benefits of coffee

Luckily, it’s not just a tasty and invigorating drink, coffee can provide your body with a number of potential benefits. Let’s take a look at the health benefits of coffee.

Stimulates the nervous system

Coffee contains caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant known for its ability to combat fatigue. Caffeine also increases energy levels. Does coffee invigorate you? Definitely yes! And all because caffeine blocks adenosine and increases the levels of other neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate energy levels, including dopamine. This chemical is responsible for the well-being of the brain. Caffeine also increases the rate of metabolism and the release of adrenaline, and improves mood.

Contains nutrients

Coffee contains a number of beneficial substances, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), magnesium, potassium and various phenolic compounds.

Good for the liver

There are several studies that have linked coffee consumption and its health benefits to a lower risk of developing chronic liver disease. One cup a day reduced the risk by 15%, and four cups a day reduced the risk by 71%.

Additionally, studies have linked coffee consumption to reduced rates of liver scarring in people with liver disease.

Helps with weight loss

Scientists have concluded that higher coffee consumption may be associated with reduced body fat.

One study also found that people who drank 1-2 cups of coffee per day were more likely to reach the recommended activity level, which promotes weight loss.

Reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and regulates blood sugar levels
The researchers concluded that an important property of coffee is its ability to maintain the function of beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for the production of insulin to regulate blood sugar.

According to research, each cup of coffee a day was associated with a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Supports brain health

Some scientists suggest that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Moderate coffee consumption may also be associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Source of antioxidants

Antioxidants can effectively neutralize free radicals, protect the body from aging and many diseases. Coffee is rich in several powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols.

Interestingly, experts estimate that people worldwide consume about 2.25 billion cups of coffee per day.