What effects does coffee have on your body?
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world and is enjoyed daily in many cultures - whether as a quick espresso in Italy, a strong filter coffee in the USA or a cozy cappuccino in the cafés of Zurich. But apart from its unmistakable taste and its firm place in our everyday lives, the question arises: how does coffee consumption affect our health?
The positive effects of coffee
Current research suggests that three to four cups of coffee a day offer many health benefits. The possible positive effects include:
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: People who drink coffee regularly have a lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease or strokes. An Australian study with over 500,000 participants has shown that two to five cups a day can reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. So the average Swiss person is doing everything right with three cups a day.
Protection against skin cancer: A long-term study by Yale University shows that regular coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of developing skin cancer. This is presumably due to the antioxidants in coffee, which can reduce cell damage caused by UV radiation.
Stimulation of the metabolism: Caffeine stimulates the metabolism and promotes energy consumption. While coffee speeds up the metabolism, it is not a miracle cure for weight loss. However, it can be useful as a supplement to a healthy diet and sufficient exercise.
Reducing the risk of dementia: Initial studies suggest that caffeine can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia by boosting memory and reducing deposits in the brain.
Tooth protection: Coffee contains substances such as chlorogenic acid and trigonelline, which have been shown to kill caries-causing bacteria. Despite its reputation for discoloring teeth, coffee therefore also helps to protect against tooth decay.
How coffee works in the body
After drinking a cup of espresso, cappuccino or Americano, the stomach and small intestine absorb the caffeine within about 30 to 45 minutes. This then enters the bloodstream and stimulates the cardiovascular system. Depending on age, body weight and genetics, the half-life of caffeine is around four hours. Coffee also contains almost 1,000 other substances, including many antioxidants that protect cells from harmful influences. A real powerhouse!
Coffee and blood pressure: myth or truth?
There is a rumor that coffee increases blood pressure in the long term. But the reality is different: Although coffee does increase blood pressure in the short term, no negative effects have been found in the long term. Nevertheless, people with high blood pressure should keep an eye on their consumption and seek advice from a doctor if necessary.
Does coffee dehydrate the body?
Another misconception is that coffee dehydrates the body. This is not true. Coffee can be considered part of your daily fluid intake, especially if it is consumed regularly. Sufficient water intake is nevertheless recommended. This is one of the reasons why an additional glass of water is often served with coffee.
The healthiest way to prepare coffee
According to studies, filter coffee is the healthiest way to prepare coffee, as harmful substances produced during roasting are filtered out. However, coffee from a Bialetti or capsule machine can also be part of “healthy” coffee consumption.
Conclusion: Is coffee healthy?
When consumed in large quantities, coffee can certainly be healthy. Above all, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the coffee beans and not to regard coffee as a substitute for water. Excessive coffee consumption can also have negative effects such as potassium deficiency and exhaustion. However, coffee is and remains above all a stimulant.
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