A psychology major back then, Ann’s coffee obsession started in college when she had multiple requirements to submit and exams to study for. She would average five to six cups a day just to stay awake and alert for her classes. It was a habit she carried on when she started working for the human resources department of a lifestyle magazine. For her to meet the deadlines, she knew she needed more than a cup of coffee.
But the question that has loomed over this generation of heavy coffee drinkers remains the same: is coffee good for me or not? Below we list down some of the pros and cons of drinking coffee. Note that this is when you drink just the right daily amount, which according to the FDA should be about 4 cups of coffee, and when you drink too much respectively.
Pros of Drinking Coffee
1. Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants.
Numerous studies show that coffee contains more antioxidants than green tea and cocoa. The antioxidant content found in most coffee beans is called polyphenols. An antioxidant protects cells from damage and removes waste from the body that causes inflammation. As a result, coffee drinkers are protected from metabolic syndrome.
Chlorogenic acid, also found in most coffee beans, may prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.
2. Coffee is said to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and cancer.
Coffee helps the body use insulin and protect cells that produce insulin. This means regular coffee drinking helps in improving blood sugar levels. With its antioxidants, it also prevents inflammation that may increase the risk for diabetes.
Since diabetes is a risk factor for people with dementia, coffee in essence also helps reduce the risk of developing this cognitive decline.
Polyphenols in coffee beans are said to have anticarcinogenic properties. Coffee can protect against breast, colorectal, endometrial, and prostate cancers.
3. Coffee is good for the liver.
Research links drinking coffee to lower rates of hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis which is the buildup of scar tissue on the liver. It’s important for the body to have a healthy life because it’s responsible for digestion and energy storage.
4. Coffee is a good pre-workout drink.
Contrary to myths that people should not drink coffee before exercising because it’s dehydrating, coffee actually boosts the energy and body performance of someone who’s about to work out. It has anti-fatigue properties that make it a good pre-workout drink consumed at least 30 minutes before a workout.
5. Coffee can make you happier.
Studies show that coffee helps fight depression or lower the risk of developing it in the first place. Based on statistics shared by Healthline, 53% of coffee drinkers are less likely to commit suicide.
6. Coffee helps you to stay alert throughout the day.
Most people drink coffee to survive all-nighters and to be awake the day after. Adenosine makes the body feel tired and coffee blocks it while releasing adrenaline. It also boosts short-term memory up to 24 hours after consumption.
Cons of Drinking Coffee
Coffee can be addictive and drinking too much of it may lead to drastic health effects including the following:
- Increases risks for bone fractures more so in women
- May cause pregnancy loss, low birth weight, and preterm birth
- May cause gastroesophageal reflux disease
- May increase anxiety, irritability and cause nervousness
- Negatively impact sleep quality and lead to insomnia
- May increase risk of heart attack, blood pressure, and prediabetes
- It May lead to diarrhea in some people
- Lead to fatigue after system runs out of coffee
- Increased frequency of urination
- 23 liters of coffee in one session is lethal
A Liquid Spill-Free Workstation
When you drink coffee in your workspace, make sure to not spill over your important paperwork and more to your devices placed on your desk. You don’t want the extra hassle especially if it’s crunch time and you’re trying to meet a deadline. Ensure that your space is not accident prone by following these rules:
Put your essentials on a height. Use a standing desk converter from Flexispot such as the M7MB or the AlcoveRiser Standing Desk Converter that has a single-handle design for you to easily adjust the height.
Declutter your workspace.
If you know yourself as a klutz, better put your coffee on a mug with a lockable lid or an anti-spill tumbler that will stick to the desktop surface.
Or you can just drink your coffee elsewhere while having a midday break from work.
Final Thoughts
Even though researchers are still divided on whether coffee is better than it is destructive, everyone agrees that drinking it in moderation won’t hurt. It will even be beneficial for your body and its overall physical and mental health. Just make sure not to go over what is recommended; avoid it if you’re pregnant or have other conditions not fit for caffeine, and listen to how your body reacts to it.
Everyone is different; some love caffeine and some don’t. Make sure to do the research so you can drink your cup of coffee with the mind at ease.
