Coffee: Exploring Its Benefits and Drawbacks
Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular beverages globally, with a significant number of people consuming it daily. It's a fantastic pick-me-up drink that provides the perfect boost in the morning or when experiencing an afternoon slump.
However, as with most things, there are both advantages and disadvantages to drinking coffee. In this article, we'll explore both the benefits and drawbacks of consuming coffee through personal experiences and expert advice.
Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Jesse Feder, a personal trainer, and registered dietitian explains, “Caffeine stimulates certain hormones that increase focus and energy. These hormones, cortisol, and adrenaline, slightly increase blood pressure and heart rate, making it advisable not to have too much caffeine daily.”
Additionally, caffeine has a natural laxative that can help with problems like constipation.
Caffeine also increases calorie and fat burning, making it an ideal pre-workout for those looking to up their workout.
Caffeine can be a great supplement if used strategically and be a welcomed addition to your daily workout routine!
Drawbacks of Drinking Coffee
Karen Owoc, a clinical exercise physiologist, warns that caffeine consumption can disrupt deep, restorative sleep, and the ability to fall asleep, leading to negative health effects such as weight gain, obesity, and even increased mortality.
It's worth noting that caffeine has a half-life of about five to six hours for most healthy adults, and it takes that long for the amount of caffeine in the body to be reduced to half its concentration, which may hinder one from getting a good night's sleep, especially if caffeine intake is high.
“Caffeine half-life generally increases with age”, she says, “so it takes longer to leave your system. That’s why caffeine may affect your sleep more than when you were younger.”
Be aware of how coffee affects you as you get older. Sleep is more important than productivity!
Personal Experience and Sensitivity to Caffeine
TL Matthew, a nutritional therapist and CEO of SumFoods, shares that she is extremely sensitive to caffeine and has had a unique experience with it.
She explains, "I learned at age 16 that it initially acts as a sedative, making me feel drowsy and sluggish, essentially knocking me out. It's only after this initial period of sleeping that I start to experience the jitters and insomnia that most people associate with caffeine."
This highlights the fact that everyone's body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another.
“I believe that it's important to recognize that everyone's body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another,” she says.
“Because, of my unusual experience with caffeine, I always recommend that my clients pay attention to how their body responds to caffeine and make adjustments accordingly. Whether you're a coffee lover or a tea drinker, it's important to listen to your body and find what works best for you.”
You may need your morning cup to face the day but not everyone responds the same way to caffeine. Pay attention to how coffee makes you feel and adjust accordingly.
Not All Caffeine is Created Equal
Dr. Mahmud Kara, founder, and CEO of KaraMD explain that not all caffeine sources are created equal. He recommends choosing "clean" sources of caffeine, such as black coffee or green tea, which contain fewer added sugars or artificial sweeteners than energy drinks, sports drinks, and sodas.
He adds, "some sources of caffeine, like green tea, contain compounds such as L-Theanine that can help balance out the stimulating effects or 'jitteriness' that people often associate with other sources of caffeine like energy drinks or coffee.”
When I need a break from my daily cup of black coffee I love to take the opportunity to try new teas. Tea can be a very refreshing change when you’re trying to lay off the coffee!
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to one's lifestyle, including adding coffee to your daily routine.
Personal experience and sensitivity to caffeine should also be taken into consideration.
While coffee consumption has its benefits, such as increased energy, focus, and calorie burning, it also has drawbacks, such as disrupted sleep and negative health effects.
By staying informed and listening to your body, you can make the best decision for your overall health and well-being.
Remember to do what works for you.
