If you’re like two-thirds of Americans, you probably started your day with at least one cup of coffee. After water, it’s is the most commonly consumed beverage in the United States. But from a health perspective, coffee’s reputation has been tenuous for decades. The habit often draws criticism from wellness circles.
Problems with Coffee
There are a few ways Coffee can be potentially harmful:
Caffeine
The habit of needing a coffee can signal a problem with adrenal health or intolerance to caffeine. At the same time, consuming the same substance every single day can lead to dependence. Especially when considering a substance like caffeine.
Pesticides
Coffee beans are a highly sprayed crop. So far there isn’t any research indicating that there is an increased cancer risk with non-organic coffee. Stick to organic beans to avoid the pesticide exposure.
Mold
Mycotoxins are damaging compounds created by molds which grow on coffee beans (among other things). These compounds cause all sorts of health problems. Problems like cardiomyopathy, cancer, hypertension, kidney disease, and even brain damage. They also make your coffee taste bitter like it needs sugar.
But there is not only bad, here are some benefits of consuming coffee
Following are some of the reasons to consume coffee:
Increased Performance
Experts have examined the effects of caffeine on the brain. They have demonstrated that caffeine can improve mood, reaction time, memory, vigilance, and general cognitive function. Experts say coffee can help improve athletic performance, mobilize fat from cells, and increase stamina.
Antioxidants
Coffee is one of nature’s potent antioxidant sources. High-quality coffee may be great in moderation but it is important to balance this by consuming other antioxidant-rich foods and drinks from other natural sources
Lower Risk of Mental Disorders and Diabetes
Consuming the coffee for long-term lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes. The more coffee you drink, the lower the risk. By consuming coffee regularly we can increase our insulin sensitivity and improve beta cell function. People who drink six or more cups of coffee per day are 50 percent less likely to develop diabetes.
Verdict
Coffee can be great if your body tolerates it and if it comes from a good source. You can eliminate it every few weeks just to test mental performance with and without it. Coffee has its benefits, but antioxidants are plentiful in many natural foods and drinks. If you aren’t a fan of the world’s most popular morning beverage, don’t worry, drink some quality herbal tea instead.