It's quite refreshing to start a day with a cup of coffee. However, will long-term big coffee consumption have bad effects on the body?
Coffee contains caffeine, polyphenols, fat, and minerals, among which the most addictive is caffeine.
The concept of unmanned coffee shop during the China High-tech Fair 2017. (File photo: Nanfang Daily)
The human body will produce a neurotransmitter—"adenosine" after working for a long time. After entering the human body, caffeine can replace adenosine and inhibit the normal combination of adenosine and adenosine receptors, so that the brain cannot receive the signal of fatigue, thus having a refreshing effect.
Studies show that drinking coffee in adequate amounts could lower the risk of liver cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
However, the key to drinking coffee lies in the amount. Adults are suggested to consume no more than 400 mg (about 2-3 cups) of caffeine per day.
If drinking coffee in an inappropriate amount, it may lead to:
1. Diseases
Long term or excessive intake of caffeine can easily cause dependence, which can lead to insomnia, restlessness, heart palpitations, headaches, and even mental exhaustion and fatigue.
In severe cases, caffeine can cause convulsions and bone tremors, damage the liver, stomach, and kidneys, and induce respiratory inflammation.
2. Cumulative poisoning
Caffeine has a long metabolic cycle in the body and is addictive. It is easy to accumulate in the body, and continuous drinking can cause cumulative poisoning.
3. Withdrawal reaction
Sudden cessation of caffeine intake is much likely to cause withdrawal reaction, such as headaches, fatigue or burnout, emotional disturbance (depression or anger), and inability to concentrate.
4. Side effects
Taking in caffeine might have side effects including digestive tract dysfunction, tremors, headaches, insomnia, and sometimes palpitations, arrhythmia, etc.
5. Cautions for pregnant/lactating women
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the caffeine intake of a pregnant woman should be within 200mg a day.
But research in recent years suggests that pregnant women should avoid drinking coffee since the intake of caffeine is related to miscarriage, low birth weight or intrauterine growth restriction, and childhood obesity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers it safe to consume small amounts of caffeine while breastfeeding. However, it is recommended for nursing parents to limit their daily consumption to less than three cups of coffee per day (or up to 300 mg of caffeine).
Because caffeine takes much longer to clear out of a young baby’s system, it is possible that high caffeine intake by the nursing parent can make a baby irritable and wakeful.
Tips
Due to the dependence and tolerance of caffeine, it is best to gradually increase the amount of coffee if you drink coffee for the first time.
If nausea, anxiety, palpitations and other reactions occur after drinking coffee, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine whether to continue or stop drinking.
Author | Eliana Chen (intern), Hannah
Editor | Olivia, Nan, Monica, Jerry
Source | Guangdong CDC
