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» Coffee beans in chocolate: benefits and harms. The benefits and harms of coffee

Coffee beans in chocolate: benefits and harms. The benefits and harms of coffee

A large number of people cannot imagine their morning without a fragrant cup of coffee; this tonic drink invigorates and energizes. There are many studies and opinions about coffee, the benefits and harms for the human body. Which of them are correct and is there a danger of harming your health by drinking the drink every day?

Composition of coffee beans

Coffee is made from roasted beans of the coffee tree. There are more than 90 varieties of such plants in nature. Of the industrial varieties, Arabica and Robusta are most often used.

Coffee beans contain more than one thousand different components, 800 of them are aromatic substances that give the drink a unique smell. Grains contain:

  • Carbohydrates provide the body with energy and contribute to the accumulation of nutrient reserves.
  • Tannins (tannins) have astringent properties, have antimicrobial, hemostatic properties, and remove toxins in case of poisoning.
  • Organic acids: malic, acetic, citric, oxalic, pyruvic acids take part in the metabolic processes of the body.
  • Alkaloids: caffeine, theophylline, theobromine affect the nervous system, increase body tone, performance, and concentration. Regulates the level of glucose in the blood.
  • Nicotinic acid is involved in the formation of digestive enzymes, lipid metabolism, and redox processes in the body.
  • Chlorogenic acid has a pronounced antioxidant effect, has antiviral, hepatoprotective (protects liver tissue), and antitumor properties.
  • Macro and microelements: calcium, iron, fluorine, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur are involved in biochemical processes.

Is drinking coffee harmful? Spanish scientists have found that the peel of coffee beans contains a large amount of antioxidants (tannins), which are much stronger than vitamin C or green tea. These substances help remove toxins from the body. In addition, the shell contains plant fiber and phenols, which stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.

During roasting, the water content in beans decreases by 3 times. The calorie content of 1 cup of tonic drink is only 9 kcal, but if you add a little milk or dilute it with cream, the energy value of the product increases to 40–60 kcal.

Beneficial features

What are the benefits of coffee for the body?

  • It has diuretic properties, therefore preventing the formation of kidney stones.
  • The benefits of coffee are used to prevent constipation. The plant fiber contained in grains helps with this. Caffeine increases the acidity of gastric juice and stimulates increased liver function and bile production.
  • Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, increasing efficiency, tones the body and eliminates drowsiness and headaches. The effect lasts 3–4 hours.
  • The benefit of coffee for the respiratory system during bronchitis and pneumonia is the removal of phlegm, due to the content of tannins. In combination with lemon and honey, it strengthens the immune system, suppresses viruses, and enhances the antioxidant effect.
  • A sugar-free drink is beneficial for the female body when losing weight. It promotes fat burning during exercise due to the increased tone and performance caused by caffeine.
  • Coffee is known to be beneficial for hypotension, as it increases blood pressure.
  • Due to its antioxidant content, coffee is a cancer preventative in women and men. Antioxidants protect cell structure from the effects of free radicals.
  • The drink prevents Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases due to stimulation of the central nervous system. Drinking coffee prevents the destruction of brain cells.
  • What are the benefits of coffee? Caffeine enhances the effect of medications such as Aspirin and Paracetamol, increasing the load on the liver.
  • The drink helps with poisoning due to its antioxidant effect. Helps remove toxins from the body.
  • Caffeine, when consumed in moderation (up to 300 ml per day), restores damaged liver cells, preventing cirrhosis.

The benefits of coffee appear only with moderate use of the drink; large doses (more than 300 ml per day) contribute to addiction and intoxication of the body.

Types of instant drinks

According to the production method, instant coffee can be powdered, sublimated or granulated. Powder is prepared from roasted and crushed grains, soluble substances are extracted from the resulting mass, cooled, filtered, and dried with hot air.

The production of a granulated drink is identical, only at the end the powder is formed into granules using steam supplied under high pressure.

The freeze-dried product is prepared differently. First, a decoction of coffee beans is made and completely frozen; the resulting mass is dehydrated under low pressure. The product is then crushed into small, irregularly shaped pieces. The freeze-dried variety, unlike other types of instant drinks, preserves the properties and taste of natural grains as much as possible.

The beneficial and harmful properties of coffee in the form of powder or granules are manifested in lower caffeine content, so you can drink 4-5 cups every day. Harmful properties appear in case of overdose: the functioning of the heart, liver, and nervous system is disrupted. Cardiac activity, cerebral vessels, and the central nervous system are affected by increased blood circulation, and liver function is affected by increased acidity of gastric juice.

Freeze-dried coffee retains the same amount of caffeine as natural black coffee. It has the same effect on the body.

To add piquancy and variety to the popular drink, flavored varieties are produced with the taste of caramel, chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut, almond, honey, lemon, and alcoholic beverages. The flavored product in grains has become especially famous.

A refined taste is imparted by spraying flavored substances (essential oils) onto the grains, the inside of the package, and into the ground powder. What are the benefits of a flavored drink? The beneficial properties of coffee are the same as those of natural varieties. You just need to remember that a natural flavored product made from quality grains cannot be cheap.

Coffee addiction

Is coffee harmful to health? When taken correctly, the natural drink does not cause harm, and in some cases is even beneficial. Its systematic consumption of 3 cups every day can cause addiction (theism). A dosage of more than 4 cups can lead to intoxication of the body due to the effects of caffeine on the heart and central nervous system, anxiety, tremors of the limbs, confusion, and a severe headache.

Important! The safe daily dose of caffeine for humans is 300 mg. More than 90 mg of caffeine (1 cup) per 1 kg of body weight, drunk in a short period of time (2-3 hours), can lead to death. The load on the heart increases, blood circulation is impaired and death can occur!

Caffeine tones the nervous system, improves mood, and increases performance. Therefore, it causes psycho-emotional addiction. A dependent person without drinking coffee feels irritation, headache, decreased performance, and drowsiness.

Methods for preparing the drink

Freeze-dried coffee with milk: harm or benefit? When preparing the drink, it is not recommended to add sugar to it; it is better to drink it with honey. The benefit of coffee with milk or cream is that caffeine flushes calcium from the body, and milk replenishes this microelement. The drink retains all the harmful and beneficial properties of natural coffee.

When milk is added to a drink, calcium mineral salts accumulate in the kidneys and stones form.

Natural coffee, the benefits and harms of its use for women and men are manifested in an increase in the overall tone of the body. The negative effects of the drink cause disruption of the heart, liver, and nervous system. Blood circulation increases, which increases the load on the organs of the cardiovascular system. Increased stomach acidity after drinking coffee increases the load on the liver.

Flavored coffee beans are ground and brewed in a Turkish coffee pot. There is no need to dilute the drink with cream or milk so as not to spoil the taste of the additives. The freeze-dried or granulated soluble product is brewed with boiling water. You can add 2 tablespoons of milk to reduce bitterness, and honey instead of sugar.

You can add a slice of lemon to any type of coffee, this will give the drink a special taste and aroma. Citrus zest, cloves, and cinnamon are also used. Drinking lemon will help replenish vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, which caffeine removes. Lemon has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels, while neutralizing the effect of caffeine.

Coffee with lemon and honey is also useful in the treatment of colds, since caffeine removes phlegm, and citrus strengthens the immune system, fights viruses, and relieves inflammation. Honey is a powerful antioxidant and reduces the harm from drinking coffee.

To add to a tonic drink, it is best to use linden and buckwheat honeys; they help reduce the bitterness of natural coffee. You need to prepare a drink with honey correctly; the bee product is added to a warm drink (50˚), otherwise all the beneficial properties of honey are lost.

Harmful effects

What harm does coffee cause to the body?

  • Due to its diuretic properties, coffee flushes calcium from the body and, at the level of brain activity, dulls the feeling of thirst. This occurs due to impaired blood circulation in the blood vessels of the brain when drinking coffee. This condition threatens dehydration.
  • It is harmful to drink an instant drink (powdered, sublimated or granulated) in the morning on an empty stomach; it irritates the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, causing an exacerbation of diseases.
  • Caffeine on an empty stomach creates an acidic environment in the stomach due to its chlorogenic acid content. This leads to the formation of heartburn.
  • Drinking caffeine (more than 300 mg per day) is harmful. Diluting the drink with cream or milk does not reduce the caffeine level, so the harmful effects of the drink remain the same.
  • The harm of coffee is to increase appetite due to accelerated digestion of food. Therefore, when losing weight or excess weight, you need to control the amount of drink consumption.
  • Coffee can cause great harm if you drink it immediately after a meal and disrupt the digestion process. The drink, when mixed with food, negatively affects the primary processing of food by stomach enzymes.
  • Coffee causes staining of tooth enamel. Carbohydrates cause the formation of persistent pigmentation on the surface of teeth.
  • Dehydration and calcium loss negatively affect the functioning of the heart and brain.
  • Coffee grounds contain tannins, which increase the acidity of the stomach and cause exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract.
  • Drinking flavored coffee beans in the morning on an empty stomach, after which nothing was eaten, causes gastric juice and hydrochloric acid to digest the walls of the empty stomach. With systematic use, the development of peptic ulcers is possible.
  • A sharp increase in pressure by 10 mm Hg, an increase in the load on the heart and blood vessels can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the heart and brain. This threatens heart attacks and strokes. To prevent the drink from increasing blood pressure, you need to add lemon to it; the fruit contains potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the vascular system.
  • Coffee increases the content of cholesterol plaques in the blood due to the content of caffestol, which is involved in the transport of bile from the liver.

Harm to women's health

How is coffee harmful for pregnant women? The drink dilates blood vessels and can increase blood pressure. This is dangerous for the health of the expectant mother, as involuntary abortion, bleeding or premature birth may occur. A dangerous dosage is more than 2 cups every day. If there are disturbances in the functioning of the heart and vascular system in the expectant mother, children may be born with underweight and anemia.

The harm of coffee for young women is to reduce the possibility of conceiving a child by 40%. This happens because caffeine changes hormonal levels and negatively affects ovulation and contractility of the fallopian tubes.

For pregnant and lactating women, the harm of coffee lies in the negative impact of caffeine on the baby’s nervous system. Due to the diuretic properties, calcium is washed out, the child’s baby teeth will quickly deteriorate, and the mother will lose her permanent ones.

Important! With frequent coffee consumption, women need to replenish fluid loss in the body. You should drink at least 2 liters per day of pure still water every day.

Systematic use of a soluble freeze-dried product without constant physical activity leads to the formation of cellulite in women on the thighs and abdomen. The drink disrupts blood flow and contributes to impaired water metabolism, and these are the main reasons for the formation of “orange peel”.

Harm to men's health

What is the harm of coffee for men? When drinking a flavored drink, the level of testosterone in the blood of representatives of the stronger sex decreases. Microelements necessary for the functioning of the prostate gland (magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, E) are excreted in the urine, and sexual desire decreases.

Caffeine stimulates the production of the stress hormone and the release of adrenaline into the blood. The male body perceives this as a decrease in the need for testosterone.

The harm of coffee for the male body lies in the risk of developing enuresis (urinary incontinence). American scientists have found that drinking 3 cups of natural drink per day increases the likelihood of developing urinary incontinence by 70%.

When not to drink coffee

Main contraindications:

  • Hypertension. Caffeine increases blood pressure and can lead to a hypertensive crisis. In people who constantly drink coffee, blood pressure does not increase due to addiction.
  • For insomnia. The drink further tones and invigorates the human body.
  • The harm of coffee manifests itself in gastritis, peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. Chlorogenic acid causes irritation of the mucous membranes, heartburn and exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract. It is especially harmful to drink a flavored drink in the morning on an empty stomach.
  • In polycystic ovary syndrome, caffeine helps accelerate the growth of cysts. This is a hormonal disease, and coffee can disrupt the normal balance of hormones in a woman’s body.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding are the main contraindications due to the risk of premature birth and harm to the health of the fetus.
  • Atherosclerosis is one of the contraindications, since caffeine increases blood cholesterol levels. This substance is affected by coffeestol, contained in grains. It affects the receptors of intestinal cells that transport bile acids from the liver.
  • Coffee is contraindicated for osteoporosis (decreased bone density, increased bone fragility) in older people, especially women, since the drink leaches calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are necessary for strengthening bones.
  • For diseases of the nervous system, since caffeine increases the excitability of the brain.
  • Heart pathologies: tachycardia, arrhythmia. The drink dilates blood vessels and disrupts heart rhythm.
  • Children and teenagers should not drink this tonic drink, as coffee removes calcium, which the child’s body needs for normal growth.

In case of overdose, the harm of coffee manifests itself in the occurrence of insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. The central nervous system is excited, and tremors of the limbs, confusion, and migraine may appear. The heartbeat increases, the rhythm of its work is disrupted, and blood pressure rises.

Is coffee good for human health? When used correctly and without contraindications, a flavored, black or freeze-dried drink will give you vigor, improve performance and mood. And adding lemon and honey will help reduce the negative effects of caffeine.

Some symptoms of appearance:

  • increased sweating;
  • weakened immunity, frequent colds;
  • weakness, fatigue;
  • nervous state, depression;
  • headaches and migraines;
  • alternating diarrhea and constipation;
  • I want sweet and sour;
  • bad breath;
  • frequent feeling of hunger;
  • problems with losing weight;
  • decreased appetite;
  • night grinding of teeth, drooling;
  • pain in the abdomen, joints, muscles;
  • cough does not go away;
  • acne on the skin.

If you have any of the symptoms or are in doubt about the causes of your ailments, you need to cleanse your body as quickly as possible. Read how to do this here.

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Coffee is a drink that has been known to mankind for more than 2 centuries. True, in the old days there was no such thing as “drinking a cup of coffee” - the fruits of the coffee tree were fried in animal fat and consumed in such a strange form. But even in those days, healers established for sure that coffee stimulates the appetite, serves as a diuretic and is able to activate strength even with severe fatigue. What do modern scientists say about the dangers and benefits of coffee?

Nutritional value and composition of a drink made from coffee beans

Nutritional value 100 g:

  • Calorie content: 118.7 kcal
  • Proteins: 15 g
  • Fat: 3.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g

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  • Water: 7 g
  • Ash: 1 g

Macronutrients:

  • Calcium: 100 mg
  • Sodium: 3 mg
  • Phosphorus: 250 mg

Vitamins:

  • Vitamin PP: 24 mg
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 1 mg
  • Vitamin PP (Niacin equivalent): 26.49 mg

Microelements:

  • Iron: 6.1 mg

Coffee is not a dietary product and cannot “work” as a fat burner (although such a theory has been put forward by some lovers of extravagant weight loss).

Raw coffee beans contain tannin - its content is about 7.7%, but when roasting, the amount of tannin decreases noticeably (to 0.56%), which absolutely does not affect the quality of the final result.

Coffee beans also contain:

  • chlorogenic acids;
  • quinic acid esters;
  • theophylline;
  • glucoside;
  • thebromine

But the most important component of the product in question, for which it is so loved, is caffeine. It is impossible to accurately indicate the amount of caffeine in coffee - it will vary in different varieties. For example, Robusta contains more caffeine, but the well-known Arabica contains less caffeine.

Coffee: the benefits of beans

When they talk about the benefits of coffee, they first begin to consider the positive effect of caffeine, the main component of the product, on the body. Scientists confirm the following data:

  1. Caffeine can significantly improve memory and increase concentration, but only in the short term. Moreover, caffeine acts very quickly - once it enters the gastrointestinal tract, it is absorbed almost instantly and reaches the brain cells within 5 minutes.
  2. This component of coffee can also make breathing easier - under its influence, the smallest bronchioles of the lungs open. There is a version that smokers unknowingly use this quality of caffeine to make their breathing easier - it’s not for nothing that they love to smoke a cigarette with a cup of aromatic coffee.
  3. Caffeine improves reaction speed, although also only in the short term.

But besides caffeine, the product in question contains more than 30 components - their properties determine the benefits of the drink:

  1. Coffee helps prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted by American scientists over 11 years, the results: people who drank 6 cups of coffee (small) daily were 22% less likely to acquire type 2 diabetes.
  2. The product in question prevents the development of sclerosis. This conclusion was made recently; scientists in the course of research found that coffee changes the energy potential of brain cells, while blocking adenosine, a substance responsible for memory loss.
  3. Coffee helps reduce the risk of gallstones.
  4. Recently, American scientists made a striking conclusion - if you drink 4 cups of coffee every day, you can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by 24%.
  5. The drink stabilizes and normalizes the functioning of the digestive system - for example, it has been precisely proven that coffee can relieve diarrhea.

There are also those who believe in the very strange beneficial properties of coffee.:

  • alleviates the condition of asthmatics, reduces the number of attacks per day, helps fight cough in diseases of the respiratory tract of an inflammatory/infectious nature;
  • prevents the removal of potassium from the body;
  • reduces the manifestations of allergic reactions;
  • protects against the effects of radiation.

note: these abilities of coffee have not been proven by scientists, which means they remain only speculation.

Coffee: harm to the drink

Despite its many positive qualities, coffee can also cause harm to the body. Doctors and scientists conducted many experiments, studying the effect of coffee on an absolutely healthy body and on people with already diagnosed diseases. The following conclusions were drawn:

  • It is worth limiting coffee consumption for people with diagnosed cardiovascular diseases;
  • For those with a history of hypertension, coffee is practically contraindicated;
  • coffee flushes calcium from the body - based on this knowledge, many assume that drinking coffee in large quantities can trigger the development of osteoporosis;
  • the drink in question can cause physical dependence - if you completely stop drinking it, a person will experience headaches, weakness, fatigue and drowsiness. But this in no way equates coffee to drugs!

There is also a lot of controversy about the drinking of coffee by pregnant women - it was previously believed that this drink could even cause a miscarriage. But recent studies have proven that coffee does not have any effect on the development of the fetus, you just need to take into account the woman’s condition - with high blood pressure, diagnosed kidney disease, problems in the gastrointestinal tract, it is better to give up coffee.

The harms and benefits of coffee are controversial issues; you need to decide on the advisability of drinking this tasty drink either independently or in tandem with doctors.

The question of the benefits and harms of natural coffee beans has long been of concern to many coffee lovers. To drink or not to drink – that is the question? Not so long ago, all doctors unequivocally stated that coffee is a very harmful drink, and categorically forbade people with a wide variety of diseases and pathologies from drinking it.

Naturally, there should not be too much coffee, like any other product in the diet. Caffeine in large quantities can raise blood pressure, increase the risk of tachycardia, reduce calcium levels in the body and increase stomach acidity. But all this concerns excessive coffee consumption, when a person cannot stop drinking 3-4 cups a day and continues to drink this drink from morning until night.

Recently, research on coffee shows that it is not only not harmful, but is also very beneficial for our body. Even during pregnancy, when drinking coffee was strictly forbidden, you can now indulge in a morning cup and not worry about the consequences.

What are the benefits of natural coffee?

So, natural coffee is known to have a stimulating effect. Caffeine makes you feel alert, which is why many people prefer to drink coffee for breakfast. It helps you wake up faster, put your brain to work, and make better and faster decisions. In addition, short-term memory improves, stress and irritation levels decrease.

Another very important point is that coffee contains natural antioxidants, which are now so fashionable to be taken as dietary supplements. Oxides are oxygen free radicals that act on our cells like oxygen does on iron, that is, they oxidize them. By consuming antioxidants, cells are effectively protected from free radicals, keeping them healthy.

Also, recent studies have shown that coffee reduces the risk of cancer and cirrhosis of the liver, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes. It should also be noted that coffee helps boost immunity, improves the functioning of the digestive system and promotes the secretion of gastric juice.
The benefits of natural coffee have been scientifically proven, so you can trust research in this area 100%. So, in Italy, studies were conducted for several years that confirmed the fact that people who drink about 2-3 cups of coffee a day are about 25% less likely to suffer from asthma.

The effectiveness of research is expressed in the long-term duration of its implementation. For example, Harvard scientists conducted research for 10 years. At the same time, about 68 thousand women participated in the experiment over the entire period. And as such a global experiment has shown, the risk of committing suicide is reduced by 65% ​​if a woman drinks more than 2 cups of coffee every day.

In addition, a reduced incidence of hypertension and diabetes was observed, even if there was a genetic predisposition to these diseases. Harvard also conducted research on the risk of colon cancer. It turned out that the antioxidants contained in coffee help reduce the risk of disease by 25%.

Interestingly enough, studies of the effects of coffee on the body show completely different results for men and women. For example, for 45 thousand men who participated in the experiment, the risk of developing gallbladder diseases and stone formation decreased by 40%. But a prerequisite for this was the need to drink more than 3 cups of coffee a day.

Many older people are afraid to drink coffee, as it can trigger the development of hypertension. But with proper and moderate consumption of this drink, they can bring great benefits to their health. The likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease is reduced by as much as 500% if you drink about 2-3 cups of coffee a day. That is why quite serious developments and research are currently underway in this direction.

Now all the myths regarding the harm of natural coffee and its negative impact on the body have been almost completely dispelled by modern scientists. All previous studies going back many years showed the risk of caffeine exposure. However, such important factors as the presence of antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial minerals in coffee beans were not taken into account.

Every coffee lover can easily refute all the arguments of “healthy lifestyle” advocates that coffee is harmful. After all, they are so angry because they were completely unable to understand and experience the full potential of this invigorating magical drink.

The mechanism of action of coffee on our body

Only a true coffee lover can understand how easy it is to wake up in the morning when natural coffee is brewing on the stove in a Turk. Its aroma cannot be confused with ordinary instant powder and even with freeze-dried instant coffee, which, by the way, sometimes costs more than natural coffee.

To understand the effect of coffee on our body, it is necessary to understand how its main component, caffeine, works, and whether we should be afraid of it. Yes, caffeine is an alkaloid and it can affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Its work is carried out according to the following principle: when caffeine enters the body, it promotes enhanced functioning of the pituitary gland.

Thanks to this, the pituitary gland produces a special hormone that increases adrenaline. As a result of this action, the heart beats much faster, and the liver releases glucose into the circulatory system. Accordingly, we can use more energy. In addition, muscles contract, blood vessels constrict, and the airways, on the contrary, relax. Thanks to this, a person feels cheerful and active.

Who benefits from natural coffee?

The benefits of natural coffee for the female body are primarily expressed in relieving stress. Women can also count on a reduced risk of many diseases associated with the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Probably, many of us have noticed on the Internet or on the TV screen how a rather elderly old woman sits in a cafe and drinks a cup of strong espresso.

For those who are afraid of the negative consequences of drinking coffee, we can advise using milk or cream as an additional ingredient. These products include calcium in their composition, which minimizes the risk of it being washed out of the body. At the same time, the effect of caffeine is not reduced at all.

Don’t forget to drink weak coffee before training - it will reduce muscle soreness, and if you are far from sports and even have such a bad habit as smoking, then coffee can neutralize the harm from it. But this does not mean that you need to continue to indulge your weaknesses.

The debate about whether drinking coffee every day is beneficial or harmful has been going on for several decades:

  • Some scientists, probably paid by coffee companies, claim that coffee is at least harmless, and in some places even benefits the body (reduces the risk of stroke, diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, depression, kidney stones, etc.).
  • Others, who are paid by competitors (tea or juice producers, for example), talk about the terrible destructiveness of this drink for our health.

There is no end in sight to this dispute, since coffee, unlike energy drinks, is a natural product, therefore, it can be both beneficial and harmful. An analogy can be made with a tomato. This fruit is tasty and healthy, but in patients with gout it can cause an exacerbation of the disease, and if you eat several kilograms of tomatoes at a time, you can get poisoned. We will talk about coffee, the benefits and harm to human health in the presence of any diseases in the article.

Let's start with defining concepts

Coffee is a drink prepared by brewing roasted and then ground coffee beans in a cezve or coffee maker. This is the kind of coffee we will discuss further. Instant coffee is a separate topic for discussion, but we will also mention it.

Natural coffee is not a food product, since this drink contains very little protein, fat and carbohydrates. However, in addition to the well-known caffeine, coffee contains up to 30 biologically active substances. Among them: potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin PP, vitamin B2, organic acids, theophylline, etc.

About the effect on the nervous system

Benefit

Harm

  • Increases the attention and reaction speed of drivers, allowing you to avoid falling asleep while driving.
  • Increases resistance to stress and performance.
  • Increases the content of serotonin in the brain (“happiness hormone”), which, when used regularly, improves mood and can relieve depression (see antidepressants)
  • Relieves headaches - a scientifically proven fact. The only exception is headaches caused by high blood pressure. In other cases, a cup of coffee is the safest remedy for this scourge.
  • Causes addiction similar to alcohol or nicotine.
  • Caffeine abuse leads to nervous exhaustion, followed by irritability, nervousness, lethargy, and a sharp decrease in performance.
  • Large doses of caffeine, especially at night, can cause insomnia (see how to fall asleep quickly).

Theophylline

This substance contained in coffee accelerates blood circulation in organs and has bronchodilator properties (relieves bronchospasm).

About the effect on the digestive system

Coffee stimulates the secretion of digestive juices. For healthy people this is not dangerous, but for patients with stomach ulcers, gastritis or pancreatitis it can lead to trouble.

There is evidence that regular coffee consumption reduces the risk of liver cirrhosis in alcohol abusers.

Coffee contains tannins in large quantities, substances that give this drink a bitter taste. Tannins have a positive effect on the metabolism of some vitamins, such as PP and C, but may interfere with the absorption of some microelements, such as iron, which should be taken into account in patients with anemia. In addition, these substances have tanning properties. This effect has been used in past medicine to treat stomach ulcers.

Tannins in coffee are neutralized by adding milk to it.

As you can see, the influence of the described drink on “ulcer sufferers” is very contradictory. On the one hand, a cup of coffee in such patients can cause heartburn or abdominal pain, and on the other hand, it can promote the healing of ulcers. However, the view of modern gastroenterology on coffee is rather negative - in case of exacerbation of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, coffee is contraindicated.

About the effect on the cardiovascular system

The impact of the drink we are discussing on health is very clearly reflected in the condition of the heart and blood vessels. Moreover, this effect is due not only to caffeine, but to the rest of the complex of substances included in it.

Caffeine increases the heart rate, causing tachycardia (a higher than normal number of heart beats per minute). For a young, healthy body, this is not scary, but for athletes it is even good, as it leads to an increase in blood flow to the tissues, which somewhat improves athletic performance.

But in sick people, tachycardia can cause life-threatening complications:

  • In case of hypertension - provoke a hypertensive crisis.
  • In case of heart failure, there is a significant deterioration in the condition due to an increase in the need of the heart muscle for oxygen.
  • In case of coronary artery disease, it can cause a heart attack or even a heart attack.
  • An overdose of caffeine can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, which increases the risk of sudden death by 2 to 3 times. (WHO definition. Sudden cardiac death is an unexpected, unforeseen death of cardiac etiology, occurring in the presence of witnesses within a short period of time, no more than 1-6 hours from the onset of the first signs of the disease, in a person without the presence of conditions that could currently be fatal ).

A few more facts about the benefits of coffee

What can motivate us to drink one or more cups of coffee?

  • Regular consumption of even one cup of coffee per day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death (stroke, heart attack, fatal blockage of an important vessel) by 24%. Proven by a joint study by scientists from Madrid and Harvard.
  • There is scientific evidence that regularly drinking coffee can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, with coffee reducing the risk of Parkinson's disease by 500%.
  • Coffee reduces the activity of microorganisms that cause caries. True, to reduce the risk of caries you need to drink this drink without sugar.
  • Coffee may help reduce some allergies because it reduces the formation of histamine in the body (see allergy pills)

Fun fact: Research has shown that the best release of antioxidants and caffeine comes from brewing coffee at room temperature (see Don't brew coffee with boiling water).

A few more facts about the health risks of coffee

When and for what reasons should you avoid drinking coffee?

  • Pregnant women should drink coffee very carefully. Drinking four or more cups per day increases the risk of miscarriage by 33%. However, 1 – 3 cups per day reduces the likelihood of intrauterine fetal death by 3%.
  • In menopausal women, 4 or more cups per day increases the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Excessive coffee consumption increases the levels of total and LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) in the blood, which contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis.

About false accusations and unjustified hopes

Both critics and coffee fans go too far in their enthusiasm and sometimes attribute certain harmful/beneficial properties to this drink, which are not such.

  • Antioxidant - Coffee contains some amount of antioxidants that protect our body from stress. True, to get any significant antioxidant effect, you need to drink at least 5 cups a day, so it shouldn’t be considered an antioxidant.
  • Carcinogens during roasting - when roasting coffee beans, benzopyrene resins appear in it, which have carcinogenic properties. The deeper the roast, the more resins. But we do not consume the grain itself, both whole and ground, and their concentration in the resulting drink is negligible. All benzopyrene remains in the cup or coffee maker, so this harm is very ephemeral, unless, of course, you drink coffee along with coffee grounds (see which products contain a lot of dangerous carcinogen - acrylamide).

About instant coffee

Natural coffee cannot be instant, no matter what I tell you about this. The technology for making instant coffee was discovered at the end of the century. However, the first can of this product first rolled off the Nestlé assembly line in July 1938.

Why is instant coffee not healthy?

  • Firstly, instant coffee is made not from expensive Arabica, but from cheap Robusta. Coffee dust, over-roasted and substandard beans, as well as other waste from coffee production are also used as raw materials. All this is ground and processed with boiling water under high pressure. The resulting extract is filtered, dried and then sprayed in special chambers. When sprayed, drops of the extract solidify into powder. This is instant coffee.
  • Secondly, most useful substances are destroyed during the manufacturing process. Therefore, in order to ensure the necessary taste and aroma of the drink, chicory, acorns, as well as various dyes, flavors, stabilizers, etc. are added to instant coffee, and the cheaper the product, the more of them. The usual coffee content in instant coffee powder is 15%, so what about the rest?
  • Thirdly, caffeine, unlike other active substances, tolerates all technological stages well, so there is more of it in instant drinks (80 g per cup) than in natural drinks (60 mg per cup).

Why isn't decaffeinated instant coffee good for you?

At the beginning of the 2000s, doctors actively began to criticize caffeine. Consequently, people have become interested in decaffeinated drinks. Demand gave rise to supply, and more and more decaffeinated coffee began to appear on the market. Only green coffee beans can be decaffeinated. They are treated with a special solvent, whose name is ethyl acetate. This substance is also used in the manufacture of insect stains and artificial leather. Manufacturers say that they carefully wash their product of ethyl acetate, but where are the guarantees?

conclusions

As can be seen from the above, the harm from coffee is caused mainly by excessive consumption of this drink. One or two cups of coffee a day will improve your mood and invigorate your body. But 4 or more cups a day can have a detrimental effect on your health, especially with long-term abuse. Coffee is contraindicated for people suffering from high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm disturbances, as well as in case of exacerbation of gastric ulcer.

Chocolate-coated coffee beans can be found in confectionery shops and departments that sell elite coffee and high-quality tea. Many people are wary of compact boxes containing unusual delicacies, simply having no idea what this product is or how to use it. But those who have already discovered this delicacy often become its regular consumers. This pill successfully replaces many other products, useful and not so useful. A pack of glazed coffee beans eliminates the need to periodically drink instant coffee and freshen your breath with chewing gum. In addition, this bitter sweetness greatly improves your mood and relieves fatigue.

Invigorating effect

The tonic effect of coffee is no secret. Even a small cup of this drink in the morning will drive away the remnants of sleep and help you get involved in the work process. But some peoples, who learned to collect it in time immemorial, do not brew any drinks from it at all, but simply chew the roasted grains.

If you are feeling tired, stressed, or experiencing seasonal depression, chocolate covered coffee beans can be very helpful for you. How to use this product? Just put one thing in your mouth, and then chew or suck - whichever you prefer. When you first get acquainted with this product, you will probably be surprised by one small piece of candy. It will be enough to cheer you up, and for those who are used to eating sweets, coffee in chocolate can be an excellent choice because its rich taste drowns out the feeling of hunger. These pills have an amazing effect. You are unlikely to want to eat more than three or four pieces in a day.

Product Features

Chocolate covered coffee beans are prepared using the same principle. If you are afraid that you simply won’t be able to bite through the candy, then your fears are in vain. The grains undergo preliminary heat treatment. The temperature is not as high as when frying. This makes the grains brittle. You can easily bite through the jelly beans. By the way, the candies have a wonderful crunch.

Sweets manufacturers offer different versions of such sweets. You can choose any type of chocolate covered coffee bean. The most common is regular dark, but there are dragees with white, milk and black (with maximum cocoa content).

Health effects

If you eat a lot of chocolate, you can ruin your teeth and gain a couple of unplanned kilos. If you drink a lot of coffee, problems with the heart, blood vessels and even the central nervous system are inevitable. Therefore, the main question that concerns all lovers of eating coffee beans in chocolate is the benefits and harms of this product. Is the treat dangerous for health?

Here it is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation. And it’s simply impossible to eat too many of these pills. They have a long aftertaste, and the invigorating effect is felt immediately. Of course, if you decide to gobble up the whole pack at once, it will not bring anything good. But you are unlikely to succeed.

Unusual gift

Chocolate-covered coffee beans are usually produced in small, beautiful packages. They can be a wonderful gift for someone you always want to see joyful and full of energy. If you are looking for an unusual, non-binding gift, be sure to pay attention to this delicacy.

cups of coffee.

Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans were not brought to Europe along with tomatoes, tobacco and potatoes by Christopher Columbus. Coffee has traveled quite a long way from Ethiopia, where it grew wild, through the Arabian Peninsula.

Coffee is a product with a history of almost 1.5 thousand years, but, nevertheless, scientific discussions around it do not fade away. However, most scientists agree on one thing: small doses of coffee have a tonic effect, while large doses depress the nervous system.

Many vegetarians, adhering to a healthy lifestyle in everything, not accepting alcohol and tobacco products, also limit or completely eliminate the consumption of coffee. Is this fair?

10 facts about the health benefits and harms of coffee

  1. Coffee increases blood pressure. Moreover, the paradox of this drink is that people who drink it systematically do not have an increase in blood pressure. This fact applies to cases of rare or single consumption of coffee.
  2. Drinking coffee, or more precisely, the caffeine it contains, helps increase concentration. At the same time, drinking coffee in the afternoon is undesirable - it can cause insomnia.
  3. Coffee has a pronounced diuretic effect, so people who are addicted to this drink need to drink more fluid.
  4. According to some studies, coffee reduces the risk of developing certain diseases. We are mainly talking about such dangerous diseases as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and type 2 diabetes. Also, the results of some studies indicate that the risk of breast cancer is lower in women who drink this drink.
  5. Coffee constricts blood vessels, in some cases having an analgesic effect. For example, it reduces or eliminates migraine headaches. However, for other types of headaches, drinking coffee can only make the situation worse.

As we can see, a cup of aromatic, freshly brewed coffee is unlikely to harm your health, and if you are a big fan of this drink, there is no need to stop drinking it. Remember the rule of the golden mean, be moderate and do not drink coffee in excessive quantities. And to prevent insomnia, do not drink coffee in the afternoon.

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Can I eat coffee beans?

Some people enjoy chewing coffee beans. Sometimes they are even used in culinary dishes and drinks. But isn't this harmful? Is it possible to eat coffee beans, what effect does it give, who is useful, and who should not get carried away with them - we understand all the nuances.

A little history of chewing coffee beans

Historians claim that people initially started by chewing grains, following the example of wild goats. The shepherds noticed that the goats, eating leaves and fruits from the coffee trees, were active and full of energy. Following them, people began to chew the grains, appreciating all the benefits of the invigorating effect.

African tribes used coffee beans as an energy boost during long marches, and to keep them full they mixed them with animal fat and rolled them into balls. The food was stored for a long time, had a pleasant taste and gave strength to overcome the deserts. Today, raw grains are no longer eaten; roasted grains, which are not only tasty, but also healthy, are another matter.

Why is chewing coffee beans beneficial?

Coffee beans contain many essential oils, volatile substances and acids that have a beneficial effect on the oral cavity: they destroy harmful bacteria and freshen breath. Research by scientists from Italy has shown that such cleaning of the tongue, gums, tooth enamel and cheek surface prevents the development of caries, since chewing removes soft plaque, which is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Moreover, these same bacteria cause an unpleasant odor from the stomach and mouth, which means that chewing coffee beans is quite capable of replacing chewing gum.

It is believed that coffee beans mask the smell of alcohol. In small doses this is true, but if you drink too much, neither chewing gum nor coffee will help.

Recipes that use coffee beans

Cooks actively use coffee beans to prepare and decorate various desserts, and also make them into separate treats.

Chocolate covered coffee beans

Melt quality chocolate (without palm oil) in the microwave or in a water bath, add coffee beans, stir, and remove with a fork, placing on parchment. A couple of hours in the refrigerator for the chocolate to harden - and the dessert is ready.

Some manufacturers produce chocolate-covered coffee beans in industrial settings, producing delicious dragees.

If you’re too lazy to take out the beans, you can take a mold with low sides and pour a mixture of coffee and chocolate into it. After freezing, you will get a bar that you can break off and chew, something like chocolate with whole nuts. An excellent option for a hearty snack if you need concentration, composure and energy.

Those who are on a diet or trying to get rid of extra pounds can use as much dark, dark chocolate as possible, without added sugar. For added spice, you can add a little sea salt, pepper, or other seasonings to taste.

Sambuca con mosca

One of the traditional Italian uses of sambuca is called con mosca, that is, “with flies.” This is the name given to three coffee beans placed in a glass. They symbolize wealth, happiness and health. Drink the liquor and then chew and eat the grains to be rich, happy and healthy. At least in Italy they believe this.

Who shouldn't eat coffee beans?

Keep in mind that the kernels are quite hard and require some effort to break through. People with thin, sensitive tooth enamel and weak teeth are not recommended to chew coffee beans, as this can cause damage to the enamel or tooth decay.

Coffee beans in large quantities cause the same effect as a cup of the prepared drink, so they should not be eaten excessively or constantly, or consumed by people with high blood pressure and problems with the cardiovascular system.

Can you eat coffee beans?

Some people enjoy chewing coffee beans. And they are even used in preparing culinary masterpieces. However, some of them wonder whether this is dangerous to health. Is it possible to eat grains and what effect do they have? We will also tell you about important nuances - for whom this “snack” option is useful, and for whom you should not get carried away.

A little history about chewing whole coffee beans

It is known that drinking coffee originally consisted of chewing coffee beans. People learned this by imitating wild goats, who really liked coffee beans. The fact is that the shepherds noticed that the goats that ate the leaves and fruits from the coffee beans were more active and cheerful. It was for the invigorating effect that people began to chew coffee beans.

This is interesting: African tribes regularly used grains as an energy boost during long transitions. And in order to get not only vigor and a surge of strength, but also not to feel hungry, they mixed coffee beans with animal fat and rolled the mass into balls. This type of food was stored for a long time, while it allowed wild African tribes to charge themselves with strength to overcome the desert.

Of course, today they no longer eat raw grains, replacing them with roasted ones, which, by the way, bring great benefits to the body.

Benefits of chewing grains

You may already know that coffee raw materials contain a large amount of essential oils, which provide portions of your favorite drink with such a bright taste and luxurious aroma. In addition to esters, the grains contain volatile substances and acids that have a beneficial effect on the oral cavity. Scientists have been able to prove that they not only freshen breath, but are also able to fight pathogenic microorganisms that live in large numbers in the human mouth.

This is useful to know: Italian scientists have found that chewing coffee beans cleanses the tongue, gums and tooth enamel, which allows a person to avoid the development of caries. The grains are also useful for the inner surface of the cheeks. Because when chewing them, a layer of pathogenic microorganisms is removed, which can lead to the development of oral candidiasis or “award” a person with a “geographical” tongue.

We can safely say that chewing coffee beans is an ideal alternative to chewing gum.

This is interesting: in small doses, coffee beans can mask and suppress the smell of alcohol. However, if you have drunk too many strong drinks, then neither coffee beans nor traditional chewing gum will save you.

Recipes for treats that include grains

Coffee beans are used not only to decorate dishes and desserts, but can also be one of the main components.

Recipe for making chocolate covered coffee beans

To prepare them, you need to melt high-quality dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa beans in a water bath or in the microwave. If you choose the first option, then do not forget to constantly stir the chocolate mass, and also make sure that the surface of the bottom of the bowl in which the chocolate is located does not come into contact with water. Otherwise, the chocolate will curdle and the whole process will have to start from the very beginning.

After the chocolate has completely melted, you need to pour coffee beans into the mixture. Then place them on parchment using a fork. Place the dessert in the refrigerator for several hours and serve with your favorite drinks - green tea, coffee, and so on.

If you do not want to take out each grain separately, we suggest you use the following practical solution. Pour the coffee raw materials into the melted chocolate, and then pour the whole mixture into a mold with low sides. Place the sweets in the refrigerator. After the dessert hardens, you will receive an original version of dark chocolate with crispy “nuts”.

By the way, this is an excellent option for a filling and very tasty snack. Especially if you need concentration and energy. Chocolate with coffee beans is suitable for people burdened with intellectual work, students and schoolchildren who are preparing for an exam. A piece of this energy delicacy will also find fans among fitness enthusiasts.

Attention: people who want to lose weight should not despair. This sweet option will suit them too. The main thing in this case is to use dark chocolate without additives. If desired, you can add spices and seasonings to the finished delicacy - starting with coconut flakes and ending with freshly ground black pepper. By the way, the latter option adds piquancy to the dessert. If you are struggling with extra pounds, then you should add red pepper powder. This spice is known to have fat burning properties.

Contraindications for chewing coffee beans

You should know that coffee beans are very hard. Therefore, chewing them requires a lot of force. That is why it is not recommended to chew coffee beans for people with thin tooth enamel and weak teeth.

In large quantities, coffee beans have the same effect as your favorite caffeinated drink. Therefore, those who suffer from high blood pressure or have ailments related to the functioning of the cardiovascular system should not get carried away with their use.

Sambuca Con Mosca

One of the most delicious options for preparing sambuca is considered to be the “with flies” option. This is the name given to three coffee beans that are placed in a glass of drink. First you need to drink the Italian alcoholic drink itself, and then crunch the grains.

Let's summarize and draw conclusions from the article:

  • Coffee beans are very healthy, so it is recommended to eat them to prevent caries and a number of diseases affecting the oral cavity.
  • Coffee beans are most often consumed as a dessert with chocolate. You can also find coffee jelly beans on sale.
  • If you have weak teeth, then you should definitely avoid this snack option. After all, such a gastronomic hobby can lead to damage to tooth enamel and gums.
  • Recommended dose for an adult: grains. Don't forget that they contain caffeine, so it is recommended to avoid consuming too much coffee raw material.

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Tassimo Latte Macchiato (8/8 pcs)

Coffee machine Jura Impressa C60

Coconut Keddy syrup, 1 l, d8, h31 cm, glass, Monin

Press TPWN-2W, 300 ml, Hario

Designer cup for cappuccino

Decaf coffee beans Lucaffe Decaffeinato (250 g)

1 espresso – 7 g, i.e. from a pack of 250 gr. You can prepare more than 30 espresso shots.

Turka metal-ceramic "Tanzania", 400 ml

Irit IR-5051 coffee maker

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Is it possible..?

Hot aromatic coffee is the favorite drink of many people. Some people cannot live a day without it. It turns out that you can not only drink coffee, but also eat it. Previously, this product was considered food. Coffee beans were taken on long journeys as dry rations, but they were first mixed with animal fat.

There is a myth in Russia that you can fool a breathalyzer using coffee beans. In fact, this is just a story: coffee beans have no effect on blood alcohol levels.

Is it harmful to eat coffee beans?

Chewing coffee beans is not only not harmful, but also beneficial. For example, they can be used as chewing gum to freshen your breath.

Delicious treat

Coffee beans are used in different countries to prepare all kinds of dishes. For example, they are often added to confectionery and ice cream. In some confectionery stores you can find chocolate-covered coffee beans.

They are prepared as follows. First, the grains are dried in a heated frying pan, and then chocolate melted in a water bath is poured into it. After that, the grains are carefully removed with tweezers and sent to the refrigerator. This delicacy can be made at home.

Sambuca with flies

Coffee beans are also added to a liqueur called sambuca. Three grains are thrown into a glass, each of them symbolizes something, for example, happiness, health and well-being. A person must drink this drink to the bottom and chew all the grains. This drink is called Sambuca with flies.

Despite the fact that coffee beans can not only be drunk but also eaten, this product has its own contraindications. People with heart and gastrointestinal diseases should not abuse coffee.

If you have serious illnesses, it is better to consult your doctor before consuming coffee beans.

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Can I eat coffee beans?

There is a certain difference between the forms “is it possible” and “is it possible”. The first form of the question involves getting an answer whether eating the product is harmful to health, and the second: is it possible to eat such a solid product?

Thus, one question was divided into two, and we will try to give comprehensive answers to both.

Chew rather than drink coffee... is that possible?

Quite, especially since the effect of eaten coffee on the body is no different from drinking it.

Once upon a time, coffee beans were not at all perceived as a basic product for making drinks. It was food - a kind of packed lunch. Representatives of many African tribes valued grains for their long-lasting properties and took them with them on long hikes. True, there was one significant drawback in coffee - its grains were not that nutritious, but Africans quickly solved this problem by rolling the grains into a layer of animal fat.

Now a civilized cook acts a little differently: after roasting the coffee beans, he pours them with a layer of chocolate dissolved in a water bath, after which it hardens he gets a delicious dessert.

Or you can do without the chocolate shell, but in this case the grains will act as a refreshing product. Coffee can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath.

If you consume whole coffee beans in reasonable quantities, you can get rid of asthma with their help. But this fact has not been confirmed by doctors and refers to traditional medicine. But it's still worth a try.

And, since the properties of the grains are no different from the properties of the drink, they should be used with caution by people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Strong "coffee"

Coffee beans have a hard shell that can cause tooth enamel to crack if you chew the beans too often. Occasional consumption of whole beans will not harm people with healthy and strong teeth, but those for whom coffee beans may be stronger than their teeth are advised to refrain from the treat.

It is possible to chew a coffee bean; the pressure from the gums is quite enough to defeat the “strong one.” The main thing is not to risk the health of your own teeth.

The article will reveal all the mysteries that coffee conceals, answer questions about the harms and benefits of coffee, how to store coffee, what are the differences between Arabica and Robusta, which coffee grind to prefer, and many others.

A drink without which many can no longer imagine their lives, coffee has not only become a fixture in the diet, but has also become an integral part of small talk and business meetings, as well as a means to boost energy, improve mood, and a salvation for people with low blood pressure.

However, from time to time you hear about the results of another study with new facts about the harm or benefits of coffee. Should I give up this familiar drink, or is it completely harmless? In order to make an informed decision, you need to know all the pros and cons of coffee.

How does coffee affect the human body?

The effect that coffee has on the human body consists of the actions of its individual components. Therefore, first you should look into the chemical composition of this drink.

Raw coffee beans

Raw coffee beans contain:

  • proteins, fats and carbohydrates
  • alkaloids (trigonelline and caffeine)
  • acids (chlorogenic, quinic, citric, caffeic, oxalic, etc.)
  • tannins
  • mineral salts and trace elements (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, nitrogen, etc.)
  • vitamins
  • essential oils

When roasting, the proportions of elements contained in the grain change, and new compounds are formed (for example, vitamins PP). Depending on the type of coffee beans and the degree of roasting, the composition of the drink also differs.

  • Caffeine
    Known for its properties of stimulating the nervous system, increasing productivity, boosting energy, reducing physical fatigue and drowsiness. Caffeine is also accused of causing addiction and addiction.

IMPORTANT: Caffeine is found in many plants, but in large quantities - in guarana, tea leaves, coffee beans, cocoa and kola nuts.



coffee beans
  • Trigonelline
    During the process of roasting beans, trigonelline participates in the formation of the multicomponent substance kafeol, which gives coffee its characteristic taste and aroma. In addition, when fried, trigonelline releases nicotinic acid (vitamin PP or B3), which improves microcirculation, reduces cholesterol levels, etc.

IMPORTANT: A lack of vitamin PP can lead to the development of pellagra (symptoms: diarrhea, mental impairment, dermatitis).

  • Chlorogenic acid
    It is present in various plants, but coffee has the highest concentration of this acid. The beneficial properties of chlorogenic acid include improving nitrogen metabolism. In addition, the acids contained in coffee help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Chlorogenic acid imparts an astringent flavor to coffee.
  • Vitamin P
    Strengthens the walls of capillary vessels. One cup of coffee contains approximately one-fifth of the daily requirement for this vitamin.
  • Essential oils
    They have an antiseptic effect and participate in the formation of the attractive aroma of coffee.
  • Tannins (tannins)
    They have a beneficial effect on digestion and give coffee a bitter aftertaste.

Harm from drinking coffee



cup of coffee in hand

At first glance, the components present in coffee do not cause any harm to the body. But recommendations to give up this drink are still heard quite often. This can be explained by the following negative factors:

  • Addiction
    Regardless of how many cups of coffee you drink a day, you become accustomed to a certain dose of coffee, without which you already feel some discomfort. For this reason, and also because of the feeling of pleasure that coffee evokes, some people try to attribute narcotic properties to coffee. However, the release of the “happiness” hormone serotonin is also observed after eating chocolate. Obviously, classifying these products as drugs is an exaggeration. As for addiction, the unpleasant symptoms of irritability and headaches that appear when you suddenly stop drinking coffee usually disappear quickly.

  • Drinking coffee is often associated with a risk of heart disease, particularly coronary heart disease. There is no reliable evidence that coffee can cause coronary heart disease in a completely healthy person. However, for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, drinking coffee, as well as other caffeine-containing products, is hazardous to health.


heart disease
  • Increased pressure
    Coffee can indeed increase blood pressure, but this effect is short-lived. In addition, research results have shown that in most cases, people who are not accustomed to coffee react with an increase in blood pressure. For those who drank coffee on a regular basis, the increase in blood pressure was either not observed at all or was slight. Therefore, a direct relationship between coffee consumption and the development of hypertension has not been identified. It should be noted that we are talking about reasonable amounts of daily coffee consumption (see below for more details) and healthy people. Obviously, coffee is contraindicated for hypertensive patients.
  • Inability to absorb calcium
    Coffee interferes with the full absorption of calcium. This is one of the reasons why drinking coffee is not recommended during pregnancy, when the female body especially needs calcium. In addition, there is no point in combining the intake of foods that serve as a source of calcium with the consumption of coffee (curds, cheeses, etc.), since calcium simply will not be absorbed by the body.


calcium
  • Nervousness and irritability
    These and more serious disorders of the nervous system can be caused by excessive caffeine consumption. According to the study, drinking more than 15 cups of coffee per day can lead to hallucinations, nervousness, convulsions, fever, increased heart rate, vomiting, stomach upset, etc.
    Individual sensitivity to coffee should also be taken into account here. For some, 4 cups a day has no effect on their well-being, while others feel nervous even after one.
  • Formation of benign breast tumors
    This conclusion was reached when studying the effect of excessive doses of caffeine on the female body. This applies to all caffeinated products. There is evidence that a benign tumor disappears when caffeine consumption is stopped.
  • Dehydration
    One of the disadvantages of coffee is dehydration of the body, and a person does not always feel thirsty. Therefore, coffee lovers should control the amount of liquid they drink and remember the need for additional water intake.


water
  • And etc.

Coffee should not be consumed if:

  • atherosclerosis
  • insomnia
  • hypertension and heart disease
  • glaucoma
  • increased excitability
  • cholecystitis
  • liver cirrhosis
  • diseases of the stomach (ulcers, gastritis, etc.), kidneys
  • and etc.

You should not indulge in coffee before bed due to possible insomnia and increased excitability.

It is advisable to give up coffee or reduce its amount during pregnancy. This warning was initially explained by the threat of miscarriage. Recent studies say that caffeine abuse affects the weight of the fetus, as well as the duration of pregnancy. Caffeine reduces baby's birth weight and prolongs gestation period.



pregnant woman with a mug of coffee

In general, it is advisable to talk about the dangers of coffee under the condition of significant abuse, when purchasing low-quality, cheap coffee, as well as in case of violation of the rules for preparing this drink.

Benefits of drinking coffee

Reasonable consumption of caffeine not only does not harm, but also has a positive effect on the functioning of the body. In particular, coffee:

  • promotes mental activity of the brain
  • tones, improves mood, adds strength and energy
  • eliminates headaches, migraines
  • saves from fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness
  • is an antidepressant, reduces the likelihood of suicidal episodes


girl jumping
  • stimulates memory and prevents Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases
  • weakens the effect of hypnotic substances, caffeine is used for intoxication with poisons and drugs
  • stimulates the stomach
  • increases heart activity, increases blood pressure, which alleviates the condition of hypotensive patients
  • has anticarcinogenic properties, reduces the risk of developing cancer
  • reduces the likelihood of liver cirrhosis, gout, diabetes, kidney problems

It is important to emphasize that the positive effect of coffee consumption can only be achieved with moderate consumption of this drink.

Daily coffee consumption

You can allow yourself 300-500 mg of caffeine per day without harm to your health. Depending on the degree of roast and variety, one mug of coffee contains 80-120 mg of caffeine. This means that approximately you can drink 3-4 cups per day without worrying about the possible consequences.



three cups of coffee

The permissible daily dose of caffeine during pregnancy, according to WHO, is 200-300 mg, which is equivalent to 2-3 mugs of coffee.

However, remember that coffee is not the only source of caffeine, so calculate your individual servings based on other caffeine-containing products you consume.



chocolate candies

Some studies have documented the negative effects of coffee even when the daily volume of 4-5 mugs is regularly exceeded.
A daily dose of 10 g of caffeine is considered lethal, which corresponds to approximately 100 cups of coffee.

INTERESTING: In terms of the amount of coffee consumed per capita, Finland is in first place, the USA is in second, the UK is in third and Russia is in fourth place.

Types and varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta

There are two most popular types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta, while there are more than a hundred varieties.

Arabica

  • the most common type of coffee
  • has a milder taste, slight sourness and strong aroma
  • contains about 18% oils and 1-1.5% caffeine


Arabica coffee tree

Robusta

  • characterized by a coarser aftertaste and astringent aftertaste
  • contains about 9% oils and up to 3% caffeine
  • often used in the preparation of instant coffee
  • Usually, due to the bitter taste, they are not consumed in their pure form, but mixed with Arabica in different proportions.
  • inferior in popularity to Arabica due to its specific taste
  • The caffeine content of Robusta is twice that of Arabica


robusta coffee beans

In addition to these types, there are also Liberica and Excelsa coffees, which are similar in taste to Robusta and are used to create blends.
The taste, smell and chemical composition of coffee, including the amount of caffeine, is determined by the climate, the soil of the coffee trees and other factors, the diversity of which determines the presence of a large number of coffee varieties.

Some of them:

  • Santos, Victoria, Conilon (Brazil)
  • Colombia
  • Ethiopian Arabica Harar
  • Arabica Mysore (India)
  • Tapanchula, Maragogip (Mexico)
  • Mandeling, Lintong (Indonesia)
  • Arabien Mocha (Yemen)
  • Nicaragua Maragojit et al.


different types of coffee

What grind is coffee?

Depending on the method of preparation, the duration of development of the aroma and taste, different types of grinding are used. Highlight:

Rude

  • Application: Best suited for use in French presses, piston infusers or classic coffee pots.
  • Time required for full manifestation of taste: up to 8-9 minutes

Average

  • Application: the most versatile grind, used for different brewing methods, good for carob coffee makers
  • Time: up to 6 minutes

Thin

  • Application: making coffee in a coffee maker
  • Time: up to 4 minutes

IMPORTANT: There is a special grind type for espresso, which is marked accordingly on the coffee packaging. Expresso coffee machines are immediately equipped with a special coffee grinder to obtain a special grind.

Very fine (powdery)

  • Application: ideal for cooking in a Turk to obtain so-called Turkish coffee
  • Time: 1 minute


different coffee grinds

If the grind is too fine, it may taste bitter; if the grind is too coarse, the coffee may turn out watery, because if prepared incorrectly, it will not have time to reveal its flavor. In addition, ultra-fine coffee as well as very coarse grinds can clog the coffee machine. Therefore, it is important to adjust the grinding well, to find the most suitable individual taste depending on the type of preparation.



manual coffee grinder

You can grind the coffee yourself using a coffee grinder (manual or electric) or buy the required grind, obtained industrially. The latter usually undergoes additional filtration (through a special sieve) to select coffee particles of the same size. It is known that homogeneous coffee exhibits its taste properties better.

How long can you store ground coffee?

Coffee is very sensitive to air and light. Therefore, it should be stored in an airtight container in a cool place.



coffee storage jar

After opening the package, ground coffee loses its original aroma and taste within a week. Accordingly, to maximize the preservation of taste, ground coffee must be kept in a vacuum.

The most popular coffee drinks

By combining many different ingredients with coffee in various proportions, a wide range of coffee drinks are obtained. Ice cream, caramel, milk, chocolate, liqueur, honey, berry syrups, etc. - This is an incomplete list of products compatible with coffee that give it a unique taste and smell.



types of coffee drinks

Among the most common coffee drinks:

  • espresso− pure coffee, which is prepared in small volumes with a high concentration of coffee, which makes the drink very strong; is the basis for preparing other types of coffee drinks
  • Americano− this is an espresso with a high water content for those who do not like the bitterness of strong espresso
  • cappuccino− coffee with added milk and formation of milk foam
  • macchiato− subtype of cappuccino: coffee + milk foam in equal proportions
  • latte– milk with coffee, where milk takes up a large share of the drink
  • glasse− coffee with ice cream
  • Irish− coffee with alcohol
  • mocha− latte with chocolate
  • Viennese coffee− espresso with whipped cream, sprinkled with chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.
  • Romano− espresso with lemon zest
  • Turkish coffee− with foam with added spices (cinnamon, cardamom, etc.), classic coffee is brewed in a Turk
  • and many others

Is coffee with milk beneficial or harmful?



coffee with milk

Milk suppresses the effect of caffeine, so coffee with milk has a less tonic effect. For people suffering from gastritis or other diseases for which it is not recommended to indulge in caffeine, coffee with milk
in limited quantities it can be a great solution.

IMPORTANT: In its pure form, coffee does not contain calories, but with the addition of milk it loses its properties as a dietary product.

Is coffee with lemon good or bad?



coffee with lemon

Rich in vitamin C, lemon is undoubtedly a healthy product. In addition, lemon also neutralizes the effects of caffeine. When combined with lemon, the coffee drink acquires a special taste and is perfect for those who love coffee but are wary of excessive caffeine exposure.

Is coffee with cinnamon beneficial or harmful?



cup of coffee with cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its numerous healing properties and is widely used for weight loss. Therefore, coffee with cinnamon (without sugar) can be not only a tasty drink, but will also promote weight loss (subject to other necessary conditions).
However, cinnamon, especially in large quantities, has a number of contraindications:

  • pregnancy, hypertension, liver and kidney problems, increased excitability, individual intolerance, etc.

Is decaffeinated coffee good or bad?

At first glance, decaffeinated coffee solves all the problems associated with the negative consequences of excessive caffeine consumption. However, everything is not so simple.



girl with a cup of coffee
  • Firstly, This coffee still contains caffeine, but in small quantities.
  • Secondly, The overwhelming majority of the decaffeination process involves treating the beans with a chemical solvent, ethyl acetate, which, despite subsequent cleaning with boiling water, risks remaining on the coffee bean.
  • Third, One of the negative consequences of drinking decaffeinated coffee is an increase in the amount of free fatty acids in the blood, which are responsible for the formation of bad cholesterol.

In addition, caffeine, as mentioned, has a positive effect on the body when taken correctly.

IMPORTANT: According to research, the accusation that caffeine increases blood pressure is unfounded. Perhaps other components of coffee are to blame.

Therefore, drinking decaf coffee is not always a wise substitute.

How to make coffee correctly?



Turkish coffee

The final properties of coffee, including its benefits or harm, depend on the method and correctness of preparation.

In order to make good coffee at home if you don’t have a special coffee machine, you need to:

  • pour coffee into the Turk

IMPORTANT: It is better to give preference to the finest grind of coffee.

  • pour cold water
  • wait for the foam to rise and remove from heat
  • let it sit a little and repeat the procedure two more times
  • Before pouring coffee into cups, the latter should be heated by pouring boiling water over them.

IMPORTANT: Coffee should not be brought to a boil.

To prepare Turkish coffee, use 10 g (3 tsp) per glass of water, but the dosage can be changed based on preference.



cup of coffee and coffee beans in smoke
  • In order to check the quality of coffee beans, you can fill them with cold water, shake them a little and drain the water. If the color of the water has not changed, it means the coffee is of high quality, i.e. does not contain dyes
  • A test for the presence of impurities in ground coffee can be carried out in a similar way: pour cool water. If impurities are present, they will settle and you will notice them at the bottom of the container.

To summarize, we list 10 Key Facts Things you need to know about coffee:

1. With moderate consumption (no more than 3-4 cups per day), coffee does not harm a healthy person
2. Moreover, coffee has a number of beneficial properties, including stimulating brain activity, suppressing depression, and preventing the development of many diseases.
3. Contraindications to drinking coffee exist if you have problems with the heart, nervous system and other diseases of the liver, kidneys, etc.
4. Arabica contains half as much caffeine as Robusta


girl and guy having a cup of coffee

5. Coffee grinding makes a difference in different ways of preparing coffee. For example, the finest grind is used to make Turkish coffee and requires less time to develop its taste than a coarser grind.
6. The amount of caffeine increases with heat treatment, i.e. darkly roasted beans contain less caffeine than lightly roasted beans
7. Instant coffee is made from cheaper, less valuable coffees and contains more caffeine



cup of coffee with smoke

8. It is preferable to buy coffee beans and grind it before preparing it, since ground coffee quickly loses its aroma and original taste characteristics, and it cannot be stored for a long time without vacuum packaging.
9. Decaffeinated coffee may even be harmful if decaffeinated using certain methods.
10. It is recommended to drink coffee in the morning, but not on an empty stomach, as it stimulates digestion

Video: Coffee. Harm and benefit

Video: Scientific news about the benefits of coffee

Coffee- a drink made from coffee beans, which is currently very popular. About 2-2.5 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day in the world.
Contrary to popular misconception, coffee beans were brought to Europe not together with tomatoes, tobacco and potatoes by Christopher Columbus. Coffee has traveled quite a long way from Ethiopia, where it grew wild, through the Arabian Peninsula.

Coffee- a product with a history of almost 1.5 thousand years, but, nevertheless, scientific discussions around it do not fade away. However, most scientists agree on one thing: small doses of coffee have a tonic effect, while large doses depress the nervous system.

Many vegetarians, adhering healthy lifestyle In all cases, those who do not accept alcohol and tobacco products also limit or completely eliminate the consumption of coffee. Is this fair?

10 facts about the health benefits and harms of coffee

As we see, a cup of fragrant, freshly brewed coffee is unlikely to harm your health, and if you are a big fan of this drink, there is no need to stop drinking it. Remember the rule of the golden mean, be moderate and do not drink coffee in excessive quantities. And to prevent insomnia, do not drink coffee in the afternoon.