How to give up coffee and who needs it? Caffeine addiction is a disease, but getting rid of it is easier than quitting smoking

Coffee beans

Ground coffee

Instant coffee

In global trade, coffee is second only to oil in terms of sales and purchase volumes, ranking second. One tree bears no more than five kilograms of fruit, from which one kilogram of grains is obtained. The high cost of coffee is associated with the capriciousness and infertility of trees, but the drink does not lose popularity.

Benefits of coffee

Coffee tones, invigorates, improves concentration due to the caffeine and theanine it contains. Caffeine stimulates the absorption of micronutrients by neurons, including glucose. And theanine increases the production of the hormone dopamine, which makes us feel happy.

Coffee also contains two dozen amino acids, vitamins: PP, B1, B2, minerals: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron. Coffee increases your heart rate and gives you energy, which can be helpful for people with low blood pressure or a slow heart rate.

Chlorogenic and ferulic acids in coffee help fight depression. These antioxidants prevent oxidation and destruction of nerve cells, and also reduce the sensitivity of neurons to impulses, which reduces the severity of apathy and depression.

Drinking small doses of coffee periodically reduces the risk of diabetes. At the same time, in diabetics, when drinking coffee, sensitivity to insulin increases, which lowers blood sugar. Coffee has a slight laxative effect and is also a diuretic. With severe swelling and water retention in the body, coffee can help remove it.

Ground coffee is used in cosmetology, adding to scrubs to cleanse the skin of particles of the stratum corneum. Coffee improves blood flow to the skin and normalizes sebum secretion. Strongly brewed coffee is used as a hair mask, giving a chocolate tint and a healthy shine.

A Few Hard Facts: Potential Coffee Dangers

It may surprise many, but coffee is one of the crops most contaminated with pesticides. Usually, low-quality and cheap grains pose a danger. On the other hand, regular consumption of large portions of the drink increases the risk of increased cholesterol, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disorders. And now a little more detail about the most bitter facts.

Effect on hydrochloric acid

Many people like to drink coffee in the morning on an empty stomach. And this is the worst thing you can do for your stomach. The fact is that this drink stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which, according to nature’s plan, should be secreted only for the digestion of food. An empty stomach begins to “digest” itself.

Acidity, ulcers, intestinal diseases

Coffee contains various substances (caffeine is one of them) that irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach and small intestine. And this is a serious problem for people with gastritis, ulcers, Crohn's disease and other intestinal disorders. The acidic effect of the coffee product affects the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the digestive organs. And irritated mucous membranes often cause abdominal cramps, cramps, diarrhea and constipation.

Heartburn and reflux

Coffee relaxes the sphincter. Normally, after eating, this muscle should be tightly closed to prevent the flow of food and hydrochloric acid from the stomach into the esophagus. For a long time it was believed that caffeine provokes this effect. But recent observations suggest that a decaffeinated drink produces a similar effect.

Laxative

This black drink can stimulate intestinal motility, working as a natural laxative. Some people use this effect intentionally. But it is still important to understand that in this case, increased gastric emptying occurs; the body does not have time to properly absorb the beneficial components from food.

By the way, researchers say that it is not caffeine that plays the role of a laxative - a decaffeinated drink has the same effect.

Absorption of minerals

People who abuse coffee are often deficient in many minerals, even if their diet is rich in these substances or they take dietary supplements. This is because coffee interferes with the absorption of iron in the stomach and also impairs the kidneys' ability to retain calcium, zinc, magnesium and other important minerals.

Acrylamide in coffee

Acrylamide is a potentially carcinogenic substance that is formed when coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures. The darker the beans, the more likely they are to contain high levels of acrylamides.

Relationship with stress

The body of coffee drinkers produces more stress hormones - cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine. These chemicals speed up your heart rate, increase your blood pressure, and cause tension in your body. Yes, it is these substances that give the body energy, but in some cases they keep the body in constant tension. If this effect continues for a long time, this is a very dangerous indicator for the body.

Harm from coffee

Rare consumption of weak coffee usually does not harm a person without diseases. However, frequent drinking of coffee drink (up to 5 cups per day) leads to brittle bones and increases the risk of fractures. Coffee acidifies the body and to restore pH balance, the body begins to take calcium from the bones. Excessive consumption also leads to headaches, insomnia, increased blood pressure and excessive heart rate.

It is better for pregnant and lactating women to drink as little coffee as possible, since the baby eliminates caffeine much more slowly and its high level can lead to developmental defects. Coffee is also not good for children due to the risk of calcium leaching.

Caffeine can be as addictive as a real drug. It affects the same areas of the brain as heroin or cocaine, although much weaker. Among professional athletes, coffee is considered a doping drug.

Instant coffee is the most harmful due to its production technology. During heat treatment, the toxin acrylamide is formed. Whole grains, after passing through all stages and turning into powder, lose their aroma, a lot of useful substances, and the concentration of caffeine decreases. Therefore, additional flavors and oils are often added to it.

Composition and properties of coffee beans

Let's start with natural coffee beans. After all, this is his natural state. Soluble is a completely different, synthetic story.

Caffeine

Caffeine is the main alkaloid, which is contained in Arabica up to 1.2%, in Robusta up to 3%. Because of him, in fact, all the disputes. Its effect on the human body is ambiguous and depends on individual susceptibility. In any case, caffeine has the following effects:

• stimulates the central nervous system;
• increases heart rate;
• dilates blood vessels;
• increases urination;
• reduces blood clotting.

Theobromine

This is the opposite of caffeine, which is found in the core of the grain. It is believed that because of it, the feeling of vigor after drinking a cup of coffee inevitably gives way to drowsiness. In fact, during the ripening process of coffee beans, almost all theobromine is converted into caffeine. And there is practically none of it in the finished drink. But cocoa beans and, accordingly, chocolate contain tens of times more theobromine.

Trigonelline

It is an alkaloid that gives coffee beans their characteristic taste. During the roasting process, trigonelline partially breaks down into aromatic compounds and provides the characteristic coffee aroma. In addition, it has a number of valuable therapeutic properties:

• affects blood glucose levels;
• protects brain cells from adverse external and internal factors;
• has a phytoestrogenic effect;
• improves memory;
• has antibacterial and anticarcinogenic activity.

Theophylline

A compound that affects respiratory function. Saturates the blood with oxygen, improves lung ventilation. Relaxes the blood vessels of the brain, kidneys and smooth muscles of some organs. Freshly brewed coffee alleviates the condition of bronchial asthma and obstructive bronchitis.

Coffee beans contain many vitamins and minerals that we need for health:

• vitamins E, D, PP, group B;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• sodium;
• iron.

When roasting, some elements are destroyed or create new compounds. The moisture content drops to 3% and the caffeine level remains almost unchanged.

Natural roasted coffee beans have a calorie content of about 330 kcal. Converted to a 100 ml cup of the finished drink, you get from 2 to 5 kcal. Then it all depends on the additives - milk, cream and sugar.

How to choose and store coffee correctly

Coffee is sold in the form of beans or already ground, as well as instant: granulated, freeze-dried, depending on the type of processing.

Most companies that sell packaged or bulk coffee are resellers, not producers. All information about the origin of the grains should be studied on the packaging - the more detailed the content, the more conscientious the selling company.

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The composition should not contain flavors, dyes or other additives, only grains. Strength and bitterness depend on the variety. If Robusta is specified, the drink will be bitter and rich in caffeine, if Arabica is softer and more aromatic, but it contains less caffeine. Typically, manufacturers mix Robusta and Arabica.

The aroma is best preserved in an airtight container, so bulk coffee tends to be less aromatic. Coffee beans can be stored for about a year in a dark glass or ceramic jar, in a cool, dry place, but not in the refrigerator. The aroma of ground beans quickly dissipates, so the shelf life of such coffee is shorter. If the coffee is “out of steam”, you can grind it even finer or add more to the drink.

Which coffee is safer and when is the best time to drink it to get the maximum benefit?

And now we will give you a couple of tips on how to avoid the negative effects of coffee, but win more profit in return.

Which?

If you read carefully, you could not help but notice that the greatest risk for the heart is caused by unfiltered coffee, which means that the healthiest drink will be the one you prepare using the pour-over method or with a filter.

The reliability of this statement was proven by Norwegian scientists who involved more than 600 thousand people in their study. It turned out that coffee prepared by pouring it through a funnel is not only safe for the heart, but also reduces the risk of cardiac diseases.

Our expert captester, international specialist in coffee quality assessment Ilya Goncharov

explains and shows in detail how to brew coffee using the pour-over method:

Pour over is not the easiest method of brewing coffee and requires some experience, but having mastered it, you can be sure that you will 100% protect your cardiovascular system from the negative effects of diterpenes. You can read more about the funnel here.

Also, when choosing beans, give preference to light roast: this is the type of coffee that contains the maximum amount of antioxidants. And if possible, try not to dilute your coffee with milk: it, unfortunately, neutralizes them.

When should you give up coffee?

In a number of studies, scientists have identified factors indicating the need to give up coffee drinks:

• pain in the abdomen. Substances contained in grains stimulate gastric secretion and lead to irritation of the mucous membranes. As a result, painful sensations arise;
• change in heart rhythm. This is a clear sign that you need to give up coffee. Otherwise, more serious heart problems will occur;
• trembling in hands. Occurs when there is excessive sensitivity to a natural alkaloid;
• migraine. As a rule, it is observed when drinking very strong drinks;
• disruption of the digestive process. Diarrhea or constipation that occurs for no apparent reason is considered a consequence of drinking espresso.

If such symptoms appear, the use of invigorating drinks should be minimized or completely abandoned, and also seek advice from a specialist.

Cons of an invigorating drink

The disadvantages include:

1. Coffee addiction. Drinking the drink in large quantities is considered a bad habit. If a person drinks more than two cups a day, he becomes addicted. He cannot function fully without a new dose of caffeine.
2. Student urges. Coffee is a diuretic drink. It also irritates the intestinal microflora, causing severe thirst. This effect is enhanced by the addition of cream and syrups.
3. Insomnia. They drink coffee to cheer themselves up. If a person takes it before bedtime, it will be difficult for him to fall asleep. The last cup should be drunk 6 hours before bedtime.
4. Impact on the nervous system. A person’s pulse quickens and their blood pressure rises.

If you drink more than 3 cups of coffee every day, this will negatively affect the absorption of B vitamins. They are responsible for the functioning of the central nervous system. Caffeine also removes calcium from the body. This can trigger osteoporosis and reduce bone strength. For the same reason, it should not be consumed by pregnant women. Coffee will negatively affect the formation of fetal bones.

You should not drink it when losing weight. It slows down metabolic processes. It also provokes the production of the hormone cortisol, which leads to insomnia. Lack of sleep hinders weight loss.

The effect of coffee on child development during pregnancy

Women in an interesting position often develop strange needs and eating habits. This is due to changes in hormonal levels. The brain tries to compensate for the lack of minerals and vitamins in the body by any means.

The reason pregnant women become addicted to caffeine is low blood pressure. It manifests itself in loss of strength, apathy, dizziness, and drowsiness. Pregnancy is not a disease, so women work before maternity leave. In order to cheer up, they can drink several cups of coffee a day, which contributes to the development of caffeine addiction.

Coffee negatively affects the functioning of the body of a woman and child for several reasons:

• Everything that enters the bloodstream reaches the unborn child. Especially for the first 12 weeks, until natural protection - the placenta - has formed. If it is not there, then harmful substances from the drink affect the fetus in the same way as the expectant mother.
• In the first weeks after gestation, the formation of vital organs of the circulatory and nervous system of the fetus occurs. Their cells are susceptible to caffeine, so excessive coffee consumption can cause developmental defects that are incompatible with life. This is dangerous - such a pregnancy usually ends in miscarriage.
• A spasm of blood vessels in a woman’s circulatory system due to frequent consumption of the drink can provoke fetal hypoxia - nutrients cease to flow through the placenta to the child in the required quantities. This threatens with a lack of body weight and the appearance of intrauterine organ pathologies: underdevelopment of the pancreas leads to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in the child.
• Consumption of coffee in large quantities leads to the leaching of calcium and magnesium salts from the body. These microelements have a great influence during the formation of the child’s skeletal system. Their deficiency can provoke rickets, a disease characterized by a disorder of bone formation and insufficient bone mineralization.

In the last months of pregnancy, many people experience heartburn. It is a consequence of displacement of the digestive organs, since as the child grows, he takes up more and more space in the pelvic cavity. Coffee is harmful to a woman’s digestive system, as it irritates the mucous membranes of the stomach and causes increased production of gastric juice. This leads to indigestion, bloating and increased flatulence. Due to abdominal pain at night, a pregnant woman cannot rest, which affects her well-being during the day.

Who should refuse

People suffering from insomnia should not drink coffee in the afternoon. After drinking a cup, they will not be able to sleep at all. Hypertensive patients should completely avoid it, as it raises blood pressure.

It is not suitable for people with stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers and gastritis. It will lead to increased acidity of gastric juice.

The combination of coffee and cigarettes is harmful. Nicotine constricts blood vessels. Caffeine has the same effect. The body experiences a double load.

People with mental disorders need to drink decaffeinated coffee, it will cause less harm. The aromatic drink not only invigorates, but also increases anxiety and adds panic.

Effects of instant drinks on the body

Not everyone likes coffee beans, so the question arises: what will happen if you drink instant coffee every day. The freeze-dried drink contains slightly less caffeine. But it contains dyes. Manufacturers add them to make the color of the drink similar to natural. Dyes can stain tooth enamel, making it appear more yellow. And no matter what fans of freeze-dried drinks say, it will not be the best replacement for natural ones.

It has a high acid content. Drinking instant drinks frequently is dangerous because it causes acidity in the mouth, saliva and gastric juice. This destroys the enamel, so after drinking a cup of coffee, you need to rinse your mouth with clean water.

Also, increased acidity can cause heartburn. Which can lead to ulcers, gastritis. For women and men with such diseases, coffee will only complicate their course.

Symptoms in the acute phase

If one of the symptoms occurs, be sure to take the person out into the fresh air, sit him near a window, give him plenty of water, and call emergency medical help.

• Blue discoloration of the skin - the area around the eyes, nasolabial area and other parts of the body. One of the most dangerous symptoms that shows problems in the heart area - in this case, you should immediately call an ambulance.
• Hallucinations - stimulation of the brain due to excess caffeine;
• Insomnia;
• Irritability;

Can I drink coffee after eating?

Can I drink coffee after eating?

• After reading the previous information, you probably decided that you can drink coffee after meals. In principle, yes, this option is preferable, but even in this case there are some nuances. If you are going to drink coffee after a meal, then do it 30 minutes after your main meal.
• If you drink breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a drink, you will dilute the gastric juice. Due to the fact that its concentration decreases, food will not be absorbed as it should. All this will lead to heaviness in the stomach and bloating. Severe heartburn may also occur. Another nuance that you should always remember is fatty foods.
• If you have eaten pork, lamb, or deep-fried foods, you can drink coffee no earlier than 3 hours later. Earlier consumption of an invigorating drink, with such a combination of products, can increase sugar levels above normal for several hours. Such a load will not pass without a trace. You will feel tired, drowsy, and will not be able to concentrate properly.

How to recognize overdose symptoms

Early symptoms appear 15-20 minutes after drinking an extra cup:

• Redness of the face and excessive shine in the eyes are the earliest syndrome: caffeine stimulates the production of adrenaline, which causes internal organs and lacrimal glands to actively work;
• Heat and trembling in the body - the sensation begins in the solar plexus and spreads throughout the body;
• Cardiopalmus;
• Dizziness;
• Veil before the eyes.

Late symptoms appear after a few hours:

• Nausea - especially if you drank a lot of strong coffee on an empty stomach or there are signs of gastritis;
• Increased sweating;
• Frequent urination;
• Colic and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.