How coffee affects the female body. Does coffee affect people the same way? Rules for drinking coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks these days. In order to determine its effect on the human body, scientists have conducted many scientific studies. Experiments helped to reveal the positive and negative aspects of the effect of coffee on female body.

Health benefits of coffee for women

The benefits of coffee for the female body are manifested in the following:

Accelerates metabolism.
Reduces appetite.
Reduces the risk of developing diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Removes from the body harmful substances.
Increases attention.
Relieves fatigue and nervous tension.
Improves lung function.
Strengthens immunity.

In addition, coffee has diuretic properties that reduce the likelihood of swelling.

weight loss,
performance improvement,
improving brain activity.

Interesting! According to its taste, coffee is combined with almost all products.

Scientists have proven that women should drink coffee to prevent the development of breast cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.

The drink also has a beneficial effect on migraines.

Not instant, namely natural coffee brings more benefits to the body. This has been proven by more than one scientific study.

During weight loss, the effect of coffee on the body may depend on:

from its calorie content,
with or without additives
amount drunk per day
the presence of any physical activity or diet,
woman's health status.

First you need to know that when losing weight, you should use natural black coffee without any additives. The calorie content of such a drink is 2 kcal per 100 ml. If you add sugar, milk or cream to coffee, its calorie content will increase significantly.

Consider the effect of coffee on the body when losing weight in the form of benefits or possible harm.

Drinking coffee for weight loss has the following benefits:

Caffeine speeds up the metabolism.
Increases the body's endurance during physical exertion.
At 100 natural coffee contains proteins (0.2 g), carbohydrates (0.2 g), fats (0.5 g), vitamins and microelements. So much in instant coffee and with additives useful substances will not be.
Coffee contains antioxidants that prevent toxins from accumulating in the body.
Serotonin in its composition helps to improve mood and relieve depression, which is very important when dieting.

Many women are accustomed to drinking strong coffee in the morning on an empty stomach. Experts do not recommend drinking coffee on an empty stomach. . This may lead to:

heartburn,
inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract,
exacerbation of gastritis or ulcers.

Important! Excessive coffee consumption can increase the workload on the heart. In addition, if you drink this drink at night, you will not be able to fall asleep quickly.

Harmful coffee and women with problems :

with kidneys
cardiovascular system,
with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
hypertension.

Scientists say that for the skin of the face, coffee does more good than harm, namely external use as masks. To do this, it is better to use ground or whole coffee beans. They retain all the nutrients in their composition, unlike instant coffee.

Beneficial features coffee masks for skin

Caffeine saturates the epidermis with moisture, fights dry skin, relieves puffiness.
Linoleic acid makes the skin supple and toned, stops the aging process.
Antioxidants have a rejuvenating effect.
Chlorogenic acid protects the skin from external harmful influences.
Carotenes help improve skin tone.
Coffee grounds can clear the skin of blackheads.

Important! It is forbidden to make a coffee mask for women:

with facial inflammation
open wounds,
herpes,
rosacea,
hypersensitive skin,
skin infection.

If you are allergic to this product, you should also not use it.

Can pregnant women drink coffee? possible harm more benefit? Scientists still cannot get a definite answer to this question. However, there are contraindications and some recommendations for drinking coffee during pregnancy that must be followed.

Benefits of coffee for pregnant women:

Gives strength and energy.
Increases low blood pressure in pregnant women.
Increases the speed of reactions, improves memory.
Accelerates metabolism.

What harm can coffee do to women in the position:

Increases blood pressure, which is bad for mothers with hypertension.
Has a diuretic effect. This can cause dehydration of the body of the woman and the fetus.
Removes calcium from bones. This can negatively affect the formation of the baby's skeleton in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
Reduces appetite. As a result, the mother may skip meals and the child will not receive the nutrients he needs.
Often causes heartburn.
Reduces the level of hemoglobin.
Ingestion in large quantities can lead to an increase in uterine contractility.

Coffee is contraindicated for pregnant women:

Hypertension patients.
With anemia.
With calcium deficiency in the body.
Having problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
during toxicity.

In the absence of contraindications, coffee can be drunk during pregnancy. The only thing you need to know is that women in position can drink no more than 1 cup of natural coffee with milk per day.

Ultimately, if a pregnant woman has no contraindications for coffee, then she can safely drink 1 cup a day without harming the baby. The main thing to remember is that drinking this drink in large quantities can lead to complications during pregnancy.

Thus, when drinking coffee, both benefit and harm are possible for women in ordinary life during weight loss or during pregnancy. In any case, it is necessary to adhere to measures so as not to harm your body. Have a nice "coffee drinking"))).

Coffee - this drink, for hundreds of years of its history, is surrounded by myths and speculation, but these days we can use scientific research and facts. Scientists are trying to test whether the world's favorite drink really affects the heart, causes insomnia, they also studied how coffee affects women's breast size, weight loss, potency, as well as its effect on common diseases such as stroke, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. diseases.

Coffee is a drink made from coffee beans. Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, and when coffee came to Europe, sellers of other drinks tried to destroy the competition at the very beginning and spread the most bizarre information about it. Newspapers reported that coffee was a decoction of overseas plants, and even such absurdities as, for example, that it was "soot syrup" or "a disgusting decoction of old shoes." The church condemned drinking coffee and declared it a sinful pleasure.

The study of the effect of coffee and tea on the body was carried out a long time ago. King Gustav III of Sweden decided to personally check whether this tasty, invigorating drink is harmful to a person, but not on his own health.

Two condemned twins were sentenced to life imprisonment, on the condition that they each drink several cups of drinks every day - one coffee and the other tea. In addition to these drinks, they were provided with quite comfortable conditions life in prison. The purpose of the experiment was to test which of them would live longer and in what pain he would die.

Years passed, and the prisoners lived for themselves and did not complain about their health. The doctor supervising the prisoners died, then another, and finally Gustav III also appeared before the Almighty. The twins were still alive. The first of them died at the age of 83 - it was the one who drank tea. So, we need not worry, coffee does not kill or contribute to premature death.

What is the relationship between coffee and weight loss, male potency and even female breast size, its effect on various diseases? You will find out everything in this article!

Coffee and cardiovascular disease

Coffee is neither good nor bad. Today, we know that individual reactions to coffee vary greatly, if only because each of us is different. In 1968-1988, British researchers studied about 2 thousand people, men, employees of one company. It turned out that those men who drank more than six cups of coffee a day were 71 percent of those who suffer from heart disease more often than their counterparts who drank just a couple of cups a day.

In 1987, American scientists observed the effects of coffee on 6,000 people. They did not notice a significant effect of the drink on cardiovascular disease. There have been many studies around the world and the conclusion is that those who drink and love coffee are unlikely to be harmed by it, and vice versa, people who feel worse after coffee should limit their consumption or completely avoid it. replacing with other drinks.

Coffee and potency

In Brazil, researchers have concluded that excessive coffee consumption can adversely affect a person's potency. This is due to the fact that one of the chemical compounds present in coffee is a special plant hormone similar to estrogen - the female sex hormones. Constant drinking of 3-4 cups of coffee causes a slow, but still decrease in potency in men. An excess of this hormone in the male body contributes to a more intensive growth of the abdominal cavity and chest.

But Brazilians, not without reason, emphasize that one coffee drunk by a young man before a date can have a very positive effect on male potency. For some gentlemen, the smell of coffee is enough to be seductive and invigorating. The sperm of a person who drinks only one cup of coffee has greater mobility, that is, the chances of conception increase.

Coffee and weight loss

Caffeine does affect the burning of fat stored in the body, but it will only be useful in losing weight under certain conditions. Already 10 minutes after drinking a cup of natural coffee, the body begins to burn 13 percent. more calories. But for that to happen, you need to move. Staying still and drinking even a few dozen cups of coffee will not do us any good.

Only energetic people with a stable, strong nervous system will achieve a positive effect. Those who are calm, with a weak nervous system, calm down after drinking coffee, even fall asleep. In such people, caffeine will not accelerate fat burning. Coffee consumed with meals does not increase fat burning, on the contrary, it slows down the digestion of fat.

The effect of coffee during pregnancy

Irish scientific studies prove that pregnant women do not need to stop drinking coffee, but it is worth reducing their consumption - up to 100 mg of caffeine per day. Exceeding this dose can lead to complications. On early stages pregnancy, this can lead to miscarriage (increased risk by 15%) and, in later months, preterm or at-risk delivery, with caesarean section and low birth weight. Because in the case of coffee, it is caffeine that has the effect, pregnant women should also limit other beverages containing it.

Coffee and female breasts

Swedish researchers are convinced that drinking coffee affects the size of the female breast. The more coffee you drink, the less likely you are to get in good shape and bigger size. The reducing effect begins after regular consumption of three cups of coffee a day. In 60 percent of the women's breasts examined, they showed a reduction in breast size by an average of 17%, while other body parameters did not change.

It turns out that many women have a special gene sensitive to caffeine, the growth of which to a certain level activates the "reducing" effect. But do not worry, because the same gene affects the blocking of cancer cells.

The effect of coffee on sleep

Coffee, specifically caffeine, directly affects sleep by causing insomnia, but for those with low blood pressure, it has a calming effect, making it easier to fall asleep. If someone suffers from insomnia, they should refrain from drinking any beverages containing caffeine and theine (such as in tea) for six hours before bedtime.

Caffeine is an alkaloid that in small doses has a strengthening, stimulating effect, and in large doses it releases unpleasant feelings, it can even depress. To influence the body positively, do not take more than 250 mg at a time. This dose will be contained in about two teaspoons of tea ground coffee brewed in a glass of water. Because coffee is a complex combination of many organic chemical substances, it works differently than pure caffeine.

Coffee and Digestion

Organic acids contained in coffee affect individual organs of the digestive system. About half an hour after drinking coffee, the acidity of gastric juice reaches a maximum. Coffee also increases the secretion of bile. It speeds up the digestion process, speeds up the absorption of food. This is why coffee is often served after a meal.

But this high acidity can increase heartburn, cause pain in people with acidity, stomach ulcers, or duodenum. Coffee also increases intestinal peristalsis, which is why so many people run to the toilet after morning coffee.

Coffee and drugs

Medicines should not be taken with coffee, caffeinated drinks and definitely not grapefruit juice. Coffee enhances the action of some drugs while inhibiting the action of others. Studies show that dozens or so drugs (eg, antidepressants, estrogen pills, osteoporosis medications, thyroid medications) change their effects when exposed to coffee. Their effect is reduced to 60% when coffee is consumed shortly before or after taking the drug.

There are also prescription drugs that can enhance the effects of coffee and caffeinated drinks. These include some antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and antidepressants that block the cytochrome P450 1A2 enzyme in the CYP1A2 gene. Caffeine is broken down by this enzyme. As a result of these drugs, it can stay in the body longer than usual (up to four hours) and, for example, cause problems with sleep.

Coffee for stroke and diabetes

Researchers from the UK said that all coffee drinkers are more vulnerable and at risk of stroke. It turned out that the amount of coffee drunk or its type does not matter. The researchers checked the results of the study for 12 years. After taking into account such important parameters of the body as, for example: excessive weight, tea drinking, smoking, pregnancy, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc., the researchers noticed that 70% of lovers of fragrant, invigorating coffee are at risk of stroke.

As a consolation, it is worth noting that coffee protects against the development of type II diabetes, but it shows the strongest protective properties due to the content and action of caffeine.

According to recent data from the Food and Drug Administration (USA), 90% of the world's population drink coffee at one time or another. In the States itself, 80% of adults enjoy this drink and others every day. caffeinated products.

The influence of coffee on the human body has been comprehensively studied for decades. Recent studies have shown that the favorite cup of Starbucks is very expensive for women - especially those who drink it every morning.

PMS and cyst

A study at Duke University (Durham, USA) showed that caffeine dilates blood vessels, which causes women to swell the mammary glands and experience pain associated with this phenomenon. Such a state of ladies experience during PMS. If you get too carried away with coffee, unpleasant symptoms will appear much more often than once a month.

Conversely, pain and heaviness in the chest are significantly reduced as soon as a woman refuses caffeine. This reaction of the body was demonstrated by 61% of the participants in the experiment conducted at the University of Oregon. In addition, large doses of coffee cause disturbances in the synthesis of hormones, which leads to the appearance of cysts in the ovaries and breasts.

According to womenshealth.gov, love for caffeinated Drinking exacerbates PMS symptoms. Sensitivity and soreness of the breast is observed already 1.5-2 weeks before menstruation. In order not to experience such severe stress every month and not jeopardize their health, women should give up shock doses of coffee and chocolate (which also contains caffeine).

"Bad" cholesterol

The Harvard School of Public Health has focused on the other side of coffee drinking. Now very popular coffee drinks with cream, syrup, lots of sugar. One cup of this treat contains 500 calories, which is ¼ of the daily value.

In addition, coffee contains cafestol. This substance favors the accumulation of "bad" cholesterol. Research related to this problem was carried out by scientists at the University of South Carolina. In female test subjects who drank a cup or two of a coffee drink daily for several months, blood cholesterol increased by 10%.

This factor provokes such serious diseases as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, etc. Most of the dangerous ingredient is in strong unfiltered drinks (Turkish coffee, etc.). Experts advise using filters similar to those used in coffee machines. They help clear the cafestol from the drink.

Osteoporosis

The final argument for cutting back on caffeine concerns age-related changes. After the onset of menopause, women begin to wash out calcium from the body. This is due to a drop in estrogen production. As a result, many older women suffer from osteoporosis, which leads to brittle bones and frequent fractures.

Coffee, beloved by many, not only flushes out a significant part of calcium from the body, but prevents the absorption of what remains. Women who drink more than three cups of this drink per day run the risk of experiencing very painful and unpleasant old age.

People have loved coffee since ancient times. This drink has many fans, but there are also many who are sure that coffee is extremely harmful to the body. The truth, as usual, is out there somewhere. What exactly is the effect of coffee on the body? Let's figure it out!

Exist different kinds raw materials. The classic is made from roasted grains. The effect on the body is somewhat different, because this drink has a different composition. Another variety is green grains, about which there are many myths.

Composition of the product

The main ingredient is caffeine. It has a stimulating effect, the consequence of which is an increase in activity. Synthetic analogues of caffeine activate the vasomotor and respiratory centers of the brain, increase the activity of the cortex, and accelerate the transmission of nerve impulses.

The effect of coffee on the body is also due to other substances, an important place among them is occupied by alkaloids of caffeine and theophylline.

Roasted coffee beans also contain:

tannins - give a bitter taste;
caffeol (this component enhances blood circulation, lowers cholesterol);
necessary for the walls of blood vessels;
chlorogenic acid (important for protein metabolism);
essential oils that provide a unique aroma and taste.

Scientists have found in coffee beans more than a thousand biologically active substances that affect metabolism. Among them are amino acids, alkaloids, organic acids. The effect of coffee consumption on the human body is determined total population all ingredients.

Many have heard of theobromine in coffee. The effect on the body of this component is similar to the effect of caffeine: it stimulates the work of the heart, nervous and respiratory systems. This component is indispensable in a stressful situation: it helps to cope with nervous tension, numbs pain, makes it possible to concentrate and find the right solution. But if you want to improve your health with theobromine, look for it in cocoa or chocolate: most types of coffee are actually practically free of this substance.

Effect on the heart and blood vessels

Drinking a drink briefly raises blood pressure. The pulse quickens immediately. But there is a nuance.

In coffee lovers who regularly drink their favorite drink, this effect is not observed. But for those who drink it very rarely, even a caffeine-free drink raises blood pressure. Doctors also noticed that coffee increases low blood pressure, but normal blood pressure does not. Clinical studies have confirmed that people who drink about 5 cups a day have little or no problems with high or low blood pressure. But it is worth increasing the amount to 6 cups, as persistent hypertension is guaranteed.

People with ischemic disease drinking coffee is not recommended. This is due not only to the effect on the blood vessels, but also to the effect of coffee on the body as a whole. Studies have not established a link between the amount of coffee and susceptibility to heart disease. But modern medicine is quite clear: exceeding the recommended amounts leads to arrhythmia.

The effect of caffeine on blood vessels is rather positive. Drinking a drink in reasonable doses improves blood microcirculation in tissues, strengthens the walls. Many European medical centers for the treatment of heart disease recommend drinking several cups daily in addition to a low cholesterol diet for atherosclerosis.

It should be understood that moderate coffee consumption in no way harms the heart. In any case, there is no clinical and laboratory evidence of its harm. Drink a couple of cups a day and do not worry about the health of the cardiovascular system.

Effect on the nervous system

Caffeine also stimulates nervous activity: efficiency increases, fatigue decreases, a feeling of cheerfulness comes, the thought process is activated.

With daily consumption of 4 cups, the risk of developing Parkinson's disease is significantly reduced.

We must not forget about the negative impact of coffee on the body, in particular on nervous system. Excessive stimulation of it is fraught with exhaustion. This pattern was studied by IP Pavlov at the beginning of the 20th century. Exceeding the recommended doses of coffee can have the following consequences:

lethargy;
drowsiness;
prostration;
lethargy;
depressive states.

Influence on the genitourinary system

This drink has a pronounced diuretic effect. It is necessary to monitor the amount of fluid consumed. Regularly replace the loss of fluid, especially in the heat. The diuretic property can be used: it is recommended to drink the drink during colds and ailments.

It should be remembered that with increased urination, the body actively loses calcium.

Impact on the digestive system

Drinking on an empty stomach is not recommended. Caution should be taken with the drink for patients with gastritis and pancreatitis. Remember: a coffee drink irritates the gastric mucosa, increases the production of gastric juice.

There is also a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract - peristalsis is activated.

Impact on the liver

Currently, scientists do not have data on the negative effects of coffee on this organ. But for bile coffee is useful. Just a few cups a day help clear the ducts, which is an excellent prevention of gallstone disease.

coffee and metabolism

Biologically active substances, which are rich in brewed coffee beans, are involved in metabolism. The drink improves antioxidant protection, indirectly affects the reduction of the risk of diabetes.

It is generally accepted that coffee is addictive, but scientists assure that we can only talk about psychological addiction. Stop drinking coffee - and you may feel longing for the pleasant moments that he gave you in the morning or during a break. But you won't feel any breakage.

Under a big question and carcinogenicity. Coffee belongs to the third group (substances about which there is not enough data to refute or confirm the effect on the development of tumors). By the way, talc and mobile phones belong to the same category. A number of scientists believe that coffee does not increase, but reduces the risk of developing tumors. This issue is currently being actively investigated.

It is worth mentioning the effect on cholesterol. The drink indirectly affects the metabolism of fatty acids, lowers cholesterol levels.

instant drink

A soluble drink has a stronger effect on pressure, the secretion of gastric juice. This pleasure is not just not recommended, but is categorically contraindicated for people with gastrointestinal diseases, pregnant women, and adolescents.

We must not forget that many manufacturers use the cheapest raw materials for the production of instant coffee. The quality of natural grain is much higher.

green coffee

You can make a delicious and healthy drink from unroasted grains. Such a product is popular with those who want to lose weight. Its taste and smell are not as expressive and pleasant as those of the usual classics brewed in a Turk. But there are more useful substances in grains that have not been roasted.

The components of green coffee really accelerate the metabolism, which contributes to weight loss. In addition, the drink helps to restore strength for a new workout. But do not hope that the result will come by itself: green coffee only promotes weight loss, and does not magically cause it. Kilograms will go away, but for this you need to try, combining proper nutrition with reasonable exercise.

The effect of coffee on the female body

There is an opinion that regular consumption of a natural drink reduces the risk of becoming pregnant. You can not consider this drink as a contraceptive, but for ladies trying to conceive a child, it is better to keep consumption to a minimum.

Investigating the effect of coffee on the body found a connection with the formation of tumors of the mammary glands. Benign tumors can dissolve on their own, it is only necessary to reduce caffeine intake.

During menopause, the harm of coffee is associated with calcium leaching. During lactation, the drink is all the more undesirable for the same reason.

If there is a benefit of this drink specifically for the woman's body, then it is currently unknown about it. However, scientists have long confirmed the contribution to weight loss of natural varieties of coffee.

The effect of coffee on the human body

But for men, this drink is useful. Coffee can be classified as natural aphrodisiacs: it prolongs and enhances potency, stimulates the work of the gonads. However, this statement is true only for healthy men. Studies have not found any positive or negative impact coffee for impotence.

But you shouldn't get carried away with this drink. Excessive consumption can lead to increased levels of estrogen (female sex hormones). In this regard, instant coffee is also more dangerous than natural coffee.

It is believed that coffee can provoke the progression of prostatitis.

How to and how not to

In reasonable quantities, the drink is harmless. The number of cups depends on many factors. The effect of coffee on the body is also determined by the individual reaction. The average dose should not exceed 3-4 cups per day. For a morning cup, be sure to grab a couple of sandwiches, sweets, gingerbread. At lunchtime, enjoy a drink after your meal.

To enhance the benefits of coffee, combine it with other products: milk, cream, ice cream, honey, cinnamon, lemon.

Do not forget that it is absolutely impossible to abuse this drink. An overdose can even lead to death. 15 or more cups of coffee per day will invariably cause a number of negative consequences. These include the following:

hallucinations;
neurotic phenomena;
vomiting;
tachycardia;
pain in the stomach;
convulsions;
temperature increase;
shortness of breath

Be careful at the end of the day. The effect of coffee on the body, as we already know, is stimulating. A couple of evening cups can turn into insomnia.

As you can see, coffee cannot cause much harm if you drink this drink within reasonable limits.

An invigorating morning drink is an integral part of life modern man. Without it, many cannot gather, concentrate, or even wake up. But is coffee really that safe? Many myths have been created about the use of this drink: they say that it can cause a heart attack and stroke, cause cancer, affect the appearance excess weight. What is the scientific basis for these claims? What is the harm of coffee can get our body? Let's try to figure it out.

A cup of coffee in the morning: cheerfulness, which is replaced by decline

How did a person come up with the idea to start drinking coffee? The legend says that one shepherd noticed that when his goats chew berries and leaves from one bush, then they cheerfully run through the meadow and cannot sleep at night, although there seemed to be no reason for this. So the tonic properties of coffee were discovered. But initially, not a drink was prepared from it, but food: ground grains were fried with cheese or cottage cheese, and then rolled into balls and eaten.

Its tonic properties are associated with high content caffeine. Caffeine is a psychostimulant. It has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, but only for a while. Half an hour of cheerfulness can be replaced by lethargy, apathy and irritability.

And if you practice “coffee ceremonies” in the morning too often, you can end up with chronic fatigue syndrome and even depression. With regular and uncontrolled use of this drink, a person can fall into a state akin to addiction. The lack of a morning “dose” can bring real discomfort to a person. And since the body gets used to caffeine and stops responding to it, a person, trying to achieve the same effect, drinks the drink more and more often.

The secret is that caffeine does not bring energy from outside. It forces the body to use up the reserves that it puts aside "for emergencies." After 3-6 hours, vivacity and concentration are replaced by apathy and lethargy. If an employee drank a lot of coffee in the early morning in the office, then by lunchtime he becomes completely disabled. Therefore, the extraordinary performance of a caffeinated person is nothing more than an illusion.

The harm from drinking coffee is that it reduces overall performance. Yes, he is able to increase energy in an unnatural way for a short time. But in general, the performance will be less. Therefore, it cannot be used uncontrollably and unlimitedly.

So, the harm of black coffee, proven by scientists, can cause the rejection of this drink, because:

a short-term burst of energy from drinking a cup of coffee entails a general decrease in working capacity,
under the influence of caffeine, the body enters a state of stress, in which digestion worsens,
coffee can cause addiction and withdrawal syndrome (something like “withdrawal”).

Moreover, the consequences of drinking coffee can be disorders of the cardiovascular system, oncology and imbalance of fluid in the body.

Coffee causes uncontrolled contraction of the walls of blood vessels. For a weak cardiovascular system, this can cause serious health problems. A single drink can increase blood pressure by 10 mm Hg. There is an age and a state in which even this figure can have a decisive effect.

International organizations involved in oncology research, classified caffeine as a group 3 carcinogen . This means that theoretically the substance is capable of provoking the development of tumor cells. When roasted, the chemical compound acrylamide is formed in the beans. This is a carcinogen. The higher the degree of roast, the more acrylamide is produced in the resulting product. Therefore, in the United States, where the population is addicted to coffee much more than in our country, this drink is considered the most destructive source of acrylamide.

The harm of coffee in the processes of maintaining water balance in the body is a scientifically proven fact.

Because it is a fairly strong diuretic, a substance that helps to remove fluid from the body. Of course, in some situations, such drugs are prescribed specifically, in order to activate the circulation of fluid in the body. But in summer heat or in a hot room, this effect of caffeine becomes harmful. Its diuretic effect is worth considering. After all, such a drink will not replenish the balance of the liquid. Quenching your thirst with a cup of an invigorating drink is just an illusion. Coffee can cause dehydration. And the lack of fluid in the body provokes serious disorders. This phenomenon provokes the drying of the mucous membranes, and as a result, the decline of local immunity. That is, the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and oral cavity cease to retain microbes. The most striking manifestation of this is the increase in the frequency of viral infections. The risk of catching a cold, getting sick with conjunctivitis or stomatitis increases significantly. Drying of the mucous membranes can provoke bad smell from the mouth, dry eyes, discomfort when swallowing.

The diuretic effect of coffee can have a critical impact on the health of the elderly. But more dangerous is the effect of coffee on musculoskeletal system. The drink promotes the leaching of calcium from the bones. And in old age, the skeleton is very fragile. For the same reason, the drink is not recommended for children and adolescents during the period of active bone formation. Pregnant women who actively spend calcium on laying the baby's skeleton should also refrain from it.

An invigorating drink also affects the digestive process.. It provokes the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It is designed to digest food. If it is produced uncontrollably and at the wrong time, then a person may experience digestive problems: bloating, flatulence, gastritis, ulcers and heartburn.

Also coffee can act as a laxative . More precisely, it speeds up the process of moving food from the stomach to the intestines, even if it is not fully digested. This interferes with the absorption of nutrients.

So, what harm does coffee bring to the human body as a whole? Here are some facts that make you think:

coffee can raise blood pressure and cause heart problems,
a person who often includes it in the diet is at risk of high blood cholesterol,
coffee is included in the list of substances that can have a carcinogenic effect,
has a diuretic effect, which can cause a violation of the water balance in the body,
fluid deficiency can lead to a decline in local immunity, cause frequent colds, and lead to problems with mucous membranes,
coffee leaches calcium from bones and can cause osteoporosis,
coffee negatively affects the digestive process.

Instant and decaffeinated coffee: a health hazard

So, the main active ingredient in an invigorating drink is caffeine. And associated with it most of negative effects. Therefore, among coffee lovers who decided to do away with addiction, so common is the decaffeinated variety of coffee.

The history of the discovery of this species is also connected with the legend. One of the merchants transported coffee beans on a ship for subsequent sale. During the journey, sea water flooded the cargo. After the wet bags were dried, and the grains were crushed and tried to brew, it turned out that the pleasant taste of the drink was preserved, and its invigorating property came to naught.

Now it is decaffeinated on purpose. But keep in mind that caffeine does not completely disappear from the drink. It just becomes much smaller.

A typical example: a person drinks 5 cups a day and is worried that it might harm him. So he switches to a decaffeinated drink. As a result, he now drinks 15 cups a day and still gets the same dose of caffeine. Therefore, decaffeinated coffee is not a panacea. He is able to have all the same negative effects, only in a reduced form.

Another type of drink is instant coffee. The way to get it is the following. From ordinary grains, a highly concentrated drink is brewed, which is then dried to obtain a powder or granules. These granules are easier to transport, they are cheaper and are able to retain their aroma longer. But for the preparation of the soluble variety, grains are usually used, low grades or poor quality. Therefore, raw materials for it are usually of much lower quality.

In addition, the invigorating effect of instant coffee is much weaker, if not lost at all.

The top layer of the grain contains caffeine, and the inner layer contains theobromine, says Dr. Alexei Kovalkovsky. - They act differently. Caffeine constricts blood vessels in the body and dilates the vessels of the kidneys, that is, it tones and has a diuretic effect. Theobromine does the opposite. There is always more theobromine in instant coffee because some of the caffeine is sent to the pharmaceutical industry. Truckers often drink instant coffee before the flight, and after 30 km from the city they start having accidents. There is a sleep effect.

It would seem that if there is no invigorating effect, then the harm of coffee should come to naught? This is wrong. Theobromine has almost all the negative effects of caffeine, except for those associated with a tonic effect.

Harm of coffee for women

A separate story is the effect of a tonic drug on the female body. It especially affects during pregnancy. As already mentioned, in this difficult period for the female body, coffee can greatly deplete calcium reserves in the body. But this substance is extremely necessary for the construction of a children's skeleton!

The tonic is able to cross the placenta. So, what other negative effects are observed by doctors if future mom abuses caffeinated drinks?

The leaching of calcium from the mother's body.
Increased heart rate in a child.
Decreased blood circulation in the placenta. This may result in the development of the risk of anemia. As a result, the child receives less oxygen, which is necessary for the formation of all vital important systems body, and especially the brain. Anemia can cause preterm labor. And then there is an increased risk of infection.
Slowing the physical development of the fetus. The risk of having a child with underweight.
Increased risk of having a baby with heart disease.

In addition, it is worth remembering that all the negative effects of coffee on the cardiovascular and urinary systems remain in force. But for a pregnant woman, the slightest increase in pressure or a lack of fluid in the body can have a fatal effect!

Harm of coffee for men

Coffee has been considered a powerful aphrodisiac since ancient times. It tones and excites, and this affects its positive effect on male potency. But to abuse such a means of increasing potency is also not worth it.

Harm of coffee for men is that it contains substances plant origin, which are similar to female sex hormones - estrogen. Those, in turn, are able to suppress the production of testosterone.

By the way, in this regard, a natural drink is less harmful than decaffeinated. Plant hormones from the drink will not be removed during decaffeination, and processed coffee, devoid of its invigorating properties, provokes a man to drink more. Therefore, by receiving less caffeine, a man receives much more substances related to estrogen.

As men age, they become more prone to heart disease. Therefore, the tonic effect of coffee can affect their body in a fatal way. Fragile vessel walls may not withstand the tonic effect.

How to give up coffee?

People who have decided to overcome the dependence on a tonic drink admit that coffee is not cigarettes. You can break this habit gradually. You can start small, but do not forget about the main goal.

Stop cheering yourself up with a hot drink, at least on weekends. Indeed, these days you do not need increased efficiency and active energy. Unhealthy vigor after a cup of coffee can interfere with healthy rest or good sleep.
Replace coffee with tea. Tea also contains caffeine, and it can also have an invigorating effect. But here the tonic substance contains much less. Gradually, you need to switch to mineral water, juices and compotes. After all, tea is not a panacea. And it contains harmful substances, and it can also have a diuretic effect.
Start a new awakening ritual for yourself. If you are an experienced coffee drinker, then most likely you have noticed that you are used to caffeine, and it is no longer able to exert its invigorating effect on you. Perhaps you wake up just from drinking a mug of something hot. Let it be a warm compote, broth or just water.
Try to get enough sleep. Often the reason feeling unwell- not in the rejection of coffee, but in chronic lack of sleep. Get in the habit of going to bed early. And in the morning, try to take time to exercise or jog. It wakes up better than an artificial psychostimulant.

So, there are a lot of myths around "coffee lovers". Most of them turn out to be true. It ambiguously affects the nervous system, can cause deviations in the work of the cardiovascular system. Coffee is contraindicated for pregnant women and elderly people. It can cause gastrointestinal upset. Scientists put it in a number of carcinogenic substances. This drink can cause a violation of the water balance in the body, and, as a result, lead to frequent colds, problems with mucous membranes and a general decrease in local immunity. But most importantly, with regular abuse of this drink, it completely loses its invigorating properties. All that a person can get with his uncontrolled consumption is forms of addiction and withdrawal syndrome (“breaking”). Therefore, it is better to replace this artificial source of energy with healthier alternatives: good sleep, morning exercises or jogging, and healthy drinks, such as mineral water.