Coffee wakes you up, but it takes its toll

There are those who feel unable to undertake the routine of a new day without the impulse of a latte, and who does not conceive of another end to the meal than an aromatic cup of coffee. Drinking a coffee is such an ingrained custom that it has been encrypted in some 900 million cups those that are consumed daily throughout the world.

Only water and tea exceed this figure. Coffee mobilizes energy and it is an excuse to relate, but it can also be a difficult addiction to overcome.

Coffee, a pleasure for the senses or an addiction?

Until recently the benefits of coffee were limited to its role as an stimulant. The caffeine It is a psychoactive substance, of the type of xanthineswhich penetrates the cells of the central nervous system and interferes with the action of a neurotransmitter, the adenosinewhich causes a feeling of euphoria and vitality.

Caffeine is considered a ergogenic help and advantages for athletes are recognized – exceeding 12 mcg per milliliter of urine is considered doping. Lately, voices have emerged claiming diuretic and laxative virtues and highlight its high content of antioxidantswhich represent a defense against free radicals.

Negative aspects of excessive coffee consumption

But coffee is a substance not without controversy, especially in the naturist field. It is a fact that generates tolerance and addiction, can favor stomach acidity and osteoporosisand drinking four cups a day is considered harmful.

You can also create abstinence syndrome, with headaches, tiredness and irritability. One wonders if it is necessary to drink this exciting drink often when there are healthier alternatives.

He excess caffeine may, taking into account individual differences the following symptoms:

provoke greater heart rate and palpitations.Raise the blood pressure.Increase the risk of dehydration due to fluid loss.tremors and difficulties sleeping.

But, on the other hand, it is an appetizing drink that is fully integrated into everyday life.

11 questions to know everything about coffee

1. Why does naturopathic medicine reject it?

It is a drink away from the relaxed and natural lifestyle. Starting with about 400 mg of caffeine a day, creates dependency and sleep disordersReasons enough for naturopathic medicine, naturopaths or acupuncturists to advise against its routine consumption.

2. Which coffee is the most recommended?

Organic coffee, from biological cultivation, it is free of pesticides and contaminants, since it does not use additives, and it is respectful with the environment. Fair trade allows small producers and peasants to receive a satisfactory price that prevents their exploitation.

3. Natural roast or roasted?

He healthier coffee It is the one that is presented without additives or manipulations. Naturally roasted has better properties than roasted, which has lost nutrients when subjected to high temperatures. In addition, sugar has been added during the process.

4. Which preparation method is the best?

It is not the same to prepare it in a drip coffee maker – ideal–, in an express or by capsules. In the last two, higher levels of furan, a compound formed during the beverage heat treatment processes. The capsules can release aluminum due to the high pressure.

5. Does it have antioxidant properties?

have been discovered up to 30 antioxidant compounds, including terpenes that protect against the action of free radicals. Those most responsible for this antioxidant activity, which can double that of green tea, are the phytosterols (stigmaterol, betasisosterol and campesterol).

6. Is it a substance that creates dependency?

It varies from person to person. Among the most frequent symptoms when caffeine is stopped abruptly are states of drowsiness, fatigue, low moodfeeling irritable, Headachesvomiting and nausea, symptoms that may disappear after a few days.

7. How many cups a day are advisable?

It may vary by weight. An average dose of about 250 mg of caffeine a daywhich would result from taking some three cups, is considered tolerable and suitable for an adult. Exceeding these figures is discouraged. Each person is different; the reasonable thing is, then, to observe oneself and take it in moderation.

8. Can you drink coffee for drowsiness?

Preferably in a timely manner, because getting used to drink caffeine with this purpose it usually ends up generating dependency. And it is necessary to add that, contrary to what was said, the Caffeine doesn’t help fight hangovers either.. Caffeine and alcohol make a dangerous cocktail.

9. Who should avoid coffee?

They should watch the consumption of coffee:

People nervous and prone to stress and anxiety.The people affected by frequent or chronic insomnia.People who suffer from gastric reflux. People who have a rapid heart rate.In case of chronic migraines.people with hypertension.The pregnant should consult.

10. Is caffeine useful for athletes?

The caffeine helps to absorb carbohydrates more quickly, up to 25%, and can facilitate the use of intramuscular fat during exercise, preserving glycogen, which provides greater physical resistance. A consumption of 100 to 300 mg can be considered as a reasonable dose.

11. What alternatives are there for those who love coffee?

There are other stimulating options. Guarana and yerba mate contain traces of caffeine and some Japanese green teas, such as the bancha and the kukicha, They are low in caffeine and rich in antioxidants. You can also experiment with cereal tea, rooibos and chicory.