They say people are divided into two types: tea or coffee lovers. However, even though some people drink coffee every day, they might not know the effects of this drink on different organs, such as heart, brain, kidneys, and stomach.
Effects of coffee on the brain
Caffeine interacts directly with our neurotransmitters that control the brain’s activity and cause the following:
1. Antidepressant: The caffeine acts on the receptors for adenosine, which is responsible for the maintenance and production of substances that affect our mood and produce the feeling of well-being and euphoria.
2. Stimulant: Caffeine blocks the function of a neurotransmitter, which is a natural sedative. As a result, when we drink coffee, the brain becomes more alert, which is why many people struggle to sleep after drinking it.
3. Analgesic: Coffee also leads to constriction of the blood vessels in the brain, which fights pain caused by artery dilation, such as that in migraines. A recent study discovered that coffee has a similar effect to morphine, reducing anxiety and pain.
Effects of coffee on the stomach
While the effects of this drink on the brain are positive, we cannot say the same for the effects on the stomach. Because coffee makes the stomach produce more gastric acid, which can irritate our stomach and cause pain or discomfort and can be a reason of heartburn.
Effects of coffee on the kidneys
While coffee makes the brain’s blood vessels contract, the effect is the opposite in the kidneys. The drink dilates the blood vessels of the kidneys, which stimulates their function. This can cause an increase in the secretion of urine. But this only becomes dangerous when the loss of liquid becomes excessive.
Effects of coffee on the hormones
When it comes to caffeine’s impact on hormones, some endocrinologists have differing theories. Some belive that coffee makes estrogen, the feminine hormone, circulate for more time in the body, which does not interfere with normal, healthy body rhythms.
But other specialists believe that coffee can elevate levels of estrogen in the body, which can impact the menstrual cycle and increase pain in the breasts.
Effects of coffee on the heart
According to a study, performed at the College of Public Health at the University of Sao Paulo, drinking a cup of coffee per day protects the heart from cardiovascular illness. This is thanks to the natural antioxidants that combat free radicals.
Coffee also causes an increase in heart rate as well as dilation of the bronchi, which help us to breathe.
For people with blood pressure issues, it is best to notice the effects of caffeine on their body, since studies show so many different things in relation to coffee’s effect on the heart.
Coffee makes you lose weight
One of the effects of coffee on our body is the stimulation of lipolysis, that is, the breakdown of fat. Thus, coffee can aid in weight loss by making the fat “more available” for use as energy.
But if consumed in excess, coffee can increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, thus disrupting weight loss. It is also worth noting that when coffee is consumed with too much sugar, it can end up causing weight gain as well.
Cautions for drinking coffee
Coffee is not recommended for people who have gastric problems, because it can further irritate the stomach. It is also not best for people suffering from lack of sleep, gastritis, arrhythmia, restlessness, muscle spasms, anxiety, and other conditions.
In addition, pregnant and lactating women should also consult their physician prior to consumption of this drink.
Recommended daily intake
According to experts, the ideal is to consume only one cup of coffee a day, which we know is not usually the case for coffee drinkers. Thus, anything more than this should be evaluated by a professional.
