Millions of people in the world get up every morning with a cup of coffee. While it's been long known that the stimulant properties of coffee can help some people feel more awake and alert, there are some other health effects that could arise from heavy coffee drinking.
Studies have shown some of the results of drinking coffee in moderate amounts may be advantageous to us. Yet, some of the other side effects of coffee drinking in large amounts may be more harmful for your health than good. This article will explore a few of the other health effects that drinking coffee may have.
The first benefit most people notice is a little bit of a boost to short term memory. One of the chemicals present in coffee beans actually stimulates memory retention. This is widely abused by students facing exams.
Research additionally indicates that students who consume moderate amounts of coffee have slightly better test scores than those who do not. Studies conducted in the "over 80" population have concluded that drinking coffee can also improve cognitive memory function. Drinking coffee is believed to have a direct impact on reducing the risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.
There is a slightly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes among coffee drinkers. When compared to those who drink no coffee at all, people who consume 2 cups of coffee daily can reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 50%. It's believed that the caffeine in coffee causes a decrease in sensitivity to insulin.
On the other hand, some people can develop hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, as a result. Symptoms such as sweating, weakness, clammy skin, and heart palpitations are commonly associated with hypoglycemia. Avoid drinking coffee completely if you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia.
In women patients who drink coffee, studies have shown that drinking too much coffee can lead to iron deficiency and anemia. This is because too much coffee can inhibit the body's ability to absorb iron effectively. Unfortunately your body needs to maintain a proper balance of iron. In addition to the important role of carrying oxygen to the blood and lungs, iron is needed for many enzyme reactions within the body. Iron is a key ingredient in the body's ability to fight infection. Those who suffer with iron deficiencies will tell you there is little they wouldn't do to go back. Anemia and constant fatigue are common results of prolonged iron deficiencies. In conclusion, research has shown that drinking some coffee may actually be good for your health. Drinking too much coffee though can have a negative impact on your health. Limit yourself to two or three daily cups to be on the safe side. Doing that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds – the health benefits of drinking coffee without the risks involved in drinking too much coffee.
