However, coffee is the fruit and subject of a long history of debate and research for both benefits and harms to the human body.
Indeed, a growing body of additional research suggests that when consumed in moderation and not in large amounts, coffee can be considered a healthy beverage as part of a balanced diet for a healthy adult. . However, coffee may not be for everyone and it is supposedly worth exploring the intricacies of coffee to fully grasp the pros, cons, benefits and harms of regular consumption.
What are the benefits and harms of coffee?
For several centuries, coffee has been one of the most popular beverages in the world along with tea. Despite many legends about its origin, it is mostly known that coffee grown around the world can trace its heritage back centuries to the ancient lands and forests of coffee trees on the Ethiopian plateau. Then the cultivation and trade of coffee began in the Arabian Peninsula around the 15th century.
Thus, it is interesting to deepen the knowledge on this beverage which abounds in virtues. A stimulating drink, coffee is obtained from the roasted seeds of various varieties of coffee trees (coffee shrub). Coffee trees ( Coffea L. ) are plants of the Rubiaceae family ( Rubiaceae ) , of which there are more than a hundred species in the world. This plant, depending on the varieties and cultivars (Arusha, Blue Mountain, Bourbon, Catuai, Harar, Sidamo, Java, Starmaya, etc.), can be grown at approximately 200 to 2,500 m altitude.
On the other hand, although coffee growing is highly developed, the plantations have been experiencing various problems for several years (climate, economy, overproduction, etc.).
Indeed, according to a report [1] published in 2016 by Corey Watts, due to global warming, ” world coffee production will drop by 50% by 2050 and wild coffee trees, a genetic resource for agriculture, are threatened with extinction by 2080 .
In order to best enjoy a daily cup of coffee, here are some food for thought and scientific sources on the health benefits and harms of coffee.
Benefits of coffee: what are the health benefits of black coffee?
Thanks to its high levels of beneficial antioxidants and nutrients, coffee appears to be quite healthy, especially when drunk without sugar and other sweeteners.
Many studies report coffee and regularly praise it in the media – whether for its preventive effects against certain diseases (cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.) or its ability to give a boost to our energy.
What is the effect of coffee on health?
Without reviewing all the benefits of a cup of coffee, we note that regular coffee consumption can, for example, increase the level of energy and alertness by stimulating cognitive functions. The main consequence of this is to help people feel less tired [ 2].
Effectively, caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which causes a stimulating effect.
In addition, this substance stimulates the nervous system, signaling fat cells to break down body fat. Caffeine can increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from fatty tissue. It is therefore not uncommon to find caffeine among the key ingredients in an energy drink or a dietary supplement. On the other hand, many of the nutrients found in coffee beans end up in brewed coffee (classic black coffee).
What are the benefits of green coffee?
Green coffee beans are seeds from the fruits of the coffee tree that are not roasted unlike regular black coffee. These coffee beans contain a higher amount of chlorogenic acid (an acid-phenol, ester of caffeic acid and quinic acid), which is believed to have many health benefits. The amount of this compound decreases as the coffee beans are roasted.
The chlorogenic acid in green coffee works as an antioxidant. Indeed, this antioxidant in coffee helps control high blood pressure (for good blood circulation), helps lose weight and maintain blood sugar levels in the body.
Green coffee is particularly popular for its benefits which are quite similar to Japanese matcha green tea [4]. This light-colored infusion can be enjoyed without milk or sugar and has a very mild flavor. Since the beans are not roasted, the compound retains many potentially beneficial properties for the body.
On the market (organic store, etc.), it is possible to find green coffee in the form of a powder that you just have to mix with hot water and is ready to be consumed. It is usually enjoyed on its own without any additions, but it is possible to add a teaspoon of honey or a pinch of cinnamon powder.
In conclusion, green coffee can be beneficial to a wellness routine [5] in addition to a balanced diet and regular exercise.
