21 Apr Is coffee good for you?

There are many mixed opinions about whether coffee is good or bad for you and hopefully, by the end of this article, you can make an educated judgment for yourself. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that affects the brain and nervous system. Some people react with enhanced alertness, increased heart rate, agitation, and more, whereas other people may not react at all. It depends on how fast your body can metabolize the caffeine and how well you tolerate it.

It is recommended by the Food and Drug Administration not to exceed 400mg of caffeine per day as that is the upper limit that has been shown to be a safe dosage in adults (excluding pregnant and breastfeeding women who are advised not to have any caffeine). What does 400mg of caffeine look like in terms of coffee? It is around 4-5 cups of coffee per day (one shot each), which is great if you’re a coffee lover (like me).

If you notice coffee negatively affecting you physically or mentally, such as increased anxiety, then try having a half shot or having tea instead, which still contains caffeine, but in a lower dose.

Coffee contains antioxidants, four times the amount found in tea. Antioxidants, which I have previously explained in an article, are extremely beneficial in protecting our cells and reducing our risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. There are also beneficial associations between coffee and reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease, liver conditions and depression.

It’s important to note that drinking coffee reduces the absorption of certain nutrients, such as calcium, iron, and B vitamins (except vitamin B12). Therefore, coffee shouldn’t be drunk with a meal or when taking vitamins or supplements. Overall coffee, up to 4-5 shots per day has shown to be beneficial, especially when drunk separate from food.