Coffee is a drink rich in chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and kahweol, bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, which help fight free radicals, preventing early aging, cancer, depression and diabetes.
This food has good amounts of caffeine, a compound that stimulates the central nervous system, helping to combat depression, improving mood and physical and mental disposition.
The flavor, aroma, and amount of caffeine in coffee vary according to the roasting time, the type of grinding, and the way the beans are prepared, including espresso, soluble, strained, or decaffeinated. that can be eaten pure or used in sweet preparations, such as tiramisu or ice cream, and salads, such as sauces.
The main health benefits of coffee, when ingested in moderate amounts, are:
Coffee contains caffeine, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and kahweol, antioxidants that protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, preventing the development of some types of cancer.
Likewise, coffee helps reduce estrogen levels in the body, a hormone related to some types of cancer, such as breast, liver, colon and endometrial cancer.
Prevent Parkinson’s disease
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which protect the cells of the pancreas and improve the function of the hormone insulin, regulating blood glucose levels and preventing diabetes.
Recommended amount per day
The recommended intake for adults is 400mg of caffeine per day, which is roughly equivalent to 4 x 150ml cups of brewed coffee.
Women who plan to become pregnant, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should consume a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine per day, which corresponds to a total of 2 cups of 150 ml of strained coffee.
On the other hand, children from the age of 12 should ingest only 100 mg of caffeine per day, that is, a maximum of 130 ml of brewed coffee.
People with high blood pressure should limit coffee consumption to 200 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to 2 cups of brewed coffee a day.
Coffee can be prepared in various ways, such as brewed, in the Italian coffee maker, espresso, in the French press or soluble.
In addition to pure, coffee can also be consumed with milk in preparations such as cappuccino, mocha or macchiato. This drink can also be used in sweet recipes, such as cakes, tiramisu and ice creams; or salty preparations, such as sauces, chicken or meat complements.
Possible side effects
Consuming doses of more than 600 mg of caffeine per day can cause insomnia, stomach ache, and nervousness in some people.
However, ingesting a single dose of 1.2 g of caffeine or more, which would correspond to 7.2 liters of espresso coffee, can lead to an overdose, causing seizures, vomiting, increased heartbeat, difficulty breathing, diarrhea and tremors.
Coffee consumption should be avoided by those who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, tinnitus, and labyrinthitis, as it can worsen symptoms.
Also, it is not recommended to drink coffee with other foods that contain caffeine, such as green tea, guarana, mate or chocolate, since excess caffeine can cause palpitations, nausea, dehydration, as well as cause long-term dependence.