Coffee Is Medicine… But When Taken Excessively, It Turns into a Disease in Seven Cases!
Peace and blessings be upon you.
Directly and without introductions, coffee is a story in itself. It begins with its aroma, which awakens memory before the senses, and with its flavor that accompanies a person, improves mood, and relieves fatigue. Follow me as we discover its wonderful benefits that truly elevate coffee to the level of medicine. However, this medicine, when taken beyond its limit, turns into a disease and a serious problem in seven cases. We will also discuss the best time to drink coffee and the best way to prepare it.
First: The brain and memory
The most noticeable effect for coffee drinkers is increased alertness and concentration. Studies have shown that drinking coffee regularly reduces the decline in cognitive abilities with age and helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease.Second: The heart
Coffee is beneficial for the heart when consumed in moderation. Studies have shown that people who drink coffee regularly and in moderate amounts are less likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes.Third: Type 2 diabetes
Coffee acts as a protective factor. Studies indicate that people who drink coffee daily have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as it improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation in the body.Fourth: The liver
Coffee is one of the strongest guardians of the liver. Research has found that coffee reduces the risk of liver cirrhosis, limits fat accumulation in the liver, and lowers the risk of liver cancer. Drinking three cups daily has been associated with better liver health.Fifth: Antioxidants
Coffee is the primary source of antioxidants in the diet for a large number of people worldwide. This makes it a natural shield against inflammation and a means of protecting cells from premature damage.Sixth: Overweight and obesity
Coffee is a friend to those trying to control their weight. Caffeine increases metabolic rate and energy expenditure, helping the body burn fat. It also temporarily reduces appetite. However, adding sugar or excessive milk can turn coffee from a helpful tool into an extra caloric burden that hinders weight loss.The dangerous cases in which coffee turns from medicine into disease
First case: High blood pressure
Coffee raises blood pressure temporarily, which can be dangerous for people with uncontrolled or unstable hypertension. In such cases, drinking coffee may increase the risk of strokes or brain hemorrhage. Therefore, these patients are advised to avoid coffee or significantly reduce it, monitor their blood pressure regularly, and not rely on coffee as a daily beverage.Second case: Heart disease and rhythm disorders
For heart patients, especially those with heart rhythm disorders, coffee can be a trigger for serious problems. Caffeine may cause palpitations and increased heart rate. Some patients experience tremors or rapid heartbeat after just one cup. These individuals are advised to avoid coffee or consult a physician before consuming it.Third case: Digestive system disorders
Coffee is a strong stimulant and can increase stomach acid secretion. Therefore, it is not suitable for patients with peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach worsens these symptoms and may cause heartburn or bloating.Fourth case: Chronic anxiety and stress
Caffeine is not a friend to people suffering from chronic anxiety and stress. Studies have shown that excessive coffee consumption significantly increases anxiety levels. In such cases, it is recommended to switch to calming alternatives such as herbal drinks like chamomile or decaffeinated coffee.Fifth case: Bones and joints
Excessive coffee consumption may reduce calcium absorption from the intestines, increasing the risk of osteoporosis over the long term. Postmenopausal women and older men are particularly vulnerable to this effect. Therefore, if coffee is a daily habit, calcium should be compensated through diet whenever possible.Sixth case: Pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy, coffee may pose a real risk because caffeine crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus, which cannot metabolize caffeine efficiently. This may increase the risk of fetal stress or low birth weight. During breastfeeding, caffeine passes into breast milk and may cause insomnia and irritability in the infant. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are therefore advised to avoid coffee completely or limit intake to very small amounts if necessary.Seventh case: Children and adolescents
Drinking coffee at this age can cause irritability, insomnia, and problems with neurological development and hormonal balance. Some studies have also indicated a potential negative effect on bone density during these stages of growth.Drug interactions
Coffee may interact with certain medications, such as diuretics, heart medications, thyroid medications, and sedatives. Caffeine may enhance or counteract the effects of some drugs. Therefore, patients taking long-term medications for chronic conditions should consult their physician before drinking coffee.
Safe quantity and best timing
The ideal and safe amount of coffee ranges from two to four cups per day. Consuming more than this may cause cardiac and digestive problems. The best time to drink coffee is late morning, about two hours after waking up, and it should be avoided at least six hours before bedtime.
Types of coffee and preparation methods
There are many types of coffee, each with its own characteristics. Arabic coffee is light and rich in spices, Turkish coffee is denser and higher in caffeine, and espresso is highly concentrated. Preparation methods also affect benefits and risks: filtered coffee helps reduce harmful cholesterol, while unfiltered coffee may increase it.
In conclusion, coffee is a world of its own, beginning with its aroma and ending with the last sip. It is a friend to the brain, heart, and liver when consumed consciously and in moderation, but it can turn into an enemy in certain diseases and conditions. It is a pleasure we cannot do without, yet in the end, it is medicine—and medicine, when taken beyond its limit, turns into disease.
I hope I have succeeded in providing benefit to you all.
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