Coffee is undoubtedly the most popular beverage in the world, as it is consumed on a daily basis by 80% of the world’s population. It is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of the Coffea plant. There are more than 60 recognized varieties in the world, which differ in taste, aroma and intensity, while 7 million tons are produced and sold in the market daily. But which are the benefits of the beverage, which is an integral part of our daily lives since it accompanies us while working, reading, walking as well as socializing?
Improvement of memory and mental performance: Coffee stimulates the central nervous system, boosting mental capacity and that’s why it is usually consumed in the morning or during work. Furthermore, many pupils and students drink coffee to cope with the long hours of reading.
Antioxidant protection: In addition to the caffeine it contains, coffee is rich in antioxidants, which enhance and boost the body’s defenses.
Weight control: Caffeine proves to be potentially useful in the attempt of controlling body weight, because it reduces the feeling of hunger temporarily, while activating the process of thermogenesis, enhancing fat oxidation.
Increase of physical energy and athletic performance: Coffee increases energy levels, which may enable us to start training more easily and perform even better or stay active throughout the day.
Improvement of mental state: In addition to having revitalizing properties, which positively affect our psychology, coffee is also a means of entertainment, as it may turn to be an occasion for social interaction with our loved ones.
However, we should pay attention to the amount of caffeine we consume daily, since the increase in nervous stimulation may lead to irritability, insomnia, raised heart rate and hypertension. For this reason, those who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders, quick tempered, children, in addition to pregnant or breastfeeding women should be especially careful. They should reduce caffeine intake or alternatively choose “decaffeinated”, namely coffee from which, with additional processing, caffeine has been removed.
Remember that the average recommended intake is 1 to 3 cups a day. Stick to it and take advantage of the beneficial properties of your favorite coffee!
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