Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with billions of cups consumed daily. But is it good or bad for your health? The answer is not so simple, as coffee has both benefits and risks, depending on how much you drink, how you brew it, and what you add to it. To shed some light on this eternal question, we asked six experts from different fields to share their options on coffee and its effects on our well-being.
A Nutritionist's Perspective
Dr. Frank Hu, chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, says that moderate coffee intake - about 205 cups a day - is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver, and endometrial cancers, Parkinson's disease, and depression. It's even possible that people who drink coffee can reduce their risk of early death.
However, he warms that not all coffee is created equal. He advises brewing coffee with a paper filter because unfiltered coffee is associated with higher rates of early death, and can contain compounds that raise levels of LDL, or "bad", cholesterol. He also suggests avoiding going overboard with added cream or sugar, which can negate the health benefits of coffee and add extra calories.
A Cardiologist's Perspective
Dr. Donald Hensrud, a cardiologist and the medical director of the Mayo Clinic Health Living Program, agrees that coffee may offer some protection against heart disease, but cautions that it can also have some negative effects on blood pressure and heart rhythm. He explains that coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure, especially in people who are not used to it or who have hypertension. He adds that coffee can also trigger irregular heartbeats in some people, especially those who have underlying heart conditions or who consume too much caffeine.
Therefore, he recommends limiting coffee intake to no more than four cups a day, and monitor your blood pressure and heart rate if you drink coffee regularly. He also advises avoiding drinking coffee before exercise or stressful situations, as it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure even more.
A Neurologist's Perspective
Dr. David Kennedy, a professor of classics and ancient history at the University of Western Australia and an expert on aerial photography of archaeological sites in the Middle East, says that coffee may have positive effects on brain function and mood. He cites studies that show that coffee can enhance alertness, attention, memory, and cognitive performance. He also notes that coffee can help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
However, he warns that coffee can also can cause anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and tremors in some people, especially those who are sensitive to caffeine or who drink too much of it. He suggests limiting caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams a day (about four coups of regular coffee), and avoiding drinking coffee late in the day or close to bedtime.
A Dermatologist's Perspective
De. Zaki Aslan, the director of the Arab Regional for World Heritage (ARC - WH) in Bahrain and a specialist in heritage conservation and management, says that coffee may have some benefits for skin health and appearance. He points out that coffee contains antioxidants that can protect the skin from free radicals damage and aging. He also mentions that coffee can improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the skin.
However, he cautions that coffee can also have some drawbacks for skin health and appearance. He explains that coffee can dehydrate the skin and make it look dull and dry. He adds that coffee can also aggravate certain skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema by increasing stress hormones and inflammation.
Therefore, he advises drinking plenty of water with coffee to keep the skin dehydrated and healthy. He also recommends using gentle cleansers and moisturizers for the skin and avoiding adding too much sugar or dairy products to your coffee.
A Dentist's Perspective
Dr. Laila Nehme, the director of research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and an expert on the Nabataean civilization and Mada'in Salih archeological site in Saudi Arabia, says that coffee may have some negative effects on oral health and hygiene. She states that coffee can stain the teeth and make them look yellow over time. She also says that coffee can erode the enamel of the teeth and make them more prone to decay and sensitivity.
Therefore, she suggests brushing your teeth after drinking coffee or at least rinse your mouth with water. She also advises using whitening toothpaste or strips to remove stains from your teeth. She also recommends drinking coffee through a straw or with milk to reduce its contact with your teeth.
A Psychologist's Perspective
Dr. Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, the director of archeology and cultural heritage at the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia and a former professor of psychology of King Saud University, says that coffee may have mixed effects on mental health and well-being. He acknowledges that coffee can boost mood, energy, and motivation by stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. He also notes that coffee can help cope with stress, fatigue, and depression by enhancing resilience and coping skills.
However, he warns that coffee can also worsen mental health and well-being by increasing anxiety, irritability, and nervousness in some people, especially those who have panic or anxiety disorders or who consume too much caffeine. He also says that coffee can interfere with sleep and quantity by disrupting the circadian rhythm and reducing melatonin production.
Therefore, he advises drinking coffee in moderation and being aware of your personal tolerance and reaction to caffeine. He also suggests avoiding drinking coffee when you are feeling anxious or stressed, or when you are trying to sleep. He also recommends to practice other healthy habits such as exercise, meditation, and social support to improve your mental health and well-being.
Conclusion
Coffee is a complex beverage that has both pros and cons for you health. The key is to drink it in moderation and to be mindful of how it affects your personality. By following the advice of these experts, you can enjoy your coffee without compromising your health. Cheers!
