Are you one of those who take a coffee at five o'clock in the afternoon and do not hit an eye? Or on the contrary, are you able to take a coffee after dinner and sleep in a loose leg? How many cafes can we take up to date without putting our health at risk? Is it really bad to drink coffee? Despite being one of the most popular drinks in the world, there are numerous myths that swarm around. In this article we fight disinformation around coffee, an essential in the lives of many people.
Does coffee really make us 'more awake'?
Yes. There is enough scientific evidence that caffeine increases the alertness. If we have the perception that having a coffee clears is because it really does it. The increase in concentration and alert state takes place from 75 mg per coffee.
How many coffee cups can we take maximum a day?
The health authorities recommend not exceeding 400 mg of daily caffeine. The amount of caffeine depends on factors such as the variety that is consumed (it is not the same robust that Arabic) or the form of preparation. According to data from EFSA (European food security authority), a cup of filtered coffee contains 80-90 mg of caffeine per 100 ml while an express is around 80 mg per 100 ml. In general, take between three and five cups daily at most it would be recommended. Except if you are pregnant that in this case it is advisable, at most, half.
What other foods and beverages also contain relevant amounts of caffeine?
Although years ago the amount was superior, nowadays an energy drink of 250 ml contains approximately the same amount of caffeine as an express. In a cup of tea we find about 50 mg of caffeine, in a glue can about 40 mg and, finally, on a chocolate tablet about 15-20 mg per 100 g.
Why does coffee affect each person differently?
The explanation for these differences, such as that of so many other issues, is in our genes. People who have the CYP1A2 enzyme (affectionately we can call them Zipi) are capable of metabolizing very fast caffeine. That is, they eliminate it and the remains running down the urine. On the contrary, those who do not have the enzyme CYP1A2 (ie, those who are not Zipi, but Zape), do not transform caffeine into their body so fast and their effects can be maintained for longer. How do I know if I'm Zipi or Zape? To know it, it would be necessary to carry out a genetic study, but we do not get crazy either. We can assess individually how coffee feels and self-regularized.
Is it true that coffee rises tension?
The relationship of coffee with hypertension is a great doubt that has resolved science. It is true that, after drinking coffee, caffeine increases blood pressure in the short term, but when coffee is metabolized blood pressure is again normal. In people ZAPE (ie, slow metabolizers) this effect is more sustained over time.
What benefits do brings from coffee?
Coffee is rich in antioxidants and there are studies that, without throwing the bells to the flight, indicate that its consumption could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2, parakinson diabetes or the risk of liver and uterus cancer.
What are the inconveniences of drinking coffee?
It is true that not all are advantages. We all know that with high doses of caffeine, the appearance of insomnia, nervousness and anxiety is frequent. On the other hand, there are negative associations to the consumption of coffee that can harm us indirectly. For example, coffee intake is linked to the consumption of sugar and tobacco. The relationship between the consumption of hot beverages with esophageal cancer has also been studied.
Finally, there is some controversy around the acrylamide of coffee. Acrylamide is a substance that is formed by toasting the coffee and found in greater or lesser amount depending on many factors. For example, in espresso there is more acrylamide than in the Ristretto and in the long, or in the robust variety more than in the Arabica. In soluble and decaffeinated there is also greater concentration. However, that does not panic! There is no risk of 'spending' with acrylamide drinking coffee in the recommended amounts (remember, maximum 3-5 cups daily). The acrylamide, in addition to tobacco, is found in higher concentrations in other foods that do not give us so much fear and the churrusion of toast or potatoes. The motto of the Ministry of Health is: "Choose Golden, not toast."
In summary: Coffee? Yes thanks. And besides I am Zipi ... so put me two cups.
Date Of Update: 09 October 2021, 05:25
