Assessing the Effects of Coffee and Its Constituents on Your Body
Coffee has established its popularity now more than ever and when taken in moderate amounts, it poses minimal risks to health for most people. It is one of the most consumed beverages besides water in the world. Most people take coffee to give them a jolt of energy to get through those hectic mornings or by people looking to work late into the night.
However, the effects coffee has on the body remain a mystery to some people and here you will be able to shine a light on the same.
Effects on the Brain
Most people drink coffee because of its role in boosting one’s mood, focus, and alertness. There are specific chemicals found in coffee that manage to pass through the blood-brain barrier after which they actively block adenosine activity as the neurotransmitter responsible for drowsiness.
Following consumption of coffee, dopamine transmission is increased in the body leading to elevated levels that increase one’s alertness and improve the mood. Acetylcholine levels also increase, which in turn enhances muscle activity. Coffee also boosts serotonin levels generating a feeling of relaxation while still making you feel energized.
Scientists are continually studying the possible long-term effects held by coffee on our brains including reduced chances of depression, protection against brain degeneration related to disease or age, and enhanced memory.
Effects on the Body
Even though most people take coffee due to its neurological influence, they also take it due to its properties that enhance other bodily functions.
Coffee enhances the rate of metabolism enhancing fat burning. The chemicals found in coffee can also boost physical strength and performance significantly.
The beverage has the most antioxidants compared to any other food or beverage globally and these compounds help to fight disease. It has been demonstrated to exhibit a protective influence on the liver while supporting healthy blood vessels.
Timeline of Coffee into the Body
- Caffeine found in coffee enters the bloodstream within the first 10 minutes of consumption resulting in an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure.
- 20 minutes in and the caffeine binds to adenosine from the brain thus boosting energy levels by diminishing fatigue. Dopamine increases giving you a feeling of focus and alertness
- After 30 minutes of consuming coffee, your adrenal glands begin producing more hormones so that the pupils dilate and vision is sharpened for a short duration
- 40 minutes in and the body’s serotonin levels increase thus improving Motoneuron functioning leading to better coordination and muscle strength
- Cellular metabolism is increased after 4 hours initiating accelerated burning of energy. The body begins using up its stored fats at this stage and acid levels increase within the stomach
- After 6 hours caffeine’s diuretic effect prompts one to urinate and expel approximately half of the consumed caffeine
The properties of the coffee bean offer most of these benefits mentioned. Products with caffeine, energy shots or energy drinks on the market are usually filled with preservatives, unnatural chemicals, and sugar while this does not apply to bottled or canned coffee. The recommended amount of caffeine intake is 400 milligrams daily or less which equates to about 4 cups.
You should also make sure you take a healthy diet and lots of water to supplement coffee intake to alleviate the negative side effects of coffee such as heartburn, crashing out, or caffeine jitters.
