Coffee: Healthy Elixir or Hidden Hazard? You Decide

Caffeine: An addictive substance belonging to the same alkaloid group as morphine and cocaine. Even drinking just one cup of coffee a day can lead to addiction. The proof is in the withdrawal symptoms that appear in those trying to quit drinking coffee (headaches, weakness, drowsiness, depression or restlessness, lack of concentration, and flu-like symptoms). These withdrawal symptoms can last for several days, peaking in the first few days. Caffeine is found in tea, soft drinks, cocoa products (including chocolate and cocoa drinks), various weight loss products, and different medications (including certain types of headache pills).

Frequent stimulation from drinking coffee can lead to organ exhaustion. Advocates, backed by scientific research, insist on the benefits of coffee. While coffee contains many elements that can be beneficial to the body (including antioxidants, which are also found in fruits and vegetables), the ultimate result of drinking coffee is laid out here before you.

Fluid loss: Coffee increases the acidity in the body, and due to its components and acids, the body works hard to excrete them by increasing visits to the bathroom. This means extra burden on the kidneys, primarily resulting in water loss, which is vital for all cells. Dehydration in tissues and migraines can sometimes be caused by this.

Mineral and vitamin depletion: Coffee reduces the body's supply of calcium and iron, which may affect the delivery of these essential nutrients to important tissues in our bodies. For example, magnesium deficiency can raise the risk of various problems in the heart and blood system, fatigue, metabolism disruptions, muscle cramps and/or spasms. Coffee increases body fluid acidity, forcing the body to use essential minerals (mainly calcium) from its reserves to neutralize the acidity. The oxalic acid in coffee (and also in tea) binds with calcium salts, disrupting their absorption in the intestines. Therefore, high consumption of coffee or tea can lead to kidney stones. Coffee (more so than tea) contains tannic acid, which hinders iron absorption through the intestines—anemics, take heed!

Heavy coffee drinkers may experience a vitamin B-1 (thiamine) deficiency. Symptoms of this deficiency can range from weakness, nervousness, discomfort, mild nausea, depression, various pains, and headaches. Coffee may impair the activity of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid. This can lead to increased cholesterol and homocysteine levels in the blood, raising the risk of heart diseases.

Coffee and sleep problems: As a stimulant (a substance that awakens and energizes), coffee exacerbates issues for those suffering from anxiety and insomnia. About 12 hours after caffeine intake, approximately 1/8 of the original caffeine consumed still remains in the body.

Cancer-causing substances in coffee: At the high temperatures used to roast coffee beans for an enhanced aroma, the fats in coffee deteriorate and oxidize. These fats have toxic effects and may also have carcinogenic effects on human tissues. Acrylamide, a carcinogenic substance causing mutations and harming the nervous system, is formed, along with other materials that impede blood flow in capillaries throughout the body. Coffee naturally contains nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens and are also found in many cosmetic products, pre-cut lettuce, chopped cabbage, and more.

Coffee and diabetes: Caffeine decreases the body's sensitivity to insulin, meaning it somewhat impairs the body's ability to properly manage blood sugar levels. This can lead to the development of diabetes.

Coffee and blood pressure: Caffeine causes an increase in blood pressure, a rise (up to fivefold) in free fatty acids in the blood, and an increase in the stress hormone epinephrine. Heavy coffee drinking can lead to heart palpitations and irritability. Caffeine is one of the factors that can cause heart rhythm disturbances. Caffeine reduces arterial elasticity. Drinking a single cup of coffee is enough to cause some hardening of the arterial walls for several hours. This is one reason why drinking coffee leads to increased blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease.

Coffee and intraocular pressure: Caffeine can cause an increase in intraocular pressure. Therefore, people suffering from glaucoma should avoid drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks.

Coffee and mental stress: The rise in stress hormones released into the blood leads to a series of actions and effects that can accumulate damage to the body if the stress hormone levels remain elevated for prolonged periods.

Coffee and chronic illnesses: Drinking coffee increases the risk of having a stroke and developing rheumatoid arthritis. According to a study conducted in Finland, people who drink more than four cups of coffee a day double their chances of developing arthritis.

For those who "must" drink coffee: Opt for organic coffee free of harmful pesticides, and consider a barley drink (delicious with soy milk).

For home group bookings with the naturopathic expert Ruth Liat Pelz (at no cost), call 073-2221290