In addition to having benefits, black coffee actually has side effects for the health of the body, especially if consumed in excess. Then, what are the benefits and side effects of consuming black coffee? Check out the following explanation.
For some people, consuming a cup of coffee in the morning has become a routine every day. Black coffee is widely chosen because of its distinctive taste and stimulant effect that can make people feel energized and excited to be active.
Although it has health benefits, this drink also has side effects. Not a few people who complain of heart palpitations or difficulty sleeping after drinking black coffee, especially if the amount of coffee they drink is too much. In addition, in some people, black coffee can also cause bloating and pain in the pit of the stomach.
Benefits of Consuming Black Coffee
Many studies have been conducted to determine the health benefits of black coffee. The following are the various benefits of black coffee that you need to know:
1. Prevent depression
A study found that black coffee contains antidepressants that can prevent depression. In addition, people who regularly consume black coffee are also more likely to avoid the risk of suicide due to depression.
2. Improve memory
Besides making you more alert, the caffeine in coffee can improve your memory. Research has found that caffeine can improve the brain's ability to store long-term memories.
3. Prevents decreased brain function
Consuming black coffee is also able to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
Several studies have found a link between long-term caffeine consumption and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This is supported by the results of other studies which reveal that caffeine consumption can slow down the process of decreasing brain function due to aging.
4. Lose weight
Caffeine contained in black coffee can stimulate the body's metabolism so that it will help the fat burning process. In addition to increasing fat burning, black coffee can also help the weight loss process by reducing appetite.
5. Prevent type 2 diabetes
Another benefit of consuming black coffee is that it reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The reason is that the caffeine contained in coffee can increase the body's sensitivity to insulin.
Not only that, the caffeine content in coffee can also reduce the risk of heart disease. The reduced risk of these two diseases is related to the chlorogenic acid content in caffeine.
Side Effects of Consuming Black Coffee
If consumed within reasonable limits, black coffee can indeed provide many health benefits. However, if consumed in excess, black coffee can actually cause various side effects that interfere with health.
Here are some side effects that can arise from consuming black coffee in excess:
1. Difficulty sleeping
If consumed in excess, black coffee can cause you to have trouble sleeping. Lack of sleep will reduce your alertness and performance during the day. Therefore, limit your intake of black coffee so as not to interfere with your rest time at night.
2. Restless
Feelings of anxiety or anxiety can also arise when you consume black coffee in excess. The reason is, the caffeine contained in coffee can block the release of hormones adenosine (fatigue hormone) in the brain, making it difficult for you to feel calm and rest.
3. Stomach pain
Black coffee has a laxative effect and stimulates the release of stomach acid, so when consumed in excess, it can cause stomach upset. In addition, consuming black coffee in excess can also worsen the condition of acid reflux disease (GERD), which will cause complaints in the form of heartburn.
4. Heart pounding
Another side effect that can arise from consuming too much black coffee is heart palpitations. The caffeine in black coffee will stimulate the heart to beat faster. To prevent this, you need to limit the consumption of black coffee.
In general, the safe limit for coffee consumption for adult men and women is 4 cups per day, with a caffeine content of about 400 mg. Meanwhile, for pregnant women, the safe limit for coffee consumption is only 2 cups per day, with caffeine content not exceeding 200 mg.
To take advantage and avoid the side effects of black coffee consumption, you are advised to consume it in reasonable limits. However, if you have special health conditions, you should first consult your doctor to find out the limits on consuming black coffee according to your condition.