Khaberni - After Britain was historically known as the «tea nation», a recent study conducted in 2023 revealed that coffee has become the favorite drink of the British, with 63% of the population regularly drinking it, compared to only 59% for tea.
Hardly a month goes by without a new scientific study confirming that this increasing popularity of coffee may have real health benefits, from improving mood to reducing the risks of heart disease and diabetes.
Coffee and mood.. a happier morning
According to the Daily Mail, one of the latest studies showed that coffee drinkers feel happier during the first two and a half hours of the day compared to those who do not drink it.
Scientists attribute this to the effect of caffeine in disrupting the absorption of «adenosine», responsible for feelings of drowsiness, leading to an increase in «dopamine» secretion, a neurotransmitter associated with good mood and attention.
Professor Anu Realo, head of the Research Group for Well-being, Culture, and Personality at Warwick University, explains that this improvement may also be due to the disappearance of mild withdrawal symptoms after morning coffee intake, which provides an immediate feeling of comfort and energy.
Scientifically proven health benefits
Large-scale studies suggest that drinking coffee is associated with a reduced risk of several diseases, including type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. It is believed that this is due to its content of powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
In November last year, the American Heart Association published a study indicating that a single cup of coffee a day may reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of atrial fibrillation in those who have previously suffered from it by 39%.
Not all coffee beans are alike
Professor Christopher Hendon, a chemistry professor at the University of Oregon and one of the leading coffee experts, clarifies that the world consumes two main types of beans, robusta: high in caffeine and more acidic, mostly used in instant coffee but may cause gastric irritation for some people, Arabica: represents 70% of the global market, less caffeine and gentler on the stomach, and contains compounds beneficial for the liver and brain.
Coffee and teeth.. which is worse?
Despite its reputation for staining teeth, recent research has shown that an increase in chlorogenic acid in coffee means greater pigmentation. Also, hot coffee causes more staining than iced coffee, while adding milk reduces the effect thanks to its proteins that prevent the pigments from adhering to the enamel.
How many cups per day?
Researchers agree that 3 to 4 cups daily is the ideal amount for health, equivalent to 400 mg of caffeine, the maximum recommended in Europe. Exceeding this amount may lead to insomnia, anxiety, increased heart rate, and digestive disturbances.
Interestingly, despite its strong flavor, espresso contains less caffeine than filtered coffee, allowing for a higher number of smaller cups compared to larger ones.
Does coffee truly enhance intelligence?
Some experts warn against exaggerating the consideration of coffee as a «super brain booster». Professor Peter Rogers from the University of Bristol believes that coffee helps with alertness but does not necessarily improve mental performance and may lead to anxiety and high blood pressure in some people, weakening concentration.
Is instant coffee a healthy choice?
Instant coffee has undergone «health beautification» attempts by adding plant-based ingredients such as mushrooms and ashwagandha. However, some experts doubt the usefulness of these additions, asserting that consuming these supplements alone might be more effective than adding them to coffee.
The importance of the ritual
Professor Realo asserts that the ritual of drinking coffee itself plays an important role in mood improvement, even before the first sip. The aroma, anticipation, and sensory pleasure constitute a psychological experience that is no less significant than the caffeine itself.
Water and bean grinding
Experts emphasize that the type of water used strongly affects the taste of coffee, and it is advised to store beans in the freezer after grinding them to preserve their flavor and ensure better extraction.
