Coffee is one beverage that is blessed with an abundance of bioactive compounds and is in fact, the greatest antioxidant source for hundreds of people.
Another interesting fact is that regular coffee drinkers have been shown to have a lower risk of serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, neurological disorders, and liver diseases.
It is however easy for one to wonder how much of it is too much and what risks are at the end line of its excessive intake.
In a cup of coffee, you are likely to get about 50mg to 400mg of caffeine. Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that is present in coffee and it is largely consumed by a considerable amount of the world’s population.
Due to the caffeine content in coffee, excessive intake can result in various brain and digestive system relating symptoms. The symptoms include restlessness, dizziness, stomach upset, insomnia, irritability, fast heartbeat, anxiety, and tremors which is different for individuals.
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Individual genes can affect the way we respond to this stimulant; the sensitivity varies from person to person. The genes affect how caffeine is broken down by enzymes in the liver as well as how brain receptors react.
Note that some people might have no side effects or symptoms after taking too much coffee while others may experience symptoms like lack of sleep and increased anxiety. People with panic disorders, anxiety, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc, are less likely to be able to tolerate caffeine and should steer clear of it.
Coffee consumption, as was stated earlier, is said to be associated with the reduced risk of several life-threatening diseases. Talking about the likes of Alzheimer’s disease, depression, cancer of the liver, liver cirrhosis, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. The optimal and more effective results were seen around 4-5 cups daily.
Pregnant women should minimize their caffeine intake to avoid birth complications.
If you enjoy coffee regularly without any side effects and a daily intake of 4-5 cups can be tolerated, you have no reason to stop drinking it but if otherwise, it is advised that you lower your intake or totally avoid it.