Coffee is one of the most familiar drinks in the world. Many people drink it in the morning to shake off sleepiness. How does it work, and how does it help us wake up? Let me explain.
Coffee is enriched with caffeine and various other chemicals. Caffeine, a phytochemical, comes from plants and acts as a natural insecticide. It is present in about 30 different plants. Despite being an insecticide, caffeine helps prevent many health issues. Fermented coffee means that the beans have interacted with microbes during processing.
Caffeine inhibits a compound called adenosine, which normally helps us go to sleep by making us feel tired. By blocking adenosine, caffeine helps you wake up and stay alert. It can enhance mental acuity, improve focus, and speed up metabolism. Additionally, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, especially when consumed with butter or ghee instead of sugar.
Drinking coffee can also lower your risk of developing dementia and reduce symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It has properties that can decrease the risk of gallstones by increasing bile production and flow, and it can help prevent kidney stones. Coffee has anti-cancer properties and anti-inflammatory effects. The polyphenols in coffee feed your microbiome, promoting gut health.
Moreover, coffee helps with postural hypotension, a condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. It can enhance exercise performance by increasing cardiac output and delaying muscle soreness through vasodilation of the lungs. Coffee can also alleviate symptoms of high altitude sickness and increase mitochondrial efficiency. Additionally, coffee stimulates stomach acid production, aiding digestion.
While coffee is very beneficial for our health, it is important not to consume too much. One cup a day is generally sufficient.