In the morning, most people don’t even fully open their eyes until they take their first cup of coffee. However, only a few people know that the drink with a special taste has many positive properties beyond its invigorating effect.
Espresso, filter, long coffee… Our favorite drink accompanies us almost the whole day, from the moment we get out of bed – especially if it’s difficult… After all, the moderate consumption of coffee is recommended for all of us as “energizing”, invigorating, not to mention its other benefits .
In addition to its well-known high caffeine content, coffee also contains minerals and vitamins: potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc and copper, as well as members of the B vitamin group: B2-, B3-, B5-, B6- vitamin. It is also rich in antioxidant polyphenols. a cup of coffee contains 200-550 mg. According to studies, coffee is the main source of polyphenols (ahead of vegetables and fruits and tea), protects against diseases of old age, including cancer or degenerative nervous system, or from cardiovascular problems. It has also been established that a few cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of heart attacks thanks to its antioxidant effects, does not actually cause high blood pressure, prevents calcium deposits in the blood vessels, and thus reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
Performance enhancing effect
As a “psychoactive” agent, coffee stimulates attention and concentration, improves long-term memory, and improves motor skills. The normal dose of caffeine is 200-300 mg per day, but the amount also depends on the type of coffee you choose.
Excessive doses should be avoided because they predispose to rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), restlessness and irritability, and sleep disturbances. In addition, tea, energy drinks, etc. during the day must be taken into account. also the total amount of caffeine consumed in the form of
In addition, we do not react to coffee in the same way – the effect of caffeine lasts longer for some, and shorter for others.
The effect of coffee on weight loss and digestion
Most of us enjoy a cup of coffee after a meal. Caffeine stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, making it easier to digest the food we eat.
As for its effect on our figure, caffeine slightly increases thermogenesis. In this case, the body uses the calories taken in for increased heat production – it burns more fat as heat, so we lose weight. In addition to all this, caffeine also increases the flow of bile and the movement of the large intestine, which is why it has a mild laxative effect approx. by half an hour. For some people, one of the components of coffee causes heartburn, especially if it is consumed independently of a meal.
Physical fitness-enhancing and pain-relieving effect
Coffee also enhances physical performance, among other things in the case of fitness sports (walking, cycling…) and delays the onset of physical fatigue.
Caffeine also acts as a pain reliever, for example in the case of headaches that are so common. In addition, it enhances the effect of some painkillers by about 40%, so it is advisable to take them with coffee. In this way, we can also reduce the amount of medicine.
Coffee variations
Iced coffee
Mix a cup of filter coffee, ice cubes with maple syrup and a little vanilla extract. The delicious iced coffee is ready.
Coffee milkshake
Blend 1 cup of peanut milk, 1 cup of espresso, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream until frothy. Serve in a glass and consume immediately.
Coffee iced porridge (granita)
Dissolve 200 g of sugar in boiling water. Let it cool down. Add 30 cl of espresso coffee. Put it in the fridge for 3 hours, breaking it with a fork every 15-20 minutes, stirring it until it becomes a mush.
(Source: Galen)
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
