Coffee's double edge: Benefits and risks you must know

Often, you start your day with coffee and then drink it at work, after lunch, or at a meeting with a friend. You, indeed, end up with several cups a day. This beverage has a beautiful taste and stimulating properties. However, there are times when it can be harmful, especially if you overdo it. Do you know when to say stop?

For years, doctors have been convincing us that coffee has many benefits. However, as always, there's a catch. You need to be mindful of its quantity and pay attention to your body's signals. It indicates when it has had enough caffeine.

Caffeine stimulates and energises. Thanks to it, you are motivated to act, your brain functions better, and it positively affects the cerebral cortex. This is why fatigue and drowsiness "magically" disappear. Recent studies have proven that caffeine supports the gut microbiome in lowering the risk of certain illnesses, including type 2 diabetes. However, this compound also has its drawbacks. Caffeine is not suitable for people with sensitive digestive systems, as it often causes nausea and diarrhoea. And too much coffee can harm anyone.

Too much coffee? You'll quickly notice because these symptoms are hard to ignore. They include nervousness, hand tremors, sleep disturbances, and rapid changes in heart rhythm. When you overdo this beverage, you expose your heart to extra stress, which can increase blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

A large amount of caffeine is also not beneficial for the digestive system. It can cause gastro-oesophageal reflux, stomach lining irritation, and exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. It also doesn’t have a good effect on the nervous system, provoking feelings of anxiety, irritability, and difficulty falling asleep.

Pay attention to:

• heart palpitations,
• feelings of anxiety,
• headaches,
• trouble falling asleep,
• increasing stomach problems.

It is also important to remember that everyone metabolises caffeine differently. Large doses are not harmful for some; for others, even small amounts can cause unpleasant side effects. However, it is always worth keeping this in check. Doctors say you should not drink over four to five cups of coffee or strong tea. The maximum daily dose an adult can consume is 400 mg of caffeine. For pregnant women, this value is halved.