Coffee is one of the oldest and most prominent beverages in the world. It has origins dating back to the 5th century, in the Kefa (Kaffa) region in Ethiopia. Over time, the coffee beans and their effects grew in popularity, and by the 15th century, they became a trading good.

Although its history is quite impressive, we’ve seen some debate develop about the health benefits and drawbacks of coffee. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of drinking coffee regularly and why moderation is the most common recommendation by experts.

Health Benefits of Coffee

You would be hard-pressed to find a single person who does not drink coffee at all. Whether you drink it as a part of your daily routine, when you’re out with friends, or after a good meal, coffee is a staple of daily life. With that said, you should know exactly what the health benefits of regularly drinking coffee are.

• Healthy skin — Coffee has been known to reduce your skin’s puffiness and even exfoliate it. If you add collagen to your daily coffee, you will get even healthier skin.
• Lower risk of heart disease — Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease or heart failure.
• Better liver function — Coffee, regular and decaf alike, seems to act as a liver enzyme regulator, maintaining the enzyme levels in the normal range.
• Lower risk of colon cancer — Regular coffee drinkers are 26% less likely to develop colorectal cancer than non-drinkers.
• Lower odds of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s — Drinking two to three coffee cups a day lowers your odds of developing dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Health Drawbacks of Coffee

While coffee does have quite a few perks, we also encountered certain health drawbacks you should be aware of. Although these drawbacks may seem frightening at first glance, in our experience, they occur primarily because of overconsumption. Here are the main cons of drinking coffee:

• Insomnia — Drinking too much coffee in a day may lead to the disruption of your circadian rhythm. With it, you might find yourself experiencing insomnia.
• Digestive issues — Coffee has a laxative effect, which can be quite helpful, especially in the mornings. Of course, overconsumption of coffee can cause diarrhea.
• Dehydration — Because coffee is a diuretic, it increases your urinary output. This can certainly reduce your skin’s puffiness, but it can lead to dehydration if you don’t consume enough water.
• Anxiety — Coffee makes you more alert by blocking adenosine, the hormone that makes you tired, and releasing adrenaline. While this can make you more focused and productive, it can also put you in a state of fight-or-flight. This, in turn, can cause anxiety.
• Addiction — Drinking high doses of caffeine regularly over a longer period can make your body dependent on its effects. It may not be a typical addiction, like drug or alcohol addiction, but it can be quite harmful and difficult to overcome.

What’s In a Sip: Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Coffee

Drinking coffee is one of the most common rituals across the globe. Whether you are on your work break, visiting family for the holidays, or out with friends, coffee is likely to make an appearance. That being said, you should always weigh the health benefits and drawbacks of coffee before drinking. Our recommendation is to always drink it in moderation!