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What is coffee? -

Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit known as a coffee cherry, which grows on coffee trees from a genus of plants called Coffea.

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Type of coffee plants - There is a wide range of coffee plant species including shrubs and trees.

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Types of beans -

There are two main types of coffee species, Arabica and Robusta. Arabica comes from Ethiopia and is mild yet flavorful, while the Robusta can survive in a wider range of temperatures and is grown in more locations. 

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Types of roast - Believe it or not, coffee beans start off green and only turn brown after they are roasted at a high heat. The heat produces chemical changes and releases the excellent aroma and flavor typically associated with coffee.

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Type of grind - Medium grind is the most common, and if you want a deeper flavor, such as with espresso, you should use a finer grind.

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New study -

A recent study published in the Journal of Nature Microbiology says that coffee helps support the gut microbiome.

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Results broken down - The study says that those who consume coffee on a regular basis have higher levels of Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, a microbe that supports the heart and brain.

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How was the study conducted? -

The study looked at 23,115 participants from both the US and the UK.

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More information - The participants had their gut flora analyzed via metagenomics. This technique can garner insights about your gut microbiome composition based on sequences of the genetic content found in stool samples.

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Pros of coffee consumption: stimulates the gut - Coffee helps stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid, which aids in digestion.

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Promotes bowel movements -

Coffee can help relieve constipation and reduce strain on the colon by prompting bowel movements.

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Dietary fiber -

Coffee has dietary fiber in it that acts as a prebiotic and feeds on gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. 

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Polyphenols -

There are polyphenols or compounds that can act as antioxidants in coffee. These can form a barrier and help promote good bacteria. 

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Relaxes the stomach -

Within coffee, you’ll find antioxidants like chlorogenic acid that can help protect the gut lining and ultimately aid in minimizing inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

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pH levels in the stomach -

Coffee can help lower pH levels in the stomach, which in turn can help reduce the acid reflux common with conditions like gastritis.

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Important note -

It’s important to balance your diet because otherwise, coffee’s pH level can actually cause acid reflux.

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Protects your heart and brain -

In moderation, coffee can help your heart and brain. It’s rich in compounds that may help prevent certain conditions.

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Compounds - These compounds help prevent diseases that are more commonly found in women, such as Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

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Parkinson’s disease - Coffee can help you reduce your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease as well as manage some of its symptoms if you already have it.

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Good for your liver -

Coffee, whether regular or decaf, can help protect your liver. Studies have shown that individuals who consume coffee have a healthy range of liver enzymes when compared to people who don’t.

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Cons of coffee consumption: increase in blood pressure -

If you're drinking too much coffee, on the other hand, there can be negative side effects, one of which is an increase in blood pressure. If your blood pressure is too high it can lead to both short and long-term problems. 

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Headache -

The caffeine in coffee causes the blood vessels around the brain to narrow and can subsequently result in a headache. 

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Nervousness -

Consuming caffeinated beverages like coffee will stimulate the central nervous system and can cause the body to produce and release adrenaline, which can make you feel anxious or nervous.

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Restlessness -

Coffee is a stimulant to your central nervous system and can leave you feeling restless, especially at night when you're trying to rest.

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Dizziness -

The caffeine in coffee causes a diuretic effect and can lead to dehydration. Once dehydration happens, a slew of other symptoms can also happen. These secondary symptoms can include things like dizziness or vertigo.

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Heartburn -

Caffeine can actually relax the esophageal sphincter which can then cause acid reflux. It can also increase the acid that is released in your stomach which in turn can cause more acid reflux to occur.

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Muscle tremors (feeling shaky) -

Coffee and the caffeine it contains block adenosine, a chemical promoting relaxation. This can lead to an overactive nervous system causing the sensation of shaking.

Sources: (Healthline) (Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health) (MedicineNet) (Times of India) (National Library of Medicine) 

See also: The secrets to perfect coffee: brewing techniques you need to know

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