Thursday, October 28, 2010

reasons to quit coffee drinking habit

While the list of health benefits of coffee seems pretty impressive, there are some adverse effects of this drink as well that you should be aware of.

Adverse Health Effects of Coffee


* Addictive – Those who drink coffee regularly know how addictive it can be. Most people feel extremely weak and lethargic if they do not get their daily dose of coffee. Quitting coffee can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and depression.

* Weight Gain – Apart from the rich layer of cream and sugar that is added to your java, there are other reasons why coffee can lead to weight gain. Caffeine stimulates the production of stress hormones in the body, which stimulates appetite and craving for high-calorie foods. Although caffeine is known to assist with short-term weight loss, in the longer run heavy consumption is more likely to lead to weight gain.

* Anxiety – As mentioned earlier, caffeine can over-stimulate the central nervous system causing anxiety and jitters. Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee each day can exhaust the adrenal glands, decrease resistance to stress and make you more susceptible to diseases.

* Heartburn – Coffee is known to trigger the secretion of stomach acids, resulting in bouts of indigestion and heartburn. In people with a history of stomach problems, even decaffeinated coffee can lead to heartburn.

* Hypoglycemia – Caffeine is known to trigger a release of glycogen by the liver, causing an imbalance in blood sugar levels. This condition also known as Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can lead to weakness, sweating, nervousness and heart palpitations.

* Fertility – Excessive consumption of Caffeine is responsible for a variety of fertility problems including infertility. It has even been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Numerous studies have revealed that caffeine consumption by pregnant women can lead to low birth weight.

* Osteoporosis – Excessive intake of coffee interferes with the proper absorption of nutrients and minerals by the bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. A study done on post-menopausal women found that drinking 4 or more cups of coffee per day could lead to decreased bone density. However adding extra milk to your latte is one way to prevent weakening of bones.

* Dehydration – Coffee is a potent diuretic and having it in excess can lead to dehydration. A lot of people who have more than 5-6 cups of coffee per day complain of dehydration and other associated health disorders. Dehydration also dries out the skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and stretch marks.

Though not entirely harmful, coffee is not innocent either and you should be aware of the health effects of this drink. Never rape your own body health ever again, try water instead.

No comments: