Coffee
Coffee
Coffee is a beverage that is enjoyed throughout the world due to its distinctive aroma and flavor. The health benefits of Coffee are due to the presence of caffeine, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. Coffee is commonly used as a CNS stimulant beverage. It also helps in the management of gout, swelling, Parkinson's disease and liver disease. Excess consumption of Coffee might cause insomnia, restlessness and anxiety[1][3].
What are the synonyms of Coffee?
Coffea arabica, Kappi, Cilapakam, Cafee, Kaphe, Bannu, Kapibija, Bund, Bunddana, Kappivittalu, Rajpilu
What is the source of Coffee?
Plant Based
Benefits of Coffee
Modern Science View
Gout is a form of arthritis caused due to build up of uric acid in the body. Coffee can be useful in managing gout as it inhibits xanthine oxidase enzyme. This reduces the production of uric acid[2][6].
Ayurvedic View
Gout is a painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and deposition of uric acid in the joints. Coffee might help reduce the risk of Gout.
In Ayurveda, gout is known as Vatarakt, as the main dosha involved is Vata and it affects Rakt (blood). Taking Coffee in small amount helps to reduce the level of uric acid due to its Deepan (appetizer) property, thus preventing gout.
Tip
You can drink 1-2 cup of brewed Coffee in a day to reduce the risk of gout.
In Ayurveda, gout is known as Vatarakt, as the main dosha involved is Vata and it affects Rakt (blood). Taking Coffee in small amount helps to reduce the level of uric acid due to its Deepan (appetizer) property, thus preventing gout.
Tip
You can drink 1-2 cup of brewed Coffee in a day to reduce the risk of gout.
Modern Science View
Coffee does not seem to be useful in managing breast cancer. Infact, consumption of high quantity of Coffee has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer[2][9][10].
Modern Science View
There isn’t much scientific evidence showing the association between Coffee and lung cancer. Although, increased level of Coffee intake seems to elevate the risk of small cell carcinoma
(a type of cancer that originates in the lungs)[2][7][8].
(a type of cancer that originates in the lungs)[2][7][8].
How effective is Coffee?
Likely ineffective
Breast cancer
Insufficient evidence
Gout, Lung cancer
Precautions when using Coffee
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Coffee might increase your blood pressure level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure while taking Coffee[2].
2. Avoid Coffee if you have anxiety[2].
3. Avoid Coffee if you have diarrhoea[2].
4. Avoid Coffee if you have glaucoma[2].
5. Avoid Coffee if you have osteoporosis or postmenopausal syndrome as it may lead to thinning of bones[2].
2. Avoid Coffee if you have anxiety[2].
3. Avoid Coffee if you have diarrhoea[2].
4. Avoid Coffee if you have glaucoma[2].
5. Avoid Coffee if you have osteoporosis or postmenopausal syndrome as it may lead to thinning of bones[2].
Breastfeeding
Important
Modern Science View
Drinking 1 or 2 of cups of Coffee per day seems to be safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. But caffeine in larger amounts can irritate a nursing infant’s digestive tract and also cause sleep problems. Consult your doctor before taking Coffee during breastfeeding[2].
Minor Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Coffee may decrease the absorption of birth control pills . So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with birth control pills[2].
2. Coffee may decrease the absorption of anti ulcer drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with anti-ulcer drugs[2].
3. Coffee may decrease the absorption of antifungal drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with antifungal drugs[2].
4. Coffee may decrease the absorption of antiarrhythmic drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with antiarrhythmic drugs [2].
2. Coffee may decrease the absorption of anti ulcer drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with anti-ulcer drugs[2].
3. Coffee may decrease the absorption of antifungal drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with antifungal drugs[2].
4. Coffee may decrease the absorption of antiarrhythmic drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with antiarrhythmic drugs [2].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Coffee may interact with alcohol. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with alcohol.
2. Coffee may increase the effect of CNS stimulant drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with CNS stimulant drugs.
3. Coffee may decrease the effect of antibiotic. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with antibiotic.
4. Coffee may decrease the effect of sedatives. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with sedatives.
5. Coffee may decrease the effect of Estrogen. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with Estrogen.
6. Coffee may decrease the effect of antidepressant medicines. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with antidepressant medicines.
7. Coffee may increase the effect of anticoagulants. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with anticoagulants medicines.
8. Coffee may increase the effect of anti allergic drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with anti allergic drugs.
9. Coffee may decrease the effect of calcium channel blockers. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with calcium channel blockers[2].
2. Coffee may increase the effect of CNS stimulant drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with CNS stimulant drugs.
3. Coffee may decrease the effect of antibiotic. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with antibiotic.
4. Coffee may decrease the effect of sedatives. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with sedatives.
5. Coffee may decrease the effect of Estrogen. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with Estrogen.
6. Coffee may decrease the effect of antidepressant medicines. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with antidepressant medicines.
7. Coffee may increase the effect of anticoagulants. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with anticoagulants medicines.
8. Coffee may increase the effect of anti allergic drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with anti allergic drugs.
9. Coffee may decrease the effect of calcium channel blockers. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Coffee with calcium channel blockers[2].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Coffee may alter the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Coffee with antidiabetic drugs[2].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
It is generally advised to consume filter Coffee as the unfiltered Coffee may lead to increase in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides[2].
Pregnancy
Important
Modern Science View
Coffee is probably safe for pregnant women in amounts of 2 cups per day or less. However, drinking more than this amount has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Coffee during pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Insomnia
2. Nervousness
3. Restlessness
4. Stomach upset
5. Nausea
6. Vomiting
7. Anxiety
8. Agitation[2]
2. Nervousness
3. Restlessness
4. Stomach upset
5. Nausea
6. Vomiting
7. Anxiety
8. Agitation[2]
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, Coffee has Vata and Pitta increasing, and Kapha reducing properties. If your body type is Vata or Pitta, taking excess Coffee can cause an imbalance of both the doshas. The symptoms might be restlessness, anxiety, nausea, stomach upset and vomiting.
How to use Coffee
1. Coffee Beans
a. Roast the Coffee beans in the Ghee.
b. Crush them and add to a glass of lukewarm milk.
c. Drink 1-2 times a day as its acts a CNS Stimulant.
2. Coffee Powder
a. Take 1-2 cups of milk in a saucepan.
b. Bring it to a boil.
c. Add Coffee and sugar to it as per your taste.
d. Simmer on low flame.
e. Transfer to a cup and drink.
a. Roast the Coffee beans in the Ghee.
b. Crush them and add to a glass of lukewarm milk.
c. Drink 1-2 times a day as its acts a CNS Stimulant.
2. Coffee Powder
a. Take 1-2 cups of milk in a saucepan.
b. Bring it to a boil.
c. Add Coffee and sugar to it as per your taste.
d. Simmer on low flame.
e. Transfer to a cup and drink.
Benefits of Coffee
FAQs about Coffee benefits
1. Sunburn
Sunburn is due to increase in Pitta dosha under continuous exposure of sun. This leads to decrease in the Rasa dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which enhances complexion and adds a glow to the skin. Applying Coffee powder helps to reduce sunburn and restore original skin complexion due to its Ropan (healing) nature. Add honey for better moisturization and for a youthful skin.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Coffee grounds and mix with 1-2 teaspoons of ground oats.
b. Add 2 -3 teaspoons of honey and apply to the face.
c. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
d. Repeat twice a week to get spotless and a glowing skin.
2. Acne
According to Ayurveda, acne is due to an aggravation of Kapha. This leads to an increase in sebum production that clogs the pores leading to acne. Coffee powder has Kapha balancing property and helps control acne.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Coffee powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Gently massage all over the face and neck for 4-5 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of blackheads and acne.
Sunburn is due to increase in Pitta dosha under continuous exposure of sun. This leads to decrease in the Rasa dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which enhances complexion and adds a glow to the skin. Applying Coffee powder helps to reduce sunburn and restore original skin complexion due to its Ropan (healing) nature. Add honey for better moisturization and for a youthful skin.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Coffee grounds and mix with 1-2 teaspoons of ground oats.
b. Add 2 -3 teaspoons of honey and apply to the face.
c. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
d. Repeat twice a week to get spotless and a glowing skin.
2. Acne
According to Ayurveda, acne is due to an aggravation of Kapha. This leads to an increase in sebum production that clogs the pores leading to acne. Coffee powder has Kapha balancing property and helps control acne.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Coffee powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Gently massage all over the face and neck for 4-5 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of blackheads and acne.
Precautions when using Coffee
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Coffee powder should be used with rose water when applied on the skin if your skin is hypersensitive because it has Ushna (hot) nature.
Recommended Dosage of Coffee
- Coffee Beans - 2-5 Coffee beans or as per your requirement.
- Coffee Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Coffee
1. Coffee Beans Scrub
a. Take 2-3 roasted Coffee beans.
b. Crush them and add honey to it.
c. Gently massage all over the face and neck for 4-5 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of blackheads and acne.
2. Coffee Face pack
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Coffee powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply it evenly all over the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for glowing and rejuvenated skin.
a. Take 2-3 roasted Coffee beans.
b. Crush them and add honey to it.
c. Gently massage all over the face and neck for 4-5 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of blackheads and acne.
2. Coffee Face pack
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Coffee powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply it evenly all over the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for glowing and rejuvenated skin.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The best time of the day to drink Coffee is 10 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5 pm. It is advisable to avoid Coffee before going to bed to avoid symptoms of insomnia.
Ayurvedic View
The best time of day to drink coffee is in the morning as our Kapha dosha makes us feel a little sluggish. Coffee has stimulating properties that can counterbalance the sluggishness by stimulating the mind and Agni (digestive fire).
Modern Science View
Coffee is a rich source of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, sugar, tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, minerals such as calcium, sodium, iron, manganese, sulphate and zinc. These are the constituents that impart a distinctive aroma and benefits to Coffee[3].
Ayurvedic View
Coffee can loosen stools by increasing contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the food pipe. This leaves less time for the colon to reabsorb water from the fecal matter to produce well-formed stools. The artificial sweeteners in Coffee can also cause bloating, gas and diarrhea.
Ayurvedic View
Coffee increases gallbladder contraction due to its Vata and Pitta aggravating nature. It may prevent accumulation of small crystals to become large gallstones which may cause pain.
Modern Science View
Coffee contains caffeine and other polyphenols. They constrict the blood vessels leading to increase in blood pressure. So it is advisable not to drink Coffee in excess amount[16].
Modern Science View
Yes, Coffee can be useful in managing weight. It contains caffeine, chlorogenic acid and quinides. These compounds improves fat and lipid breakdown, thus aiding in weight management[15].
Modern Science View
Coffee might help improve your physical stamina. Caffeine present in Coffee acts on the central nervous system. It stimulates chemicals like adenosine and dopamine to interact in the brain and enhance motor skills. Coffee stimulates these chemicals to increase vigour and attention and thus reduce the feeling of tiredness[17].
Modern Science View
Coffee contains caffeine that acts on the central nervous system. This increases motor skills, persistence and thus work output. Coffee also increases the level of chemical called dopamine in blood. This elevates the level of attention[17].
Modern Science View
Black coffee has numerous health benefits. Caffeine present in the Coffee might help in managing stress, depression, low blood pressure, drowsiness and makes you active due to its brain stimulatory effects. Black coffee being a natural diuretic removes excess water from the body and relieves bloating and swelling. It also helps improve metabolism and promotes weight loss. Furthermore, black coffee might also help in the management of diabetes, complications related to liver and Alzheimer's disease[20][21].
Modern Science View
Excessive consumption of Coffee might increase cholesterol levels and blood pressure due to the presence of caffeine. It has the potential to cross human placenta and harm the developing baby. Moreover, a pregnant woman consuming more than 300 mg of caffeine/day (3-4 cups of coffee/day) might even suffer a miscarriage.
Consumption of Coffee in children should not be more than 2.5mg/kg body weight/day due to risk of anxiety, insomnia and even heartburn[4][21-23].
Consumption of Coffee in children should not be more than 2.5mg/kg body weight/day due to risk of anxiety, insomnia and even heartburn[4][21-23].
Modern Science View
Certain compounds extracted from coffee might help in reducing skin complications like acne, swelling, pigmentation etc. due to its antifungal and antibacterial property. It is also rich in antioxidants which might help prevent premature aging of the skin. Nowadays, various extracts of Coffee are been used extensively in the cosmetic industry[24][25].
Modern Science View
Yes, Coffee being a brain stimulant has positive effects on the brain. It might help to improve mood, increase wakefulness, memory and concentration power. Moderate consumption of Coffee might also help manage psychological disorders such as depression[26][27].
Modern Science View
Yes, Coffee might help manage depression due to the presence of caffeine that acts as a brain stimulant and has positive effects on the brain. It might help to improve mood, manage depression and other mood disorders when consumed daily in a moderate amount[26].
Modern Science View
From the scientific evidence, it is still unclear if Coffee affects the heart in a positive or negative way.
Consult a doctor before taking any Coffee supplement if you are suffering from any heart condition[29][30].
Consult a doctor before taking any Coffee supplement if you are suffering from any heart condition[29][30].
Ayurvedic View
Coffee has Ushna (hot) nature and may cause rashes if someone has hypersensitive skin.
Modern Science View
Coffee bean extract is rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds. They increase collagen production and speed up wound healing. Spent ground Coffee also protects the skin against UVB radiation[18][19].
Modern Science View
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, polyphenolic acids and caffeine. They reduce collagen destruction and promote collagen formation. Thus, Coffee may offer anti-aging property to skin and give younger looking skin[18].
References
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- WebMD.Coffee: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Zain MZM, Shori AB, Baba AS.Composition and Health Properties of Coffee Bean.EJCBS.2017; 3(5): 97-100.
- Higdon JV, Frei B. Coffee and health: A review of recent human research.Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.2006;46(2):101-123.
- Heckman MA, Weil J, de Mejia EG.Caffeine (1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine) in foods: A comprehensive review on consumption, functionality, safety, and regulatory matters.J Food Sci.2010;75(3):77-87.
- Choi HK, Curhan G.Coffee consumption and risk of incident gout in women: the Nurses’ Health Study.Am J Clin Nutr.2010;92(4):922-927.
- Narita S, Saito E, Sawada N et al.Coffee consumption and lung cancer risk: The Japan public health center-based prospective study.Journal of Epidemiology.2018;28(4):207-213.
- Galarraga V, Boffetta P.Coffee drinking and risk of lung cancer-a meta-analysis.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.2016;25(6):951-7.
- Arthur R, Kirsh VA, Rohan TE.Associations of coffee, tea and caffeine intake with risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer among Canadian women.Cancer Epidemiol.2018;56:75-82.
- Lafranconi A, Micek A, Paoli P De et al.Coffee intake decreases risk of postmenopausal breast cancer: A dose-response meta-analysis on prospective cohort studies.Nutrients.2018;10(2):112.
- Zamora-Ros R, Luján-Barroso L, Bueno-de-Mesquita HB et al.Tea and coffee consumption and risk of esophageal cancer: the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition study.Int J Cancer.2014;135(6):1470-1479.
- Liu H, Hua Y, Zheng X et al.Effect of coffee consumption on the risk of gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.2015;10(5):e0128501.
- Larsson SC, Giovannucci E, Wolk A.Coffee consumption and stomach cancer risk in a cohort of Swedish women.Int. J. Cancer.2006;119,:2186–2189.
- Michels KB, Willett WC, Fuchs CS et al.Coffee, tea, and caffeine consumption and incidence of colon and rectal cancer.J Natl Cancer Inst.2005;97(4):282-292.
- Greenberg JA, Boozer CN, Geliebter A.Coffee, diabetes, and weight control.American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.2006;84:682-693.
- Jee SH, He J, Whelton PK et al.The effect of chronic coffee drinking on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.Hypertension.1999;33(2):647-652.
- Meeusen R, Roelands B, Spriet LL.Caffeine, exercise and the brain.Nestle Nutrition Institute Workshop Series.2013;76:1-12.
- Affonso RCL, Voytena APL, Fanan S et al.Phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and the effect of the aqueous extract of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) bean residual press cake on the skin wound healing.Oxid Med Cell Longev.2016;1923754:1-10.
- Choi HS, Park ED, Park Y et al.Spent coffee ground extract suppresses ultraviolet B-induced photoaging in hairless mice.J Photochem Photobiol B Biol.2015;15(6):779-790.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.