Among beverages, coffee’s popularity is definitely undisputed. Coffee-lovers swear by the amazing effect that coffee has on their mental state and their energy. However, what is there inside the cuppa that creates this magic? Let us find out.
The Chemistry of Coffee
The main chemical component of coffee is caffeine. Caffeine is chemically called trimethylxanthine and is also known as theine, mateine or methyltheobromine among other names. It is a naturally produced chemical that occurs in certain plants such as coffee beans, cacao beans, tea, etc. However, out of all plants, coffee has the most concentrated amounts of caffeine.
Caffeine is actually a chemical that is produced as a survival mechanism in coffee plants to ward off insects and pests with the bitter taste. When caffeine is isolated using purification methods, it becomes a white crystalline powder that is extremely bitter. In fact, one teaspoon of such purified caffeine can turn lethal if consumed.
If we dive further into the chemical structure of caffeine, we can see that the structure of caffeine is very similar to adenosine. Adenosine is a chemical produced by our body to keep track of our energy levels and signal the brain to shut down when the energy levels drop. Since caffeine has a similar structure, it acts as a substitute to adenosine and blocks the actual effects of adenosine. In this way, it helps to keep tiredness at bay and keep you feeling energized for a longer time.
Effects of Coffee on the Body
· Enhances Alertness
Our brain tells our body what to do by sending messages to various organs through neurotransmitters in the body. When caffeine enters this system, it blocks the receptors in the brain from receiving adenosine (as we discussed in the previous sub-section). Since adenosine is mainly responsible for regulating sleepiness, the blocking of this will enable all other neurotransmitters to work without slowing down and hence give us an active and alert feeling.
· Increase in Energy
As a continuation of the previous point, once adenosine is blocked, neurotransmitters that will otherwise be subdued by adenosine become free. This results in more firing of neurons, which in turn activate the pituitary gland. The activated pituitary gland reacts by releasing hormones that activate the adrenal gland. Finally, this causes the release of adrenaline, which creates an upsurge in energy.
· Improvement in Mood
Dopamine is called the “feel-good” chemical because it is the chemical that gives us a feeling of happiness. While it is always present in the brain, certain activities create elevated levels of dopamine. Although coffee does not really increase the levels of dopamine in the body, it slows down the absorption of the chemical. This leads to a feeling of happiness for a short while after drinking coffee.
· Effect on Other Organs
When coffee enters the digestive system, its acidic nature increases the amount of acidity in the stomach. This might cause acid reflux when coffee is consumed with other acidic food or in large quantities. Coffee also induces gall bladder contractions which can be painful if a person is suffering from gall bladder stones. Also, coffee is a mild diuretic that will increase the frequency of urination for a while.
What are the Signs of Trouble When Drinking Coffee?
Coffee has a lot of benefits when consumed in moderation. In fact, it is said to delay the occurrence of Parkinson’s and certain types of diabetes. The safe limit to consume coffee for your health is one or two cups per day where the total amount of caffeine consumed is less than 100 mg.
Consuming large amounts of coffee can be harmful to health and cause high blood pressure, aggravate heart conditions or cause acid reflux. Pregnant women are also advised to limit consumption as caffeine can pass through the placenta.
One more thing to note is that coffee that is damaged by mold is harmful to health. So, it is better to buy coffee from trusted brands that tell you where your coffee is grown and how it is processed in safe conditions.
Therefore, the benefits of coffee turn into ill-effects when the number of coffee consumption tips to the other side. In moderation, coffee can make you feel great while giving you that jolt of energy. So, be mindful of the quality and quantity of coffee that you drink and have an awesome coffee experience!
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