Coffee is a very popular beverage , and you may be one of those people who drink it for its caffeine boost. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the สมัคร ufabet world, and that 8 out of 10 American adults who consume caffeine drink coffee. Drinking coffee has both pros and cons, but one of the most significant negative effects to be aware of is the loss of nutrients.
Dr. Rob Van Dam of Harvard University’s School of Public Health says coffee in itself is not necessarily unhealthy. Coffee contains more than just caffeine, but also a number of other compounds that have health benefits in various ways. For example, Dr. Van Dam says coffee helps prevent Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, liver cancer and cirrhosis. But the flip side of coffee and health is the effects of caffeine on nutrients.
Calcium loss
Many people may not know that the coffee we drink every day can affect our bone health. This is because the caffeine in coffee is a major factor that causes the body to excrete more calcium, which is a mineral necessary for building and maintaining bones. If the body lacks calcium in the long term, it can lead to osteoporosis.
Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing the body to excrete more fluids. When the body excretes urine, it also carries calcium with it, meaning that the more coffee you drink, the more calcium you lose.
How to prevent?
- Reduce the amount of coffee you drink: Reduce the amount of coffee you drink or opt for decaffeinated coffee.
- Increase calcium intake: Eat foods high in calcium, such as milk, dairy products, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.
- Drink coffee with milk: Adding milk to your coffee can help replace lost calcium.
Iron loss
Coffee can also have a negative impact on your body’s absorption of iron. If you consume coffee with iron-rich foods, your body’s iron absorption can be reduced by as much as 50 percent, according to the University of Colorado Extension. This can be especially dangerous for women of childbearing age, who have higher iron needs than others due to blood loss from menstruation. Older adults are another group at risk for iron deficiency, and coffee consumption can have an impact.
Magnesium loss
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) says that coffee also causes a decrease in magnesium in the body. Magnesium is an important mineral that works with calcium and vitamin D to help muscles contract and relax in balance, promote energy production, and play a key role in over 300 chemical processes in the body. Therefore, magnesium loss from drinking coffee is a cause for concern.
However, MIT says magnesium deficiency is most often caused by “excessive coffee consumption.” If you’re concerned that drinking too much coffee is affecting your magnesium or other mineral levels, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you decide on the right amount of coffee that’s safe for you.
The website MedlinePlus.com states that caffeine intake of up to 300 milligrams per day. (about three 8-ounce cups of coffee) is considered moderate and does not cause side effects. However, higher amounts, such as about 10 cups per day, are considered excessive.