Is coffee healthy or unhealthy? We'll tell you!

Ist Kaffee gesund oder ungesund? Specialty Coffee Heidelberg

Many of you have heard the saying: "Don't drink so much coffee, or your heart will race." But are these prejudices against coffee consumption true? This week, we're investigating this myth and hope to debunk some common misconceptions! We'll tell you whether coffee is truly healthy or unhealthy. You can also find more facts about coffee and other useful information on our coffee blog .

"Coffee is only harmful if a whole sack falls on your head from the fifth floor."

— Albert Darboven

Is caffeine harmful to me?

From a scientific perspective, caffeine is an alkaloid that takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to enter the bloodstream. Depending on age, health, and genetic predisposition, the half-life of caffeine in the blood is 4 hours.

In pregnant women, this time usually increases to over 20 hours, which is why reduced coffee consumption is recommended.
Coffee is often attributed with many positive properties, especially when consumed mindfully. For example, caffeine has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system, increases physical and mental performance, and has been proven to improve mood in the morning.

Recent studies also show that caffeine counteracts age-related cognitive decline and reduces the risk of depression. Contrary to some assumptions, caffeine cannot lead to permanently elevated blood pressure. In fact, caffeine is an ingredient in many medications for heart failure, pain, asthma, and many other conditions. The only limitation on coffee consumption is pre-existing high blood pressure; in this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine how many cups of coffee per day are safe.

How much caffeine is in my cup of coffee?

The amount of caffeine you ultimately consume depends on various factors. The difference begins with the coffee bean itself. Arabica beans have a maximum caffeine content of 1.7%, while Robusta beans can contain up to 4.5%.

The next factor is the roasting process. Differences between two roasters and the desired result can be extreme! An espresso made from beans of the same plant might contain 50mg of caffeine at one roastery and over 300mg at another.

The final factor determining caffeine content is the brewing method. Filter coffee generally contains more caffeine than espresso. Interestingly, filter coffee does not negatively affect cholesterol levels. Cafestol and kahweol, which raise LDL cholesterol, are filtered out by the coffee filter.

Feel free to make a comparison and see how your body reacts to espresso , omni-roast , and filter coffee !

Is coffee healthy or unhealthy? The roasting process plays a crucial role in this.

So, how much coffee is allowed per day?

A study found that the upper limit for daily coffee consumption among Germans is 319mg. A cup of filter coffee contains an average of 90mg, while an espresso contains approximately 60mg. Therefore, up to four cups of coffee are possible, depending on factors influencing caffeine content.

Too much coffee, however, can lead to fatigue and headaches. Some studies also suggest a link between excessive caffeine consumption and potassium deficiency, as well as muscle problems. Keep in mind that caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in tea, cola, chocolate, and other foods.

But coffee dehydrates the body! - Doesn't it?

Wrong! According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE), this assumption is based on misinterpreted data from past studies. While caffeine does have a diuretic effect in the short term, regular consumers become accustomed to it. Therefore, coffee can easily be included in your fluid intake.

Simon and Bearns Specialty Coffee Roasters Heidelberg

But doesn't coffee help with weight loss?

Pro - Coffee increases energy consumption

Coffee can support a diet because the metabolism-boosting effect of caffeine causes the body to produce more heat. This means more energy, and therefore more fat, is burned through coffee consumption. However, coffee is not a miracle cure, as the increased energy expenditure is too small to be considered a significant factor.  There is a significant difference. Nevertheless, coffee won't harm your diet and can even be used to support athletic activities for its performance-enhancing effects.

Cons - Health risks

Those who overdo it with caffeine, for example by supplementing with high-proof caffeine supplements, can risk their health. Extreme sweating or high blood pressure can result, and the long-term consequences are often overlooked. Furthermore, the desired effects quickly diminish due to the body's tolerance.

Is coffee healthy or unhealthy? - Our conclusion!

As with everything, moderation is key. Drinking high-quality coffee won't harm your health in any way; on the contrary, you can enjoy the positive effects of caffeine on your daily life.

A fresh cup of coffee is also balm for the soul and contributes to a better quality of life. So find your favorite coffee in our shop and support your health!

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