Experts have gone back and forth on the topic of the possible health benefits of coffee versus the health problems it causes. On the whole, most experts will admit that coffee in small doses does not cause damage. Some experts will go so far as to say there are potential health benefits to coffee, primarily in its anti-oxidant effects.
Unfortunately, when we discuss coffee we are generally not talking about the moderate amounts that cause no harm. The truth is caffeine is an addictive drug that requires ever larger doses to create its desired effect. Additionally, when researchers are talking about a cup of coffee they mean just that, eight fluid ounces. When people buy a “cup” of coffee they rarely buy a small eight ounce cup. Starbucks lists its sizes as Short (8 oz), Tall (12 oz.), Grande (16 oz.) or Venti (20 oz.) or the new Trenta (31 oz.). Most people generally buy the 12 ounce “regular” (Starbucks Tall) size. Moreover these sizes refer to hot coffee. Generally, cold drinks are served in even larger sizes. .
First of all there is the caffeine, it is an addictive drug that requires ever increasing doses to acheve the same initial “high” that people get when they first start consuming it. Moreover, after a while it requires a certain amount just to feel normal. Increasing the dose also increases the potential side effects that have can cause long term and even permanent damage. These side effects include, but are not limited to;
- Depleting neurotransmitters like Dopamine
- Stimulating adrenalin release,
- Stimulating cortisol release,
- Increasing homocysteine,
- Depleting vitamins
- Depleting minerals
- Drug interactions with prescription and nonprescription drugs such as Tylenol,
- Increased risk of stillbirths for pregnant women
- Iron deficiency in mothers and babies. .
Additionally, there are other compounds in coffee, especially in decaf and other coffees made from “Robusta” beans that cause other, possibly detrimental health effects. Robusta beans are more acidic and these acids include “Chlorgenic Acid.” .
Part of the reason for the negative caffeine side effects is that it is also a diuretic. As such it helps the body flush out fluids. This also means it flushes out water soluble vitamins and minerals carried in the body’s fluid make up. These include many antioxidants as well as some essential minerals. Many commercial over the counter drugs include caffeine as because of its diuretic properties. Included in these are nonprescription drugs are medications marketed solely as diuretics as well as products to relive premenstrual and menstrual symptoms along with “diet” pills. As with diuretic use occasional caffeine use as a diuretic does not harm the system. Whether it is intentional or as a side effect clearing the system of excess fluid buildup sometimes called “bloating” can be very beneficial. The negative effects occur when the dosage is large enough to cause dehydration. Chronic use can cause the system is being constantly depleted of vital water soluble antioxidants such as the B Complex vitamins, vitamin C or minerals like calcium and magnesium..
Caffeine, even in the moderate dose commonly found in two cups of coffee not only effects the body’s release of homocysteine it has a strong effect on how the heart, circulatory systems and other body functions perform during physical exercise. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology while caffeine did not affect the human body while it was resting it had marked effects on the participants while they were exercising. According to the results of testing 18 healthy young coffee drinkers at normal and high altitude conditions. This study found “measurements taken immediately after exercise showed a slowdown in heart blood flow after they’d taken the caffeine tablets, compared to their previous results. Heart blood flow was 22 percent lower in those who exercised in normal air pressure and 39 percent lower in those who exercised in the high-altitude chamber,”
In the initial small doses it increases the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, over time this continued release depletes those neurotransmitters as the reserves are depleted and the body cannot keep up with the increasing demand. The energizing effects of caffeine also increase release of the associated stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisol.
The effects of regular coffee intake increase over time as the body becomes more stressed, and the dosages become larger. The side effects of caffeine can be analyzed one by one by looking closely at the long term effect of each.
Depleting the brain’s neurotransmitters can cause problems concentrating, fatigue, apathy, depression, sexual response, food cravings cognition, memory, attention, and motivation. A lack of the proper neurotransmitters also interferes with muscle function and the body’s ability to perform smooth controlled movements. A permanent depletion or loss of some neurotransmitters is one of the factors involved in Parkinson’s disease. .
Dehydration is commonly associated with dry mouth that can lead to tooth decay, muscle cramps, heart palpitations, weakness, fatigue, a light headed feeling, heart palpitations, nausea and vomiting. . The diuretic function of caffeine can also place additional stress on the liver and kidneys, especially in combination with other drugs such as Tylenol. This can cause acute as well as long term problems.
Symptoms of caffeine intoxication include insomnia, excitement, nervousness and hallucinations. . Decaf coffee contains higher levels of Robusta beans, and the associated acids which can cause or exacerbate acid reflux and other digestive problems associated with acidic foods. These particular beans also have “high amounts of diterpenes which leads to the stimulation of fatty acids” this can contribute to increased cholesterol. This is of special concern considering the effects on the heart and circulatory system caused by caffeine. Essentially, coffee is a triple threat to the circulatory system, it lowers the blood oxygen during exercise, impairs the systems functions and clogs the veins and arteries preventing the free movement of blood. . .
The effects of caffeine upon pregnant women include an increased number of still born babies, and anemia in both the mother and in her baby after it is born.
An occasional eight ounce cup of coffee is not going to harm you. But a regular cup of coffee every day is probably going to do some harm, and if you increase the dosage as your addiction grows you run the risk of doing some long term damage.
Areas for further study include long term problems such as liver and kidney diseases associated with interactions such as Tylenol. Long term developmental problems suffered by children whose mothers were heavy coffee drinkers during pregnancy. The effects of dopamine and other neurotransmitter depletion, particularly in the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Works Cited
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Kramer,M.D., Thomas A. M. "Dopamine and Other Neurotransmitters." 08 2004. BPrayer. 04 09 2013. <http://bprayer0.tripod.com/bprayer/dopamine.html>.
Lander, Emma. "Decaf Coffee - Think You're Being Healthy? Think Again!" 30 01 2011. Ezine @rticles. 04 09 2013. <http://ezinearticles.com/?Decaf-Coffee---Think-Youre-Being-Healthy?-Think-Again!&id=5823581>.
redOrbit. "A Cup of Coffee Before the Gym? Think Again." 18 01 2006. redOrbit. <http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/361210/a_cup_of_coffee_before_the_gym_think_again/>.
Starbucks Coffee Company. "Cup Sizes - Starbucks Search." 04 09 2013. Starbucks. <http://www.starbucks.com/search?keywords=cup+sizes>.
Stone, Ph.D., Chad. "Is Coffee Healthy or Unhealthy." 16 08 2013. Livestrong.com. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/325130-is-coffee-healthy-or-unhealthy/>.
