Have you ever imagined starting your day without coffee ? A cup of coffee is the go-to for many people in order to get through their day. So all the coffee lovers out there, grab your hot cup as we take you along to explore about this all time favorite beverage!
Character-the essence of indulgence!
I urge you to meditate on the fragrance of this drink as you read ahead.Notice that smell? According to science, the aroma of coffee is one of the most soothing scent for humans. Coffee is said to have originated from Northeast Africa and slowly made its way across to the Middle East , and then to Europe. It has been described as sweet, spicy, fruity ,floral and smoky depending on the components which maybe altered during the different processes. Phenols create the bitterness found in coffee, but also generate the smoky and earthly rich smell that makes dark roasted coffee an all time favourite! The additional aromatic compounds produced during coffee bean roasting are indicated to be responsible for fragrant properties of coffee. The heat and constant churning alter the chemical structure of the aromatic compounds which impart the caramelized feel and fruity undertones. As per the study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, it is revealed that the smell of coffee has a unique tendency to improve our knowledge-acquiring abilities. It optimizes attention, analytic skills ,problem solving skills in work and academic performance.
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The smell of coffee travels from our brainstem to the limbic system, the hotspot of emotions and memory . Ever wondered about the nostalgia behind an old memory? Well you have the answer to that!! Caffeine, the naturally occuring chemical compound present in coffee acts as a neurostimulator that blocks the action of the adenosine receptors thereby preventing drowsiness and helps you to be alert. In addition, it promotes the release of dopamine which keeps you active and motivated throughout your work. It also provides a pleasant sensation allowing you to enjoy the drink. The effects of caffeine kicks in 15 minutes after consumption and lasts for about 6 hours. So if you are suffering from insomnia, you might want to think twice before you go for that extra cup of coffee . The caffeine content in a cup of coffee is around 30mg -175mg/150ml which is roughly 3 cups/day. Consuming more than 4 cups of coffee can cause physical dependence. Caffeine is considered to be a psychoactive substance that can cause addiction. Intake of caffeine must not exceed more than 300mg/day.
The origins and background
Inspite of the existence of more than 100 different species of coffee plants ,only 2 varieties make up for 98% of the coffee grown worldwide - Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta. Robusta contains more caffeine than arabica. It is highly interesting to know that caffeine is a toxin produced by the plant to protect itself from pests! In comparison with other varieties, decaffeinated coffee contains less amounts of caffeine.
The drama-being the villain
Those wanting to switch to healthier habits or bring their total coffee intake down must be aware of withdrawal symptoms like headache, fatigue, anxiety irritability and difficulty in concentration. Ideally, coffee can be consumed 30 mins following a meal and never on an empty stomach. Due to its acidic nature, drinking coffee is certainly a bad idea for someone suffering from GERD, gastritis and peptic ulcer which with time can lead to gastric and esophageal cancer. Excess intake of caffeine can cause spontaneous abortion and impaired fetal growth. Caffeine rapidly crosses the placenta and attains a similar concentration in both mother and fetus hence ,the intake of caffeine in pregnant women should be restricted to less than 300mg/day. Cafestol and kahwoel (diterpenes) found in coffee have a tendency to raise cholesterol exception being filter coffee. Excess intake of unfiltered coffee is a probable risk factor for myocardial and cerebral ischemia.
The climax
All that being said, it is upto each and everyone of us to make a healthy choice when it comes to coffee. Whether its coffee or tea, both have the same chemical composition, properties and provides the same feeling. Don't miss out on the enlightening session by our Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr.Sojan if you are a procaffeinator! Have a brew - tiful day!
Article by,Dr. Anjanat Anna Shaji
