The Effects of Coffee on the Body and Coffee Taboos: What You Need to Know

Coffee affects 4 parts of the body. Nowadays, many modern people like to drink coffee and caffeine-containing energy drinks to stay alert. But many people do not know that caffeine can have an impact on 6 parts of the body. Remember not to take coffee together with tea. The tannic acid in tea and coffee can reduce iron absorption by 75%. It is recommended to take it with warm boiled water.

　　[Which parts of the body does coffee affect?]

　1. Heart. Caffeine acts on the heart in two ways: it affects the regulation of the cardiovascular system in the brain and directly affects the heart. High doses of caffeine can increase the heart rate by 10-20 beats per minute in people who are not tolerant to caffeine, and may cause temporary arrhythmia in some individuals.

Therefore, moderate consumption of beverages containing caffeine (up to 500 milligrams per day on average) will not significantly increase the risk of heart disease, but exceeding this dosage may increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

　2. Kidneys. Going to the toilet after drinking coffee in the morning is something many people often experience. This is because caffeine affects the adenosine receptors in the kidneys, acting as a diuretic. Caffeine may also slow down the release of an anti-diuretic hormone in the brain that reduces urine production.

　3. Digestive system. The acidity, oils, and caffeine in coffee can stimulate the gastric mucosa and promote gastric acid secretion. Drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages over a long period of time can lead to stomach problems.

　4. Respiratory system. Caffeine and similar drugs have two effects on respiration: they increase the respiratory rate. In addition, caffeine can relax the smooth muscles around the trachea, causing the trachea to dilate and increasing the volume of respiration. However, caffeine should not be used as a medication for clinical treatment of asthma.

　　[Be aware of these 5 coffee taboos]

　1. Remember not to take coffee together with tea. The tannic acid in tea and coffee can reduce iron absorption by 75%. It is recommended to take it with warm boiled water.

　2. Tannic acid in tea and coffee can reduce calcium absorption. Therefore, it is best to drink tea and coffee between meals.

　3. After consuming beverages and foods containing caffeine in large quantities, pregnant women may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and increased heart rate. Caffeine can also enter the fetus through the placenta and affect fetal development.

　4. Many doctors believe that pregnant women drinking 1-2 cups (6-8 ounces per cup) of coffee, tea, or carbonated beverages per day will not have an impact on the fetus. However, for caution, it is best for pregnant women to avoid it. Caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, so it is advisable to drink caffeine-free beverages.

　5. Children should not drink coffee. Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system of children, interfere with their memory, and cause hyperactivity.