Coffee

Overview

Coffee is the dried, ripe seed of the small evergreen coffee tree and is widely grown in tropical regions worldwide. It ranks among the most popular beverages globally, with millions dependent on it for its stimulating effects and rich flavor. Its primary active component is caffeine, a stimulant that influences the body in multiple ways. Caffeine functions by blocking adenosine, a chemical that induces drowsiness, and by enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which increase alertness and energy. Beyond its effects on the brain, caffeine can also impact other bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and notably, sweat production.

Botanical Names

 Coffea arabica

 Coffea canephora

 Coffea robusta

Cardiovascular System

 Coffee (1 – 3 cups per day) may reduce the risk of death from Cardiovascular Diseases.  ^[1]

Digestive System

 Coffee may stimulate contractions of the Gallbladder (it may increase the motility of the Gallbladder).  ^[2]

 Coffee may help to prevent Gallstones (however, decaffeinated Coffee does not exert this effect, as the active constituent of Coffee that helps to prevent Gallstones is Caffeine).  ^[3]

 Coffee may alleviate Hypochlorhydria by stimulating the production of Hydrochloric Acid due to Caffeine 

Immune System

 Coffee may help prevent some forms of Cancer due to the Polyphenol content, according to anecdotal reports.

 Coffee may help prevent colon cancer.  ^[4]

 Regular consumption of Coffee may help prevent Cancer - Endometrium.  ^[5]

 Regular consumption of Coffee may help prevent Cancer - Liver.  ^[6]

 Coffee may inhibit the conversion of Nitrates and Nitrites to carcinogenic Nitrosamines due to the Polyphenol content. 

        Coffee may inhibit Streptococcus mutans (a type of Detrimental Bacteria implicated in Tooth Decay).  ^[7]

Metabolism

 Coffee may increase the body’s Basal Metabolism (BMR) (due to the Caffeine content of Coffee).  ^[8]

 Coffee may help prevent Cirrhosis due to its Caffeine content.  ^[9]

 Coffee may help to prevent Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.  ^[10]

 Coffee may help to prevent Gout.  ^[11]

 Regular consumption of Coffee may retard the progression of Liver damage in Hepatitis C patients.  ^[12]

 Coffee may inhibit the oxidation of Low Density Lipoproteins.  ^[13]

Nervous System

 Coffee (3 – 5 cups per day) may help to prevent Alzheimer's Disease.  ^[14]

 Coffee may temporarily improve some aspects of Mental Function: 

 Coffee may temporarily increase Concentration, Acuity and Attention Span due to Caffeine. 

 Coffee may (temporarily) bolster Mood & Mood Disorders (via Caffeine).