Is Coffee Good For Me?

I am a self-confessed coffee addict. I like it super strong with oat milk. I love the taste but I also love the social act of going for coffee with friends, family or my partner but is coffee good for Me? The answer is not so simple.

Throughout my 20s me and my dad would meet every Wednesday morning in the same coffee shop for good coffee and great chats about the big stuff, the small stuff and everything in between. Those mornings were precious but it is also where my love of coffee culture was born! 

I like my coffee warm in the winter and on ice in the summer. Americano, flat white, latte, espresso, filter, cold press  – if you’re into coffee you nearly always have a favourite variation whether it helps kickstart your day, or is a comforting treat when you are with friends. However amidst that lovely aroma and the addictive caffeine jolt, the question always lingers: Is coffee truly good for me?

In the ongoing discussions surrounding health and wellness, opinions on coffee swing like a pendulum. Some hail it as a superfood packed with antioxidants, while others caution against its potentially adverse effects on health. To untangle this delicious but complex brew, let's have a look at the science behind coffee's impact on the human body.

First the plus side….. 

The high caffeine content is what gives coffee its energising kick, helping many of us feel more alert and focused. Caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for promoting sleep and relaxation. This means that consuming moderate amounts of caffeine can enhance cognitive function, boost mood, and even improve athletic performance.  

Coffee is also a rich source of antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Studies have linked coffee consumption to a reduced risk of various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. The polyphenols found in coffee beans possess potent antioxidant properties, contributing to their protective effects on health.

Recent research even suggests that coffee consumption lowers the risk of some liver diseases. The exact mechanisms behind this are still under investigation, but it's thought that coffee's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties play a role in supporting liver health.

But on the flip side…

Excessive caffeine intake can lead to a range of adverse effects, including jitteriness, insomnia, and increased heart rate. For some individuals, particularly those with certain medical conditions like anxiety disorders or heart arrhythmias, even moderate amounts of caffeine can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, consuming too much caffeine too quickly can result in caffeine overdose, characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.  Although moderate coffee consumption has been associated with certain health benefits, excessive intake may negate these effects.

Does coffee affect my sleep?

It may well be affecting the quality of your sleep too. You might rely on coffee to ward off tiredness, but consuming caffeine too late in the day can disrupt sleep patterns. Caffeine has a half-life of approximately 5-6 hours, meaning that it can linger in the body for several hours.  Drinking coffee in the afternoon or evening can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and achieve restful sleep.  Now if you have children like mine who are a mix of night owls and early risers this has to be an important consideration, since disrupted sleep is almost always a major issue especially when that sleep window is so small. 

What’s more, individual responses to coffee can vary widely based on factors such as genetics, tolerance, and overall health status. While some people may experience palpable benefits from moderate coffee consumption, others may find that it exacerbates existing health conditions or interferes with the medications they're taking. As with everything in life it is essential to listen to what your own body is telling you and adjust your coffee intake accordingly to optimize your health and well-being. 

So is coffee good for me?

So the question of whether coffee is good for you doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. Like so many aspects of nutrition and lifestyle, the effects of coffee on health can vary. When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle coffee can offer lots of potential benefits from enhanced cognitive function to reduced risk of chronic disease. However, excessive intake or reliance on coffee to mask poor sleep habits can have detrimental effects on health. If like me, you love the taste and effects of coffee but have anxious tendencies the key lies in finding the right balance that works for you, allowing you to savour your morning cup without compromising your well-being. I always stick to mornings only and try hard to say no more than 2 cups of coffee per day. And of course, there is always decaf which I hear is lovely - I’m just not ready to give up that coffee kickstart just yet!

---

If you liked this content why not sign up for the Lemonade Shot newsletter and get weekly articles, yoga, breathwork, food recipes and a whole lot more direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the Lemonade Shot