Coffee is a fairly normal part of the morning for many people across the country. Whether it's a few cups as you're getting ready for the day, or a travel mug full for your commute to the office, coffee can cause more harm than good. Crazy, right? But it's true. And here's why!
Caffeine can decrease your energy level. That's right. You see, energy is stored in your adrenal glands – the same glands that generate the feel-good chemicals making you feel happy, motivated, and ready to tackle anything. Caffeine, as a stimulant, creates adrenaline – something we typically require in time of action or stress. Because so many of us have become addicted to caffeine, our systems tolerate caffeine without needing action, which is a bad thing. It doesn't affect us anymore, meaning that our adrenal glands aren't working as they should. This results in us feeling sleepy more often.
Caffeine causes insomnia.
There's a reason your mother told you to avoid coffee after dinner because it keeps you up all night, and it's true! The caffeine from coffee interferes with your body's natural sleep cycle and decreases the quality of any sleep you get. We need proper sleep to refuel our minds and bodies, caffeine messes with those patterns. In fact, scientific studies prove three cups or more leads to more restless slumber. So if you suffer from poor sleep and tiredness all the time, take a look at your coffee intake and make some changes to your habit.
Caffeine Can Cause Weight Gain.
If you're having a hard time shedding weight, cut your coffee intake. Why? Because caffeine places undue stress on your adrenal glands – the same glands working with your thyroid to manage your metabolism. Too much caffeine slows your thyroid, effectively slowing your metabolism and causing weight gain. So if you're trying to lose some weight, an easy way to drop a few quick pounds, kick your coffee habit to the curb.
Caffeine Can Cause Malnutrition.
Not only does caffeine contribute to weight gain, insomnia, and decreased energy levels, but it also slows your body's ability to absorb vitamins and mineral. Too much caffeine prevents your body from absorbing certain nutrients altogether, like iron. So basically, heavy coffee drinking requires your body to work harder in absorbing the nutrition it needs to stay healthy.
While the prospect of ditching your morning and afternoon cup of joe might seem like a daunting task, it comes with a lot of health benefits. However, like any addiction, it's best not to quit suddenly. Gradually wean yourself and decrease the amount of coffee you drink every day. Try substituting it with green tea or hot water with lemon. Both alternatives would be healthy choices, each with their own unique benefits.
Roman Temkin works as a real estate developer in NYC.
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