Is starting the day with a cup of coffee healthy?

Coffee, one of the most popular beverages in the world, is a part of many people's morning routines. However, debates about whether coffee is a healthy habit continue.

Evaluating the effects of coffee on health and the pros and cons of the morning coffee habit, Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin stated that while coffee has some potential health benefits, it also has disadvantages. Responding to the question, "Is starting the day with a cup of coffee healthy?" Prof. Tekkeşin said that "The answer to this question depends on several factors. Generally, moderate coffee consumption (about 3–5 cups per day) has been shown to be safe for most people."

 

Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin from the Medical Biochemistry Department (English) of the Faculty of Medicine at Üsküdar University assessed the effects of coffee on health and the advantages and disadvantages of the morning coffee habit.

Ongoing debate about whether it is healthy!

Explaining that coffee is one of the world's most popular drinks and that many people start their day with a cup of coffee, Prof. Tekkeşin stated that "Although coffee has been shown to have some health benefits, there is ongoing debate about whether starting the day with a cup of coffee is healthy."

Benefits of coffee...

Noting that coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can enhance mental alertness and help improve cognitive performance, Prof. Tekkeşin said that "Caffeine has also been shown to speed up metabolism, increase energy levels, and improve athletic performance. Additionally, coffee is rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage. Studies also suggest that coffee may have other health benefits. For instance, some research indicates that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. However, evidence in these areas is not conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand the health effects of coffee."

Disadvantages of coffee...

Highlighting that while coffee has some potential health benefits, it also has disadvantages, Prof. Tekkeşin said that  "One of the biggest concerns about coffee is its caffeine content. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to side effects such as jitteriness, anxiety, and insomnia. Additionally, caffeine can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which may be problematic for individuals with cardiovascular issues."

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can be problematic for those with sensitive stomachs

Pointing out another concern about coffee, that is its acidity, Prof. Tekkeşin said that "Coffee is an acidic beverage and can cause digestive issues such as acid reflux and heartburn. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can be particularly problematic for those with sensitive stomachs."

Is starting the day with a cup of coffee healthy?

Regarding the question, "Is starting the day with a cup of coffee healthy?" Prof. Tekkeşin responded that "The answer to this question depends on several factors. Generally, moderate coffee consumption (about 3–5 cups per day) has been shown to be safe for most people. However, individuals who are pregnant, have cardiovascular issues, or are sensitive to caffeine may want to limit or completely avoid coffee consumption."

Avoid adding sugar or cream to your coffee!

Prof. Tekkeşin stated that there are a few steps coffee lovers can take to make it a healthier habit and continued her remarks as follows:

"First, avoid adding sugar or cream to your coffee, as these can add extra calories and contribute to weight gain. Instead, try adding a bit of almond milk or drinking your coffee black. You should also pay attention to how your body reacts to coffee. If you experience negative side effects such as jitteriness or heart palpitations, you may want to limit your coffee intake or switch to decaf. Additionally, if you have digestive issues like acid reflux, avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach or switch to a lower-acidity coffee blend."

Starting the day with coffee...

Medical Biochemistry Specialist Prof. Nilgün Tekkeşin concluded her remarks as follows: "Starting the day with a cup of coffee can be a healthy habit for many people as long as it is consumed in moderation and does not cause adverse effects. While coffee has some potential health benefits, it is important to be aware of its disadvantages, such as caffeine content and acidity. The decision to start the day with a cup of coffee is a personal one and should be based on individual preferences and health concerns."

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)