FITNESS. FASHION. FOOD.
Coffee – Friend or Foe?
by Barbara Sike
3rd May, 2018
Picture from Creative Commons
95 million cups of coffee go down the throat of people of the UK every single day. That is about 1.5 cups per person. Still, the country of afternoon tea is only the 45th of the biggest coffee fan lands. However, the British Coffee Association (BCA) revealed this amount is a nearly 20% increase in coffee consumption in the past 10 years.
According to BCA, coffee is the most popular drink in the world, with ca. 2 billion cups consumed a day. However, the beloved beverage has been a constant subject to discussion amongst health professionals: some say its health benefits overtake the negatives, while others argue that it should be avoided completely.
Pros and Cons
Coffee, due to its high level of caffeine, works as an instant energy boost. It helps ease tiredness, increase focus and helps with headaches caused by low blood pressure. According to Medical News Today, benefits go even further: coffee contributes to healthy functions of the liver, can help reduce the risk of Parkinson disease and help fight against type 2 diabetes.
Coffee, as part of culture also has social benefits. Regina Kafler, masters student and a true coffee fan said: “Personally, I love it! Coffee break to me can serve as a refreshment after a long lecture, a chance to catch up with a friend or a relaxing moment just for myself, during a busy schedule.”
However, scientists warn against excessive consumption. Mayo Clinic has found that overdosing caffeine can be the cause of a number of discomforts, and on long-term can cause serious harms to health. Side effects on a healthy person include migraine headaches, insomnia, irritability, fast heartbeat, stomach upset and muscle tremors. Those who are more sensitive to caffeine, the smallest amount can trigger any of these.
Craig Elliot, tax advisor and health advocate recently chose to quit coffee. “I found that I don’t sleep very well and I have been quite agitated lately, and I heard somewhere that too much coffee can cause that. I used to have a few cups a day, but now I try to keep it on maximum one.”
How much is too much?
NHS draws the line at 4 cups a day, while a research carried out by scientist at Harvard School of public health define the healthy amount at 2 cups. However, simply defining a daily intake by cups will not give an accurate guideline. According to Health Line, an average cup of coffee has 95 mg of caffeine, but this can be as high as 500 mg depending on the type of coffee beans, roasting and brewing method.
A number of factors affect how much coffee one can handle, and it is important to remember that personal tolerance levels to caffeine vary.
Green impact
Sustainability has a growing importance in current days; creative minds are constantly looking for alternatives of materials damaging the environment. Coffee grounds, as the leftover product of coffee brewing can be used in different ways, such as plant fertiliser, skin scrub or room deodoriser.
Coffee also emerged as one of the most popular raw materials in sustainable textile production. A company called SCafe created a technology through which coffee grounds are mixed with polyester and turned into a new fabric that is stronger, lighter, more waterproof and quick dry than many of the classic fabrics.
So now you can drink your coffee and wear it too!
Gif created by Barbara Sike
SCafe may be the future of the textile industry. This video explains how coffee grounds are turned into yarn / Video via YouTube