A drink rich in antioxidants that exerts a clear stimulus on the nervous system. Let’s find out all the characteristics and properties of coffee.
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, perhaps the most popular drink and, thanks to numerous antioxidants, it also has positive effects on health. Let’s find out better.
History of coffee
Coffee is a drink obtained by grinding coffee seeds (the seeds of some trees belonging to the genus Coffea), of which the main varieties are arabica and robust.
The origin of these trees is not yet certain, but it seems that they were found for the first time in Caffa, Ethiopia from which they would then spread first to Asia and then to Europe.
What is caffeine and what are its properties?
Caffeine is a stimulating molecule to which we owe the stimulating effect of coffee. Once absorbed, it reaches the brain where it stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, responsible for a greater activation of neurons.
Some studies have shown that, in addition to improving energy, caffeine improves:
The memory;
the mood;
in general, mental functions.
Side effects of coffee
Coffee can be considered a healthy and safe drink if consumed in adequate quantities, however, each of us has a more or less marked tolerance to caffeine, on the basis of which the side effects of coffee, with the same dose, can be more or less intense.
Let’s see some of them:
Anxiety and nervousness.
Insomnia.
Gastrointestinal disorders.
Hypertension.
Heart rate acceleration.
How many coffees can you drink a day?
According to the latest studies, consuming up to 4 coffees a day in healthy people would protect against the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes 2 and cardiovascular disease.
However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or ill, you should consult your doctor to avoid any contraindications to coffee.
For example, in the case of hypertension or heart rate alterations, coffee could worsen the symptoms.
Coffee in the diet
Just like tea, herbal teas or infusions, coffee can also be freely consumed during a slimming diet or not.
However, it is essential to pay attention to added sugar: if we sweetened each coffee with a teaspoon of sugar, consuming 4 a day, we would introduce about 20 g of sugar a day, definitely too many!
The ideal would be to consume it bitter or to reduce the amount of sugar gradually, in order to gradually accustom the palate to appreciate the natural taste of the coffee.
Nutritional properties of coffee
In addition to representing a pleasant break and a moment of conviviality, there are numerous benefits of coffee.
Let’s see some of them:
Energizing.
It increases the basal metabolic rate, that is, it helps to consume more energy.
Improve physical performance.
It reduces the risk of diabetes 2, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Prevents Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Protects the liver and brain.
Improve mood.
Uses of coffee
Coffee is a very versatile drink that can also be used for sweet or savory preparations or to flavor creams and dishes.
For example, it can be used to flavor yogurt, to make a coffee cream or to prepare a coffee-based dessert, including the classic tiramisu. The use of coffee also finds space in the preparation of cosmetics.
Recipes with coffee
One of the most common and traditional coffee preparations is tiramisu, a fresh, tasty and, with appropriate modifications, even healthy dessert!
For example, the classic ladyfingers could be replaced with low-fat and sugar-reduced biscuits and the classic mascarpone filling with a ricotta and milk cream or with a vegan cream based on vegetable milk and cashews and with a low sugar content.