Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with more than 2 billion cups consumed worldwide every day. This aromatic drink, in addition to its pleasant taste, has active compounds such as caffeine, polyphenols and chlorogenic acid that can affect the brain, heart, liver and metabolism. But the important thing is that the effects of coffee are not the same at different ages and have different benefits and harms for each age group. In this article, based on the latest studies and reliable sources including UpToDate, we examine the effects of coffee in children, adults, the elderly, and during pregnancy. Body

Caffeine: stimulant of the central nervous system, increasing alertness and concentration

Polyphenols: antioxidant compounds that fight inflammation

Chlorogenic acid: help control blood sugar and heart function

Diterpenes (Cafestol and alcohol): they are more in unfiltered coffee and can reduce cholesterol increase

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benefits and harms of coffee at different ages

1. Children and adolescents (under 18 years old)

Harms:

Insomnia and reduced sleep quality

Anxiety, palpitations and restlessness

Negative effect on bone growth in high consumption

Disturbance in concentration if consumed more than Limit

Scientific advice:

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, caffeine consumption is not recommended for people under 12 years of age and between the ages of 12 and 18 should not exceed 100 milligrams per day (equivalent to a small cup of coffee).

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2. Adults (18 to 50 years old)

Proven scientific benefits:

Reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers

Improve liver function and reduce the risk of fatty liver and cirrhosis

Reduce the risk of Parkinson's and depression

Antioxidant effects Strong

Important points:

Consumption of more than 200 mg of caffeine per day can increase the risk of low birth weight, miscarriage and premature birth.

Best case: limit consumption to a maximum of two cups of coffee per day and avoid energy drinks and high-caffeine coffees.

4. Elderly (over 50 years)

Benefits:

Decreasing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's

Improving memory and cognitive function

Reducing the risk of heart diseases and mortality from liver and cancer

Disadvantages Possibility:

Sleep disturbance if taken in the evening

More cardiac sensitivity to caffeine

Possibility of increased blood pressure in sensitive people

Recommendation: Consume 1 to 3 cups of coffee per day, preferably before 3 pm.

Golden tips for healthy coffee consumption

1. Avoid adding too much sugar and cream.

2. Prefer filtered coffee to unfiltered coffee (French press or Turk).

3. Adjust the time of use so that it does not harm the night's sleep.

4. If you have heart disease, pregnancy, or digestive problems, consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the best time to drink coffee?

Between 9 and 11 a.m., when the body's normal cortisol levels drop.

Does decaffeinated coffee also have benefits?

Yes, it retains most of the antioxidants and beneficial compounds, but it does not have the stimulating effect of caffeine.

Summary

Coffee is a drink that can have significant health benefits if consumed in moderation. However, the amount and time of consumption should be adjusted based on age, physical condition and health status.

To receive expert advice on nutrition and digestive health, you can contact Dr. Panteata Tajik's office. id="bt_bb_fe_preview_toggler" class="bt_bb_fe_preview_toggler" title="Edit/Preview">