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Most tend to start their day with a hot steaming cup of coffee, which provides the caffeine jolt that helps kick start the day. Well, we agree coffee is delicious and instantly energizes us but it has its downsides too. You may think you already know everything you need to know about coffee, but read below to find out the side effects of coffee.(1)
Top 7 Harmful Effects of Drinking Black Coffee
1. Heart Burns
Heart burn is usually caused due to the way coffee relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. It is very important that this small muscle remains tightly closed once you had food in order to prevent the content from your stomach from coming back into the esophagus and further burning its delicate lining with hydrochloric acid.(2)
2. Causes Gastrointestinal Tract Irritation
Coffee stimulates peristalsis i.e. the process in the digestive tract that makes us pass stools. By starting up peristalsis, the coffee appears to promote increased gastric emptying-which means that the content in the stomach is quickly passed into the small intestines even before the food is broken down. This partially digested food makes it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed. It further also increases the chances of irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.(2)
3. Causes Acidity and Ulcers
Many compounds found in coffee such as the caffeine and acids present in the coffee beans can irritate your stomach and also the lining of the small intestine, leading to abdominal spasms, cramps and elimination problems-alternating between diarrhea and constipation. This acidic formation could cause acidity and the damaging of lining can cause lesions, leading to ulcers.(3)
4. Induces Stress
Drinking a lot of coffee tends to release the stress hormones- cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These land up causing palpitation, increased heart rate and fluctuates the blood pressure. These hormones are also responsible for anxiety and emotional dependence which can be traumatizing while quitting coffee.(4)
[ Read: Surprising Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea ]
5. Damages Kidneys& Decreases Mineral Absorption
People who drink coffee heavily may face difficulty getting enough minerals in their diet even after consuming mineral rich foods. This is due to the way coffee affects iron absorption in the stomach and hampers the ability of the kidneys to retain zinc, calcium and other important minerals which are vital for good health. This thus leads to malfunctioning of kidneys causing harm.(5)
6. Acrylamide Causes Cancer
Acrylamide is cancer causing substance which forms when the coffee beans are roasted at very high temperatures. The darker the roast, the higher is the levels of acrylamide. Hence consuming black coffee would mean introducing oneself to these cancer causing carcinogens that could be fatal.(6)
7. Coffee Interacts with Medication
Coffee may interact with prescription drugs and might cause stringent reactions that could be harmful to the body. Hence if one is on any prescription drugs, they need to make sure to check with the doctor if consuming black coffee is safe or not.
Ideally consuming the right amount of coffee every day would exhibit these side effects. According to studies, one must keep their daily coffee consumption under 300 mg to remain healthy. However, if one encounters any of these side effects, seeking medical help is a must.(7)
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