Coffee causes cancer? Don’t panic! This article will help you sort out the love-hate relationship with coffee

Coffee originated in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia in Africa. Legend has it that in the 6th century AD, a local native discovered that sheep would become unusually excited after eating coffee berries. After trying it, they felt extremely refreshed. Later, it was gradually improved from direct consumption to roasted beverages and introduced to the Middle East by Arabs. After the 15th century, it entered Europe with the westward expedition of the Ottoman Empire and has spread around the world to this day. It is one of the main drinks that people must have in their daily lives, and together with cocoa and tea, it is known as the world's three major daily drinks.

Currently, the main coffee-growing areas in China include Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, Lincang and Baoshan in Yunnan, Lingshui and Baoting in Hainan Province, Alishan, Nantou and Chiayi in Taiwan Province, and Zhaoqing and Qingyuan in Guangdong Province.

In addition to refreshing the mind and promoting metabolism, sitting down to drink coffee with a few friends or business partners is undoubtedly a very pleasant way to deepen understanding and friendship, just like brewing tea around the stove. What mysteries are hidden in a cup of seemingly ordinary black liquid? Next, let's take a few minutes to unveil the mystery of coffee from multiple dimensions.

Image source: Pixabay

Coffee beans contain more than 1,500 chemical components that interact and work synergistically to give coffee its unique flavor and health benefits[1]. The main components are as follows:

Caffeine : As the most well-known ingredient in coffee, caffeine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It is like an "energy switch" that can effectively reduce the body's fatigue by accurately antagonizing adenosine receptors, allowing us to focus more and be more energetic.

Chlorogenic acid : It belongs to the polyphenol compound. Although it is the main source of the bitterness of coffee, it has great potential and has strong antioxidant capacity. It is a veritable "antioxidant guard" with the triple effects of anti-inflammatory, lowering blood sugar and lowering blood lipids, safeguarding our health.

Trigonelline : As an alkaloid, it plays a key role in regulating lipid metabolism. It can effectively reduce low-density lipoprotein levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and play a positive role in maintaining good health. Terpene compounds: This type of compound is the key to giving coffee its unique and charming aroma. Ingredients such as linalool and geraniol make coffee exude a rich fragrance.

Acrylamide : It gives coffee its charming aroma. It is a chemical produced during the roasting process and has certain antimicrobial activity. Although it is classified as a Class 2A carcinogen, the amount of acrylamide people ingest through drinking coffee in daily life is far below the safety threshold and there is no need to worry too much [2-3].

Moderate coffee consumption has many positive effects on health. It can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. It also has neuroprotective effects and helps reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, coffee can regulate metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and may even have a preventive effect on certain cancers [2, 4].

However, if you drink too much, it may bring some negative effects, such as increasing pregnancy risks, causing calcium loss, and causing anxiety and insomnia.

Therefore, it is crucial to control the dosage. The recommended daily caffeine intake for healthy adults should not exceed 400 mg. The body metabolism of pregnant women undergoes significant changes. The half-life of caffeine can be extended to 15 hours, and the placental permeability is as high as 75%. Excessive intake may have adverse effects on the development of the fetus. Therefore, coffee intake should be controlled below 200 mg and consumed with caution during pregnancy [2].

In order to fully utilize the health benefits of coffee while avoiding potential risks, we need to master scientific drinking wisdom.

Coffee, a red fruit originating from Africa, has undergone thousands of years of evolution and development and has now become an indispensable part of global culture. Under the premise of strictly controlling the dosage and fully considering individual adaptability, this cup of black liquid has demonstrated amazing medical and food value. While enjoying the pleasure and satisfaction brought by coffee, we should also pay attention to its impact on health. Whether it is the first cup of coffee to wake up vitality in the morning, or the warm time shared with friends in the afternoon, coffee continues to enrich our world with its unique charm.

[1] Qiu Minghua, Zhang Zhirun, Li Zhongrong, Zhou Lin, Chu Rui, Liu Jieqing, Wang Weihua. Chemical composition of coffee and health[J]. 2014, 32(5): 540-550

[2] Zhu Xiao, Fang Haiqin, Zhang Lishi, Liu Aidong. Research progress on the health effects of coffee[J]. 2019, 31(1): 93-98

[3] Zhou Pingping. Research progress on dietary risk assessment of acrylamide[J]. 2018, 25: 51-53

[4] Hou Wei. A new study found that moderate consumption of coffee and caffeine can reduce the risk of multiple cardiometabolic diseases[J]. 2024, 9: 507

Source: Chongqing Science Writers Association

Author: Tang Jinxia, ​​engineer of Chongqing Tongliang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qin Ming, attending physician of Tongliang District People's Hospital, and Zou Jingbo, chief technician of Mr. Zou's Science Garden

Audit expert: Li Hanbin

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