12 health benefits of coffee and 9 reasons to avoid it

Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, after oil

The world’s most expensive coffee is Kopi Luwak, which is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and digested by the Asian palm civet.

The coffee plant is a small evergreen shrub or tree that is native to tropical Africa and Asia. It is grown in over 70 countries around the world, with the majority of production coming from Latin America. The coffee plant requires warm, moist conditions and grows best at altitudes of 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level.

The coffee plant produces white flowers that bloom in clusters. The flowers are pollinated by insects, and the fruits that develop from the flowers are called coffee cherries. Each coffee cherry contains two coffee beans. The coffee beans are roasted to varying degrees to produce different flavors of coffee.

The coffee plant is a major cash crop for many countries, and it is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Coffee is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures, and it is a part of many daily routines.

Here are some other interesting facts about the coffee plant:

• The coffee plant is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which also includes plants such as gardenia, jasmine, and rhododendron.
• The word “coffee” comes from the Arabic word “qahwa,” which means “wine of the bean.”
• The coffee bean is actually a seed.
• There are two main types of coffee plants: Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta. Arabica coffee is considered to be higher quality and has a more complex flavor. Robusta coffee is less expensive and has a stronger flavor.
• The coffee plant can live for up to 100 years.

Benefits of drinking coffee

1. Can increase energy levels.

2. Can help in burning out fat.

3. Improves physical performance.

4. Rich in essential nutrients.

5. Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes.

6. Lowers the risk of Alzheimer`s.

7. Lowers the risk of Parkinson`s

8. Have protective effects on liver.

9. Fights depression.

10. Fights cancer.

11. Can lower the risk of stroke.

12. Rich in anti – oxidants. Source: http://authoritynutrition.com/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee/

Drug interactions of coffee

1. Can interact with ephedrine.

2. Can interact with adenosine.

3. Can interact with alcohol.

4. Can interact with alendronate.

5. Can interact with birth control pills.

6. Can interact with clozapine.

7. Can interact with antibiotics.

8. Can interact with dipyridamole.

9. Can interact with disulfiram.

10. Can interact with estrogens.

11. Can interact with Fluvoxamine.

12. Can interact with Levothyroxine.

13. Can interact with Lithium.

14. Can interact with medications for asthma.

15. Can interact with medications for depression.( MAOIs)

16. Can interact with tricyclic antidepressants.

17. Can interact with anti – coagulants.

18. Can interact with pento barbital.

19. Can interact with phenothiazines.

20. Can interact with phenylpropanolamine.

21. Can interact with Riluzole.

22. Can interact with stimulant drugs.

23. Can interact with verapamil.

24. Can interact with theophylline.

25. Can interact with cimetidine.

26. Can interact with fluconazole.

27. Can interact with anti – diabetic medications.

28. Can interact with Mexiletine.

29. Can interact with terbinafine. Source: http://www.rxlist.com/coffee-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions

30. Can interact with drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 liver enzymes. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10976659

31. Can interact with bendamustine.

32. Can interact with ciprofloxacin.

33. Can interact with deferasirox.

34. Can interact with Enoxacin.

35. Can interact with methotrexate.

36. Can interact with nalidixic acid.

37. Can severely interact with Tizanidine.

38. Can interact with Vemurafenib. Source: http://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-drug-interactions

Drug groups interacting with caffeine in toto

1. Alcohol abuse deterrents, Anti – arrhythmic drugs, Antibiotics, anti – depressants, anti ulcer medications, anti – platelet medications, anti – psychotic medications, Broncho dilators, Calcium channel blockers, anti – coagulants, stimulants, sedatives, estrogens, lithium and others. Source: http://www.drugsdb.com/cib/caffeine/caffeine-drug-interactions/

Health conditions to avoid coffee

1. Coffee must be avoided by people prone to stress, anxiety and sleeping problems.

2. Women with lumpy and painful breasts must avoid coffee.

3. People with acid reflux and stomach ulcers must avoid coffee.

4. Coffee must be avoided by people with high blood pressure.

5. Must be avoided by people with irregular heart rhythms.

6. Must be avoided by people with chronic headaches.

7. Must be avoided by people with osteoporosis.

8. Must be avoided by hyperactive children.

9. Must be limited or avoided during pregnancy. Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002445.htm http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/living-with-osteoporosis-7/diet-dangers?page=2 http://www.patient.co.uk/health/coeliac-disease-diet-sheet http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/limit-caffeine-during-pregnancy.aspx?CategoryID=54&SubCategoryID=130

Photo by Chevanon Photography: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-performing-coffee-art-302899/

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