Negative Effects of Excess Tea and Coffee Consumption
Tea and coffee, an indispensable part of our lives, are part of daily rituals for many people. Let’s examine the harmful effects of too much of these drinks, which are a source of energy for some, and draw attention to the possible risks of these drinks, which are consumed extensively especially during cold weather periods.
Tea and Coffee Basics
When we leave aside the indispensable drink of our lives, one of the most consumed beverages is tea. The origin of tea goes back to ancient times. It was first consumed in countries such as China and Japan for wakefulness and meditation. It gained popularity especially among students and priests, as it increases the waking time thanks to its caffeine content, and then it became widespread throughout the world.
Coffee is a beverage of Ethiopian origin. According to a legend, when a shepherd fed coffee beans to his goats, he noticed that the goats became more energetic. After this incident, monks started drinking coffee in monasteries to stay awake.
Coffee and tea spread to the Arabian Peninsula over time and were consumed in Eastern countries for a long time, but they also reached Europe in the 17th century. Different sources claim that tea and coffee have both beneficial and harmful effects.
Green tea
Green tea is one of the healthiest types of tea and is rich in polyphenols. Teas with high polyphenol content are brewed and drunk hot. Polyphenols in green tea, like theflavins and thearubigins in black tea, can protect DNA by neutralizing free radicals.
However, excessive consumption of tea and coffee in our daily life can lead to some negative consequences. High caffeine intake can cause problems such as anxiety, tachycardia, palpitations, insomnia, restlessness and nausea. In addition, high-caffeine coffee has been associated with high bad cholesterol (LDL).
Research shows that everything needs to be kept in balance. It is very important not to overdo the daily tea and coffee consumption. Especially those who do not have a history of cardiovascular disease can continue to consume tea and coffee.
Coffee Should Be Consumed Carefully!
Coffee is a beverage that should be consumed with caution for some people. It can cause palpitations and high blood pressure, especially for heart and high blood pressure patients. Therefore, opting for decaffeinated coffee may lead to decaffeinated coffee allegedly leading to inflammatory rheumatism known as rheumatoid arthritis.
Harms of Excessive Tea and Coffee Consumption
It should be noted that excess of everything is harmful. Excessive consumption of tea and coffee has negative effects on health. In addition to this issue, the benefits of sugar-free diet should not be ignored.
May Raise Blood Pressure
High intake of caffeine has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and can increase blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage the arteries and restrict blood flow to the heart and brain. This can lead to serious problems such as heart attack and stroke. It is important to pay attention to the dosage of caffeine, especially in people with high blood pressure.
May Increase Anxiety
Caffeine is a brain chemical that provides energy by blocking the effects of adenosine. When consumed in high amounts, effects such as anxiety and irritability may become more pronounced.
May Cause Insomnia
Excessive consumption of tea and coffee may be a preferred method for people to stay awake. However, high caffeine intake has been shown to prolong sleep time. The effects of caffeine can last for several hours and can negatively affect sleep quality, especially when consumed in the evening.
May Cause Digestive Problems
Caffeine can stimulate the digestive system, accelerating the movement of nutrients. Therefore, excessive caffeine intake can lead to diarrhea. Additionally, caffeinated beverages can cause the muscles that prevent stomach contents from going back into the esophagus to relax, which can increase symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
May Cause Addiction
Excessive consumption of caffeine-containing products can trigger certain brain chemicals and cause withdrawal symptoms after long-term use. A 2012 study found that people who consumed caffeine daily experienced increased headaches, fatigue, and other withdrawal symptoms when they stopped caffeine.
Daily Tea and Coffee Consumption
The recommended daily amount of caffeine for healthy adults is 400 mg; 300 mg for adolescents; 2.5 mg per kilogram for children; During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is 200 mg. You can adjust your tea and coffee consumption by paying attention to these amounts.
- 1 cup of Turkish coffee (65-75 ml) contains approximately 65 mg of caffeine.
- 1 cup of black tea (150 ml) contains 40-55 mg caffeine.
- 1 cup of green tea (150 ml) contains 25-45 mg caffeine.
- 1 cup of filter coffee (180-200 ml) contains 120-170 mg caffeine.
It is also important to remember that caffeine is also found in foods such as chocolate (30 g = 60 mg caffeine) and cola (330 ml = 45 mg caffeine). People who consume too much caffeine-containing beverages and foods may experience increased heart rate due to the stimulant effects of caffeine. If you notice any changes in your heart rate or rhythm after caffeine consumption, it is recommended that you reduce your caffeine intake.
