Not only can excessive coffee consumption lead to insomnia and high blood pressure, but it may also increase the risk of cancer. The toxic compound acrylamide has been found in over 20 tested coffee varieties.
Alongside its beneficial effects, scientists warn against the overconsumption of coffee due to its side effects, as high doses can be harmful to health.
Traces of Carcinogens Found in Coffee
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| Avoid excessive coffee consumption due to its side effects (Photo: aquarius) |
German scientists have reported that acrylamide, a potential carcinogen in animals, has been detected in all 24 tested ground coffee varieties and 7 types of espresso. The levels of this substance in brewed coffee are significantly lower than in ground coffee.
Winfried Tigges, President of the German Coffee Association, states that acrylamide does not exist in unprocessed coffee; it only forms during the roasting process. He noted that coffee producers are researching ways to create acrylamide-free coffee.
Initial studies have shown that acrylamide (found in fried potatoes, coffee, water, and carbohydrate-rich foods like toast or fried items) may cause cancer in animals.
Coffee Disrupts Sugar Metabolism
Recent research from the United States and the Netherlands indicates that coffee reduces the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Excessive coffee consumption also increases stress hormone levels and can cause a slight rise in blood pressure. Additionally, the levels of free fatty acids in the blood of this group are also higher than normal.
Coffee Can Cause Blood Vessel Blockage and High Blood Pressure
Individuals with high blood pressure should avoid coffee. A cup of coffee a day can block blood vessels for at least 2 hours, leading to increased blood pressure. Subsequent cups can temporarily obstruct arteries. This is the conclusion of new research from scientists at Henry Dunant Hospital in Greece. Hypertensive patients should switch to decaffeinated coffee or, preferably, avoid it altogether.
Coffee Contributes to Atherosclerosis
Regular coffee consumption may accelerate inflammatory processes in the body, leading to several serious diseases. Researchers at Harokopian University in Athens, Greece, reported this after studying over 3,000 healthy individuals.
Among those who consume more than one cup of coffee per day, inflammatory markers in the blood are significantly elevated, often damaging healthy cells and contributing to chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis. This risk is consistent across all demographics, regardless of gender, age, or smoking habits.
Combined Effects of Coffee and Tobacco Harm Cardiovascular Health
Research in Greece shows that the combined effects of coffee and tobacco increase the likelihood of arterial hardening. This suggests that tobacco and coffee may interact negatively, affecting arterial health.
Coffee Affects the Nervous System
According to the World Health Organization, excessive coffee consumption can harm the nervous system, causing restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, stress, and even leading to vomiting and gastrointestinal disorders. Given that many foods contain caffeine, doctors recommend consumers carefully read ingredient labels to monitor their daily caffeine intake appropriately.
