Improper coffee consumption can negatively impact your health and accelerate aging.
Dr. Monica Kieu, currently residing and practicing in California (USA) in the fields of dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and nutrition, states: “Drinking coffee daily is a common habit, but it can have both benefits and drawbacks depending on how you consume it.”
When discussing the benefits of coffee, she shares that most people are only aware of its short-term effects, such as providing energy, increasing alertness, and aiding in weight loss. However, coffee can also reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, memory decline, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and some cancers. Additionally, it provides numerous vitamins and minerals (B vitamins, manganese, potassium, etc.) that protect the liver, improve mood, and slow down aging…
However, Dr. Monica Kieu emphasizes that these remarkable benefits can only be obtained when coffee is consumed in moderation and correctly. She also points out four mistakes made while drinking coffee that can accelerate aging more than usual, even leading to “unrestrained aging.” These issues are quite common in everyday life, especially among younger individuals.
1. Consuming Too Much Coffee
Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see people overindulging in coffee daily, even becoming “addicted” to it. This is especially true for busy and stressed young individuals. “Scientific studies indicate that an adult should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to about 4 cups of coffee,” says Dr. Monica Kieu.
She reminds us that exceeding this amount of coffee can not only negatively affect health but also accelerate external aging. The most evident signs include skin and hair deterioration. Besides coffee, we should also monitor caffeine intake from other foods and beverages to stay within the 400 mg limit each day.
2. Replacing Breakfast or Water with Coffee
Due to its energizing effects, coffee has become a breakfast substitute or a replacement for water for many people. According to Dr. Monica Kieu, this habit is detrimental to health and accelerates aging.
Dr. Monica Kieu states: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing energy for all activities throughout the day. Replacing breakfast with coffee leads to nutrient deficiencies and increases the risk of skin aging. Moreover, the caffeine in coffee stimulates gastric acid production, elevating the risk of stomach lining damage.”
Additionally, she warns against the habit of using coffee as a water substitute, which many young people find convenient in a “two-in-one” manner. While it quenches thirst and provides hydration, it can lead to dehydration, negatively impacting skin health, digestion, nutrient absorption, and joint health, ultimately causing early aging and various health issues.
3. Adding Excessive Sugar to Coffee
Adding sugar to coffee is a culprit in collagen depletion. (Illustration image).
According to Dr. Monica Kieu, this habit makes coffee taste better and can prevent discomfort when consumed on an empty stomach, but it is a “health disaster.”
“Adding sugar to coffee is a primary cause of collagen and elastin reduction, leading to loss of skin elasticity and increased wrinkle formation, accelerating the aging process. Excessive sugar creates AGEs (advanced glycation end products), which trigger inflammation, leading to acne. Furthermore, excess sugar in the body can contribute to overweight, obesity, and many other serious health conditions,” she warns.
4. Drinking Coffee Late in the Evening, Close to Bedtime
In addition to providing alertness, many people choose coffee as a drink to relax or warm up in the evening. However, according to Dr. Monica Kieu, drinking coffee at night is not good for health or appearance, especially if consumed late in the evening or, worse, right before bedtime.
Avoid drinking coffee late at night, especially close to bedtime. (Illustration image).
She explains: “Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant; drinking it in the evening, especially late, can lead to sleep difficulties and insomnia. Poor sleep quality diminishes the immune system, affects mood, disrupts metabolism, and increases the risk of many other severe health conditions. Poor sleep also accelerates aging as the skin does not have enough time to recover and regenerate, leading to hair loss, hormonal imbalances, and negative moods.”
5. Consuming Coffee with Too Much Artificial Creamer
Image: Eat This, Not That
Similar to added sugar or milk, cream is also an ingredient that should be used cautiously when adding to coffee.
Artificial creamers, especially those not made from dairy but from partially hydrogenated corn syrup and vegetable oils, contain empty calories and trans fats, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Artificial creamers also diminish the inherent benefits of coffee.
If you still wish to add cream to your coffee, it is advisable to use only a small amount and prioritize those derived from dairy or plant-based options like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
6. Adding Too Many Flavorings to Coffee
Image: Olive Magazine
Artificial flavors such as caramel, vanilla powder, peppermint, pumpkin spice, and others contain nothing but sugar, empty calories, and artificial colors, making coffee more visually appealing and enticing. Regularly consuming coffee with artificial flavorings can increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and, in the long run, may lead to decreased quality of life and affect longevity.
7. Drinking Coffee While It’s Too Hot
One common habit among many people is to drink coffee while it is still very hot, often immediately after brewing.
However, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), consuming beverages hotter than 65 degrees Celsius, including coffee, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
High temperatures can damage the protective mucosal lining of the esophagus.
This study is based on results from several epidemiological investigations in regions with high hot beverage consumption rates, such as China, Iran, and some South American countries.
According to a study published in The Lancet Oncology, scientists have indicated that drinking very hot coffee or tea is directly related to an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
The high temperature can harm the protective mucosal lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation and leading to harmful cellular changes. This is particularly important for those who habitually drink coffee immediately after boiling, without allowing it to cool before consumption.
Health experts recommend letting coffee cool to below 60 degrees Celsius before drinking to reduce the risk of esophageal mucosal damage.
Moreover, consuming coffee at a safe temperature not only protects health but also allows you to fully enjoy the flavors of coffee.
