Coffee lovers must have wondered at some point whether instant coffee is as good as regular ground coffee.
Many people have the habit of staying up late to work. This is especially common among programmers and designers, who frequently work until 11 PM, midnight, or even 3 or 4 AM. To alleviate feelings of drowsiness and sluggishness, many turn to instant coffee.
Not only office workers but also many students have the habit of drinking coffee to study more effectively. However, what are the side effects of instant coffee on the human body? If consumed over a long period, what impact will instant coffee have? Let’s consider the case below.
Li, a 26-year-old from Shanghai, finds life in the city fast-paced and stressful. Even as an intern, Li works late into the night.
Instant Coffee.
In her quest to become a full-time employee as soon as possible, Li works diligently, often clocking in overtime until 3 or 4 AM. As a result, she frequently experiences sleep deprivation and fatigue. To boost her productivity during the day or to feel refreshed at night, she drinks instant coffee. Preferring sweeter flavors, she often chooses coffee with added sugar. Over time, she gradually gained weight and lost her previously slim figure. Concerned about her health, her friends urged her to visit a hospital for a thorough check-up. It was then that she learned her blood sugar levels had exceeded the standard, leading to a serious case of diabetes.
At first, Li found it hard to understand why she developed diabetes at such a young age. When the doctor inquired about her daily habits, she realized that her consumption of instant coffee instead of water might be the root cause.
The doctor explained that while instant coffee is much more convenient than other types of coffee, many sugars are added to enhance the flavor of the coffee. He noted that occasionally drinking one or two cups of instant coffee wouldn’t lead to significant sugar buildup in the body. However, if someone replaces water with this drink, as Li did, it could lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels and diabetes. Additionally, it can accelerate calcium loss in the body, making bones brittle and prone to osteoporosis.
What is Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee, also known as soluble coffee, is a type of coffee made from finely ground coffee beans that have been roasted and dried.
This extract is created by brewing coffee in a more concentrated form than usual. After brewing, the water is removed from the extract to yield dry coffee. This extract dissolves when mixed with water.
One method for producing instant coffee is “spray drying.” In this process, hot air is used to dry the coffee, resulting in a fine powder or small granules.
Another method is “freeze drying,” where the coffee extract is frozen, cut into small pieces, and dried at low temperatures under vacuum conditions.
Both production methods preserve the aroma and flavor of the coffee beans.
Many sugars are added to instant coffee to enhance its flavor.
Effects of Regular Instant Coffee Consumption
1. Difficulty Losing Weight
Instant coffee is high in calories. Thus, regular consumption of this drink not only fails to aid in weight loss but may also contribute to sugar accumulation in the body and excess fat, leading to obesity. It can also disrupt the body’s normal metabolic processes.
For economic reasons, many brands opt for lower quality coffee beans to produce instant coffee, which is not beneficial for health.
Drinking coffee causes a steady increase in heart rate.
2. Increased Heart Rate
Whether consuming instant coffee or freshly ground coffee, the heart rate of a person increases. This is because the body bears a significant burden, and the heart rate becomes unstable when someone stays up late for extended periods.
Additionally, coffee stimulates the nerves in the body to a certain extent, providing a refreshing effect. However, for individuals with weak cardiovascular or pulmonary function, coffee can increase pressure on these systems, leading to a higher heart rate and potentially causing cardiovascular diseases.
3. Elevated Blood Sugar Levels
From the ingredient list printed on the packaging, some instant coffees contain a lot of sugar, calories, and fats. If someone consumes instant coffee regularly over time, their blood sugar levels may become unstable, leading to elevated blood sugar and potentially resulting in diabetes, as seen with Li at the beginning of this article.
4. Damage to Digestive Health
For patients with impaired digestive function, coffee should be avoided as it can irritate the digestive tract and potentially cause digestive disorders.
5. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Due to its caffeine content, coffee has a refreshing effect, which is why it is popular among office workers. However, many brands of instant coffee add various flavors to enhance the coffee’s richness.
Some instant coffees contain non-dairy creamers that can lead to significant fat accumulation in the body. Additionally, large amounts of additives can cause problems in some cerebral blood vessels. Long-term consumption of instant coffee can severely impact health.
