The Downside of Coffee

Caffeine is one of the most widely used stimulants worldwide, and there are several reasons for this. In addition to the properties that many people see as positive, coffee consumption also has a downside that is not immediately noticeable.

Why is Coffee so Popular?

Coffee and tea moments bring people together. Moreover, caffeine is found in all kinds of popular beverages, from various varieties of coffee, tea and matcha to energy drinks, cola and chocolate. In addition, many people appreciate the ritual of a steaming cup of coffee in the morning or a large mug of tea in the afternoon: a moment of relaxation.

Don't forget the first cup of coffee first thing in the morning, either. For many, this energy boost makes it the perfect start to the day. It helps to be alert and focused. This is because caffeine temporarily blocks the action of adenosine - a substance that causes sleepyness. Normally, adenosine builds up throughout the day and binds to receptors in the brain, making you feel tired and less focussed.

When caffeine occupies these adenosine receptors, dopamine also remains active. This not only makes you feel more awake, but also increases motivation and pleasure. This explains why caffeine not only helps you stay alert, but is often perceived as uplifting and even mildly addictive.

Antioxidants in Coffee

In addition to the stimulating effects due to caffeine, coffee also has health benefits due to its high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and inflammation. Polyphenols, a particular type of antioxidants, have an action against aging by preventing the shortening of telomeres.

What are Telomeres?

Telomeres are at the ends of a chromosome to protect your DNA. You can compare it to the plastic piece at the end of a lace that prevents it from getting damaged. In addition to genetic factors, your lifestyle and diet affect the length of your telomeres, among other things. Long telomeres are associated with beneficial health effects.

Effects of Caffeine on your Genes

However, that polyphenols (antioxidants) in coffee have a positive effect on telomeres is not the whole story, though. A lot of research has been done on the health effects of coffee. Consequently, you come across a wide variety of information about it. When it comes specifically to the effect on telomeres, there is another substance in coffee that affects the ends of chromosomes: caffeine. And caffeine shortens telomeres. Shortening telomeres can lead to aging and disease. So caffeine and polyphenols have contradictory effects on chromosomes.

Conclusion

To maintain the length of your telomeres, a healthy lifestyle is important. Avoid caffeine consumption. Phase out your current coffee consumption to reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches.

Want to enjoy the benefits of polyphenols? Then you don't have to drink coffee. In fact, polyphenols can also be found in plant foods. Good sources of this type of antioxidant include:

- Black and blueberries;

- Flaxseeds (freshly ground);

- Chestnuts;

- Hazelnuts;

- Pecans;

- Olives.

Legumes, seaweed and fruit consumption have also been associated with longer telomeres in scientific research. In addition, avoiding sugary soda's, alcohol and (processed and red) meat is better for your telomeres.

It is important to make conscious lifestyle choices to both experience the benefits of antioxidants and protect your chromosomes.