Coffee, ally or enemy?

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages around the world, and it's no coincidence. Its popularity is largely due to its ability to make us feel more energetic, but also to the fact that it brings people together, stimulates conversations, keeps you awake, and simply being a small, affordable pleasure.

There is a whole culture surrounding coffee, but there is also a long history of debate about its benefits and dangers.

Want to know more about coffee? Keep reading!

African tribes have been enjoying coffee long before us. It is estimated that it began to be consumed in Africa in the 11th century, and became common in Europe in the 15th century. Today, more than half of the world's coffee is produced in the Americas and is enjoyed by millions of people.

Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit called coffee cherry, which is small, round and ripe and has a deep red color. Cherries grow on a bush or tree called a coffee tree. Each variety of coffee tree has a different flavor, but most of the coffee we consume comes from Arabica or Robusta.

• Arabica: This is a delicate plant that needs to be grown in mountainous areas with moderate rainfall and constant temperatures. It is milder, sweeter and more intense and difficult to grow.
• Robusta: It is more resistant to climate change and diseases, it is grown at a lower altitude and its harvest is easier. It is stronger, bitter and has more caffeine and antioxidants.

Coffee is a mixture of more than 1,000 components, including caffeine, vitamin B2, magnesium and polyphenols (antioxidants). The quantities vary depending on the bean, its roast, the type of grind and its preparation method.

Despite its many benefits, coffee doesn't have the best reputation. The WHO included coffee on a list of potentially harmful substances in 1991. It was removed from the list in 2016, backed by research proving that drinking it was not associated with any health risks.

The bad reputation it had for decades left many myths to talk about.

Does coffee cause insomnia ? Does it dehydrate ? Is it just caffeine ?

• Myth 1: Coffee causes insomnia: Coffee contains caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant that increases our alertness and energy levels. Each person's sensitivity is different and depends on factors such as metabolism or the amount of caffeine they are used to regularly. Most people who drink one or two cups of coffee in the morning do not suffer from sleep disorders. If you are sensitive to caffeine, reduce your intake so that your body can get used to it and try not to drink coffee 6-9 hours before bedtime.

• Myth 2: Coffee is dehydrating: Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, however, the amount of liquid consumed with coffee is usually greater than the amount lost when you urinate. This means that although it acts as a diuretic, drinking coffee in moderation does not cause dehydration ( study ).

• Myth 3: Coffee = caffeine: Coffee is not just caffeine. An 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains 94.8 mg of caffeine, but it also contains a large amount of antioxidants that help us reduce aging and prevent diseases ( study ).

So much information in one blog, but don't worry, we'll summarize it for you.

Coffee can be very healthy and useful, but we believe that it is often abused.

The idea is to drink coffee because you enjoy the moment and for all the benefits it brings you, but not because you need it to function.

It can be a great ally to have that extra energy and concentration in the mornings, but trying to leave all the responsibility on coffee is not a good idea. Remember that coffee is not the solution to not getting enough sleep, nor is it essential to be able to function. 

If you suffer from stress or anxiety, or have trouble sleeping, we recommend that you limit your coffee consumption.

We repeat, we love coffee! But do you know the real reason why we like matcha tea so much? Because of its L-theanine content, an amino acid that helps improve concentration and sleep quality, as well as providing that feeling of calm and alertness.

Oh, if only coffee had L-Theanine… can you imagine?

Tip: Don't spoil your coffee with sugar. You'll be reducing its benefits and giving you a high that will soon be accompanied by a drop in energy. Don't ruin your coffee with sugary creamers either. Don't get into that vicious cycle and turn your day into a roller coaster.