What are the benefits and drawbacks of women drinking coffee?

For modern office workers, drinking coffee is a particularly common occurrence, especially during gatherings or when staying up late to work overtime. It seems that coffee has become a prevalent beverage culture. In fact, there are benefits for women who drink coffee, but the prerequisite is not to overconsume it, as excessive intake may have some negative impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance. So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of women drinking coffee? Let's explore them together below.

Drawbacks of Female Coffee Consumption:

1. Increased Risk of Infertility: Women who consume one cup of coffee daily are more susceptible to infertility. A survey of 104 women with coffee drinking habits found that approximately 50 of them had difficulty conceiving. However, researchers emphasize that if the cause of infertility cannot be medically explained, caffeine should be considered a potential factor.

2. Elevated Risk of Heart Attack: Research data suggests that drinking five or more cups of coffee per day can increase the risk of myocardial infarction by 70% in women, and the risk increases with higher coffee consumption.

3. Susceptibility to Osteoporosis: Elderly women who regularly consume more than two cups of coffee daily without drinking milk may experience reduced bone density in their hips and spines, regardless of age or obesity level. The degree of reduction is related to the duration and amount of coffee consumed. Caffeine binds to free calcium in the body and is excreted through urine, leading to a decrease in free calcium and subsequent breakdown of bound calcium, resulting in osteoporosis.

4. Adverse Effects on Pregnant Women and Fetuses: Early in the 1980s, Dr. Colin from the US Food and Drug Administration found in experiments that pregnant mice fed the equivalent of 12-24 cups of strong coffee per day gave birth to deformed offspring. Therefore, researchers advise pregnant women to refrain from drinking coffee.

5. Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: A study in Australia showed that drinking just a few cups of coffee daily can elevate blood pressure, making it unsuitable for pregnant women.

Benefits of Female Coffee Consumption:

1. Skin Improvement: Coffee accelerates skin metabolism, aiding in the expulsion of dead skin cells and reducing dark circles caused by poor circulation. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant, maintaining skin cell vitality, protecting against cell oxidation, and combating aging.

2. Cancer Prevention: The polyphenols found in coffee are powerful antioxidants. Regular coffee consumption can have a certain effect on cancer prevention.

3. Gastrointestinal Benefits After Meals: Drinking coffee after meals can be beneficial for gastric health. However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can damage the gastric mucosa due to the secretion of gastric juice.

4. Liver Protection: In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that coffee can reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The polyphenols in coffee also have a protective effect on the liver. It is recommended that patients with liver inflammation consume coffee daily, as it can be beneficial for hepatocyte repair.

5. Weight Loss and Body Slimming: Caffeine stimulates kidney function, promoting the excretion of excess sodium ions and increasing urine output. This can help improve bloating and water retention, contributing to weight loss and body slimming.