6 Reasons Why Drinking Too Much Coffee Is Harmful For Your Health

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and is brewed from roasted coffee beans. For many people, a cup of hot coffee marks the start of their day as it is a wonderful energy booster and stress buster. Antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavonoids, and other healthy compounds in coffee make them very beneficial for us. Coffee provides many health and beauty benefits. However, there are some side effects of drinking too much coffee.

# Increases LDL Cholesterol

As per a study by Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, cafestol and kahweol in the unfiltered coffee may increase LDL cholesterol by 14 mg/dl and total cholesterol by 14 mg/dl.

An increase in LDL cholesterol may lead to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease, etc.

Paper filters used in the brewed coffee can significantly reduce cafestol and kahweol from unfiltered coffee.

# Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure affects millions around the world and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.

The caffeine present in the coffee elevates our blood pressure by blocking the hormone responsible for widening arteries. Coffee also causes our adrenal glands to release more adrenaline, and increase our blood pressure level. The effect of caffeine on blood pressure differs from person to person.

# Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Problems

When consumed in moderation, antioxidants in coffee protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.However, drinking too much coffee may increase the risk of several cardiovascular problems.

Cafestol and kahweol in the unfiltered coffee increase LDL cholesterol and increases the risk of several cardiovascular problems.

# Coffee May Cause Dehydration

Because of its diuretic property, coffee causes our body to lose a lot of fluid through urination.Excess intake of coffee without drinking plenty of water or other non-caffeinated beverages causes water loss in the body and increases the risk of dehydration.

# Withdrawal Symptoms

Caffeine present in coffee is an addictive stimulant that increases coffee dependence and makes it difficult for a person to quit coffee.

As per the American Heart Association, people with coffee ( caffeine addiction) may experience headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and drowsiness within 12-24 hours of quitting coffee.The severity of these withdrawal symptoms differs from person to person, and how much they are addicted to coffee.

# Drinking Coffee On Empty Stomach Cause Digestive Problems

Many people start their day with a cup of coffee as caffeine gives them the required boost to kick start their day.However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is bad for our digestive health as coffee increases hydrochloric acid levels in our stomach.

Hydrochloric acid is responsible for the breakdown of food during digestion. But when our stomach is empty, hydrochloric acid starts damaging the inner walls of the stomach.