6 HEALTH BENEFITS OF NOT DRINKING COFFEE
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were to quit drinking coffee? We are talking about going cold turkey, even shunning the decaf variety of your favourite cup of joe. If you’re wondering why anybody in their right mind would give up caffeine, then let us tell you that going caffeine-free can be good for your health.
In fact, here are the six health benefits of not drinking coffee:
1. Your anxiety levels shall drop
Do you often feel jittery and anxious? Maybe it’s the excess of caffeine in your system that’s to be blamed!
Most of us crave a hot cup of coffee for the instant energy boost that caffeine brings. Research studying the psychostimulant impact of coffee found that the burst of energy can stimulate our “fight or flight” hormones. What may follow is an increase in anxiety, nervousness, heart palpitations, and even panic attacks.
2. The deep sleep you dream of shall be your reality
Although there are many factors that can cause a disrupted sleep cycle but cutting out caffeine shall give you one less reason to worry about. A study by Sleep Medicine Reviews found that daily caffeine intake can actually alter your sleep cycle and may cause restless sleep or even daytime drownsiness. For all the dreadful mornings, you can blame your coffee habit.
Another research found that if you consume caffeine less than six hours before heading to bed, then you must bid adieu to sleep for the night. Research by the US National Library of Medicine found that people who live a caffeine-free life are more likely to enjoy a blissful and undisturbed night’s rest.
3. Your headaches might become less frequent
Ever noticed that on days you forget to drink your morning coffee, your head hurts? Well, caffeine withdrawal is real, ladies. A Journal of Pharmacology study found that headaches are the most common signs of caffeine withdrawal.
In fact, a 2004 study found that even if you don’t experience caffeine withdrawal, caffeine intake can increase your risk of developing chronic daily headaches.
4. Your body’s oestrogen levels might stabilize
An American Research of Clinical Nutrition study found that drinking more than two cups of coffee per day results in elevated oestrogen levels in women.
An imbalance in estrogen levels is concerning since it can increase the risk of endometriosis, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Not to mention, caffeine consumed through coffee, tea, and soda is also known to worsen period pains. With our reproductive health at stake, maybe going caffeine-free doesn’t sound so awful!
5. Going caffeine-free is also good for your blood pressure
Switching out caffeine for a healthier alternative can help balance out your blood pressure. A study featured on Science Direct shows that caffeine is known to stimulate the nervous system which might lead to raised blood pressure.
Not to mention that a Journal of Hypertension study found that high caffeine intake (3 to 5 cups) actually increases our risk of having cardiovascular disease.
6. Say bye to coffee and hello to pearly white teeth
Well, there’s no fighting the fact that coffee and tea can actually stain teeth. Blame the high level of tannins found in caffeinated drinks that can lead to discoloured tooth enamel.
So sipping on some hot cocoa instead of coffee might actually give you the warmth and energy you crave while making your teeth shine like diamonds!
