Who has never taken a coffee break in the middle of the street? Our daily lives are usually quite tiring and busy; a cup of coffee can be all you need to get you going and continue your tasks with a smile on your face.

A Brief History of Coffee

There is no one hundred percent conclusive documentation when it comes to the origin of coffee. It is believed, however, that the story began in Ethiopia in the 7th century, when a goat herder, known as Kaldi, noticed that his animals became more excited after chewing fruits and leaves of Arabica coffee.

Kaldi is said to have told a local monk what had happened, who decided to try the experiment himself. Impressed by its stimulating effects, he decided to try to create a drink, which became so successful that it quickly spread throughout the African continent and the Middle East.

Coffee arrived in Europe in the mid-16th century and quickly became popular. Italian traders introduced the delicacy to several other countries. Coffee shops in Italy are considered some of the best in the world to this day.

But it was in the 18th century that coffee finally arrived in the Americas. Brazil is considered one of the largest (and best) coffee producers on the planet, and it is also part of the basic food basket of a large part of the population.

Where is coffee most consumed?

According to data from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), these are the countries that consume the most coffee around the world:

1. Finland: 12.2 kg per capita
2. Norway: 9.9 kg per capita
3. Iceland: 9 kg per capita
4. Denmark: 8.7 kg per capita
5. Netherlands: 8.4 kg per capita
6. Sweden: 8.1 kg per capita
7. Switzerland: 7.9 kg per capita
8. Belgium: 6.8 kg per capita

Finland consumes around 225g (per capita) of coffee per week. Norway is not far behind either. Cold countries tend to consume the beverage more frequently – for more than obvious reasons.

Although Brazil is one of the largest producers on the planet, it is far from being one of the largest consumers. The average consumption is “only” 2.7 kg per year.

What are the effects of coffee on the body?

Coffee is known for its stimulating effects, as it increases the activity of the dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps with concentration and attention. In addition, it has immediate effects on other spectra:

• Fatigue reduction: Adenosine, a neurotransmitter that causes drowsiness, is blocked by caffeine;
• Improves mood: Caffeine helps raise norepinephrine and dopamine levels, which can help people feel better – especially during times of stress;
• Changes heart rate: The sympathetic nervous system undergoes changes and, as a result, can temporarily alter the heartbeat;
• Changes blood pressure: People who are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine may experience changes in blood pressure for a few hours.

However, it is important to mention that there are some long-term effects involved in regular coffee consumption:

• Reduced risk of depression: People with a predisposition to depression can benefit greatly from moderate coffee consumption, studies show;
• Less chance of developing chronic diseases: Researchers believe that balanced consumption of the drink can help prevent heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer;
• Improved cognition: The brain can function better with moderate coffee consumption. Learning and memorization become easier after some time.

Adverse effects of coffee

As expected, the drink has several qualities, but it can cause some problems if consumed in excess or by people who are sensitive to caffeine. Learn a little about its main risks:

• Sleep disturbance: Caffeine can cause insomnia due to its stimulating effects. Its consumption is not recommended at night, close to bedtime;
• Irritable bowel syndrome: It is important to mention that coffee does not cause the disease, but it can worsen its symptoms. The patient often feels the urge to defecate, even though there is no real need to do so;
• Kidney stones: Drinking alcohol in excess can cause kidney stones. In certain cases, the stone will need to be surgically removed;
• Increased anxiety: People who are sensitive to caffeine may experience anxiety. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) should avoid excessive caffeine consumption.

Read also: How was the internet created? Follow the history of this revolution

What would be the safe consumption of coffee?

A long and healthy life requires moderation. It couldn't be any different with coffee, could it? The safe daily amount varies according to certain personal characteristics, such as age, weight and, of course, level of sensitivity to caffeine.

In general, healthy adults can consume around 400ml of coffee per day – or approximately 4 cups. However, if you notice any adverse effects from drinking the beverage, stop drinking it. Some people experience discomfort after just one cup.

Keep in mind that other products may also contain caffeine, such as soft drinks and chocolates. Therefore, if you don’t want to give up your coffee, it may be a good idea to avoid drinks and foods that are rich in caffeine.

Read also: Amazing websites to generate images with artificial intelligence

Coffee-Tracker, an app created to monitor caffeine consumption. Image: App Store

Are there apps to control consumption?

Yes! Some people have difficulty controlling their daily caffeine intake (which can be addictive). Coffee-Tracker (available for iOS) allows you to track the amount of coffee you consume, as well as the times.

With this, you can know the effects that the substance has on your body and, if you notice that you are exceeding its use, simply reduce it and create an organized schedule.

THE Caffeine Tracker (available at Google Play and in App Store) helps you track all your caffeine intake throughout the day – even from other sources like processed drinks and foods. It’s very similar to Coffee-Tracker, but a bit more comprehensive.

Both are excellent choices for you to enjoy one of the most popular drinks in the world in moderation, without compromising your health.

How much coffee do you consume?

Did you know about all these good (and not so good) characteristics of coffee? How much do you drink per day or per week? Share in the comments!