Are You Dependent on Morning Coffee for Mental Performance or Energy Increase? (PDF)? If this describes you, you may be questioning its health effects. While most know coffee contains caffeine – which enhances mental performance and increases energy – not everyone realizes its other nutrients and compounds which could have potential health benefits.

Coffee is composed of roasted and ground beans harvested from Coffea arabica plants and can be distinguished by their color, flavor and nutritional content depending on where they were cultivated, how they’re processed and their age when being roasted.

Coffee contains many vitamins and minerals beyond caffeine, such as magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6 and niacin; in addition to antioxidants and phytochemicals that may reduce inflammation and help protect against heart disease and cancer. Studies conducted over two decades have also demonstrated that individuals who drink four or more cups of coffee per day tend to lower their risks of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, certain forms of cancer (including breast and endometrium cancers), overall mortality as a result.

Coffee’s association with increased concentration and alertness may come as no surprise, especially when consumed first thing in the morning before an exam or test. Furthermore, coffee contains prebiotic properties which feed beneficial bacteria found in our gut microbiomes (known as good bacteria ) which contribute to immune health, digestive function, nutritional status as well as immune health overall.

Caffeine may help us sleep sounder at night; however, when taken in excess, coffee can interfere with it and even cause headaches, irritability, drowsiness or stomach discomfort when taken outside meal times. Caffeine also interacts with certain medications; so it’s wise to consult your healthcare team if taking medications or supplements.

If you are an avid coffee consumer and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, tapering down gradually may help. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue and irritability typically last no more than one week; but gradual tapering may make the transition less cumbersome. Also avoiding sugar-loaded beverages as much as possible as well as drinking plenty of water can all help make for a smooth transition process.

Studies demonstrating the association between moderate coffee intake and reduced risks of chronic diseases and cancers is linked with reduced risks, but many don’t examine if it was due solely to coffee’s consumption or lifestyle factors that caused these results, thus they should be taken with caution. Still, switching from coffee to green tea might help – make an evaluation and choose your plan that’s best suited to you.