Dubai: Have you started drinking coffee at work because your colleagues do so?
Medical specialists and coffee experts in Dubai believe there is an increase in average coffee consumption in the workplace.
“The habit of walking around with a mug of coffee in the workplace is strengthened through peer pressure — in a lot of cases, it is a fashion statement,” said Dr Babu Shershad of First Medical Centre in Dubai.
And where does this dependency on coffee come from? You will be surprised by the answer provided by Dr Shershad.
An unbalanced diet can lead to caffeine cravings, he said.
“People who have a balanced diet and eat healthy would be getting all the nutrients their body needs. For these people, drinking coffee would be more of a choice than a necessity.”
The right proportion of fruits, vegetables and proteins in a daily diet can confine coffee to an enjoyable cuppa rather than an addictive habit, he said.
The amount of caffeine in a cup of tea or coffee depends on the type of beans or leaves used to make the beverage. One cup of coffee can contain between 90 to 200mg of caffeine, whereas tea can contain 40 to 50mg of caffeine.
“Caffeine is stimulatory on the nervous system and causes a dependency chemically and physically in larger amounts,” explained Dr Shershad.
“Depending on the body type, it takes around 3 weeks to a month to develop a strong craving or addition to coffee or tea, and just like any other drug, a person will experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches if they decide to stop — even if it’s for one or two days.”
Once the body gets used to high caffeine levels, the effects of coffee, which can include increased attention and memory performance, are no longer experienced. In such a case, a person is in need of even higher doses of coffee or tea to achieve the same effect.
Coffee is not considered harmful however, if consumed in moderation. Along with caffeine, coffee beans also contain antioxidants and nutrients beneficial for the body. The addition of additives, sugar, and milk, however, takes away from its benefits, said Dr Shershad.
Commercially sold tea and coffee contain preservatives to ensure a longer shelf life. The best way to drink coffee, and to keep its nutrients, said Dr Shershad, is to brew it with freshly-ground seeds. Do not keep the grounds for later use.
To benefit from the nutrients from coffee, buy organic beans which are certified by a health organisation.
“Drink coffee black with no sugar, cream, or artificial sweeteners,” said Dr Shershad. He also warned pregnant women against drinking both coffee and tea. “Caffeine can cause lower birth weight, delay delivery, contribute to obesity and lead to other complications for the foetus.”
