Espresso coffee and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits 

Coffee is a drink loved by many, for its unmistakable taste and aroma. Long, short, bitter, cold macchiato, in a large cup... There are so many variations to sip it, a typically Italian ritual and, a cup a day, at least in the morning, practically everyone allows it. It is not only a pleasant drink, its properties are in fact many, at least as many as its possible uses. And it exerts a stimulating action on the heart and blood circulation, but be careful not to overdo it! 

Coffee as protection for the intestine. This is the result achieved by the study "Effect of Different Coffee Brews on Tryptophan Metabolite-Induced Cytotoxicity in HT-29 Human Colon Cancer Cells", recently published in the journal Antioxidants, conducted by research groups from the University Federico II and the University of Valencia, Spain.

 This study was aimed at evaluating the potential protective effects of coffee in the presence of high levels of box produced by the metabolism of intestinal microflora in conditions of excessive intake of animal proteins and / or altered balance of intestinal microbiota populations (dysbiosis). In fact, if produced in excessive quantities, the box is a powerful pro-inflammatory stimulus and may play a role in the progression and pathogenesis of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBD) and in the development of colorectal cancer.

The study conducted in the human colon cancer cell line showed that exposure to the box induces oxidative stress and an increased release of pro-inflammatory molecules. Co-treatment with coffee extracts was able to reduce both the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and therefore the state of oxidative stress, and the release of pro-inflammatory molecules.

These results therefore demonstrate that coffee can counteract the adverse effects of putrefactive compounds such as the box by modulating oxidative stress and exerting anti-inflammatory activity in colonocytes, thus suggesting that coffee intake, especially espresso, can improve health conditions in the presence of altered metabolism of the intestinal microbiota.

Diuretic properties: the high percentage of caffeine, theobromine, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and asparagine ensures a strong diuretic action that makes coffee an ideal drink to combat water retention even in low-calorie diets.

Anorectic effect: in massive doses, appetite decreases.

Lipolytic properties: caffeine stimulates the use of fats for energy purposes and thermogenesis, thus increasing the amount of calories burned by the body. Studies have shown that caffeine would increase metabolic rate by 3-11%. Lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It helps prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, the 2 most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world. Recent studies have shown that regular coffee intake would reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 65%, while for Parkinson's disease, the rates are between 32% and 60%. It improves the state of general well-being thanks to the presence of vitamins and mineral salts contained in it. In particular, in coffee we find vitamin B2, vitamin B3 and vitamin B5. It also contains manganese, magnesium and potassium. Antioxidant properties, thanks to the high content of chlorogenic acids and compounds derived from roasting, the antioxidant power is 10 times higher than that of other beverages such as tea or wine. Cardiotonic and stimulating effect of nervous activity.

Anticancer properties: a study published in May 2011 and conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that regular consumption of coffee decreases the risk of developing some of the most dangerous forms of prostate cancer.

Antidepressant effect: with its stimulating and exciting action, coffee is considered a drink with antidepressant and energizing properties.

Facilitates digestion: taken after meals, it stimulates gastric secretion and promotes digestion. It improves memory, mood and, in a general sense, mental functions. And it is also an excellent ally for our beauty. In fact, it has important benefits on the skin. It is no coincidence that caffeine is used in the preparation of many cosmetic products, for example for the treatment of cellulite and localized adiposity. Since it has a lower pH than water, this drink flattens the cuticles, thus immediately giving shine to the hair. In addition, caffeine helps keep the scalp in balance. 

According to the general guidelines of EFSA (European Food Safety Agency), 400 milligrams of caffeine are considered the daily intake limit. This means 4-5 espressos (60 mg of coffee each) or 3-4 large cups of mocha coffee (85 mg of caffeine each). The limit should be lowered to 3 espressos per day for women and men of slender build. Pregnant women, on the other hand, should limit their coffee consumption as much as possible.