It’s not entirely clear what the effect of coffee on bone health is, but the effect seems to be somewhat contradictory.
On one hand, it has been suggested that coffee consumption may increase bone mineral density. On the other hand, one study suggested that coffee consumption may decrease bone mineral density.
Further, while some studies indicate that coffee consumption may have a protective effect on bone health, other studies found that long-term coffee consumption may lead to bone demineralization.
One theory is that caffeine, which is found in coffee, may interfere with the absorption of calcium, leading to bone loss.
If you enjoy a good cup of coffee on a daily basis, it is likely that you may have noticed that your bones are not as strong as they used to be.
Perhaps you’ve thought that your bones look different from how they did when you were younger, or you may have noticed some pain in your joints.
If this sounds familiar, then you may be suffering from the side effects of coffee.
Coffee and calcium absorption
If you’re new to drinking coffee, you might be wondering whether the caffeine in your morning cup of joe is actually useful.
The amount of coffee you drink in the morning can affect the amount of calcium you deposit into your bones later in life.
Coffee contains a lot of caffeine, but does it just boost your energy or is it also good for you in other ways? The answer is both.
Coffee is a great source of antioxidants, which is a good thing, but it also contains a large amount of the mineral calcium. Calcium helps prevent risks of osteoporosis and bone weakening.
It is usually thought that the most healthful way to drink coffee is to add fat-free milk and some sugar. This is not the case.
Coffee contains caffeine that, in high doses, can inhibit the absorption of calcium, which is an essential mineral for bone health.
Positive effects of coffee on bones
Coffee is a popular beverage that is consumed worldwide. Coffee is a great way to start your day and get you going, but it can also have a positive effect on your bones, so what exactly is it doing?
1. Improves calcium absorption in the body
Coffee is a popular drink that has plenty of uses, but few are aware that it can actually help your bones get stronger and more calcium-rich.
When you drink coffee, it increases the level of calcium in your bloodstream, which can help your body absorb more calcium from your food.
Drinking coffee could also have the added bonus of lowering your risk of osteoporosis.
2. Neutralizes acids produced by osteoclasts
Did you know that coffee can neutralize acid produced by your body?
Recent studies have shown that drinking coffee may help to neutralize these acids, which may have benefits for your health, and that is why we include it in the list of things that help to neutralize the acids.
Osteoclasts are responsible for breaking down bone, and when they do so, they create acids that have a detrimental effect on our bones, our joints, and our overall health.
3. Prevents the process of bone demineralization
Studies have shown that regular consumption of coffee helps maintain bone mineral density, regulate blood sugar and boost insulin levels, helping to keep your body’s vital functions in order.
Because bone is a living tissue, it does not store minerals; instead, it absorbs and utilizes these minerals from our food and drink.
Negative effects of coffee on bones
When it comes to coffee, everyone has a different opinion. Some swear it’s good for you, while others claim it’s bad for you.
Truth is, there are a lot of questions that surround this plant and its supposed benefits or risks. However, there are a few negative side effects of drinking coffee that you should be aware of.
1. High Dose
When it comes to coffee, health issues are often determined by how a person consumes it. Drinking high doses of coffee is known to stimulate bone remodeling, as it increases both bone formation and resorption rates.
The mechanisms behind this are not completely clear, but some studies have shown that caffeine is capable of inhibiting the actions of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone desorption.
It is believed that the caffeine could be interfering with some of the enzymes or molecules involved in bone desorption.
2. Long Term
While some people take coffee to enjoy the fresh taste and smell of freshly ground beans, others are on a quest to find out if a cup of coffee has long term effects on bones.
Studies show that coffee consumption can have significant effects on bones and even cause osteoporosis in heavy coffee drinkers.
How to prevent bone loss?
Bone loss is a side effect of normal aging, which usually leads to a loss of density in the bones and a weakening of the bones.
The human body is made up of proteins, minerals and water. The average person weighs in at around 70 pounds of it. Water is essential for our bodies to function properly, and bone is vital for our muscles and joints to move.
Here’s what you can do to helps maintain and prevent bone loss:
1. Increase calcium intake.
2. Take vitamin D supplements.
3. Get enough sleep.
4. Physical Activity.
5. Eat foods rich in Calcium.
6. Don’t smoke.
7. Drink milk.
8. Avoid excessive alcohol.
Coffee consumption and risk of osteoporosis
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become thinner and more likely to break, resulting in a number of serious problems, including increased risk of fractures.
The main cause of this disease is the loss of density in bones, which occurs when there is a decrease in the amount of bone compared with the amount of tissue that surrounds it.
The studies on coffee and calcium, while inconclusive, do suggest that drinking coffee increases your absorption of calcium.
Since many of us already try to maximize the amount of calcium we get from our diet, it’s probably worth giving up a cup or two of coffee to see if it makes a difference.
Last words
Coffee acts as a diuretic, so it can cause your body to lose more calcium than it takes in. However, the effect of coffee on bone loss is not strong enough to cause concern.
So, while adding a shot of espresso to your morning tea may not be the best way to boost your bones, it’s still a good way to increase your intake of nutrients.
And drinking coffee before a meal improves calcium absorption in the body and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
