Caffeine It is estimated that coffee has around 80-200 mg of caffeine per cup. In comparison, tea only contains around 10–60 mg. Why? Because coffee is a powerful stimulant.
The caffeine within coffee blocks the effects of a chemical in your body called adenosine, the neurotransmitter responsible for making us sleepy, resulting in heightened energy and alertness. This is a quality that aligns with Hermes, the God that embodies speed and vitality. However, much like Hermes's' quick pace, coffee can quickly disrupt our natural cycles, particularly sleep.
A study found that caffeine can delay your ‘body clock’, reducing not only your rest time but also possibly leading to insomnia. For many, that morning cup can feel like a lifeline, but too much coffee can leave you feeling jittery and anxious, highlighting the delicate balance we must strike. Hypertension Furthermore, excessive coffee consumption can have various other consequences.
One example of this is hypertension, the temporary increase in blood pressure due to the high buildup of pressure pushing against your artery walls. This can lead to a wide host of problems, ranging from a shortness of breath and blurry vision to strokes and even heart attacks. Coffee’s energetic boost, much like Hermes' fast and impulsive nature, can come with side effects when overindulged and possibly even lead to rash decisions.
(Image: M Sitwala) Advantages of coffee: However, coffee can also have a side that resembles Hygieia, the god.