File:2016 Coffee- Health Effects .pdf

Summary

The main mechanism of action of caffeine is to antagonize adenosine receptors (with its A1 and A2A subtypes); a second- ary effect is the inhibition of phosphodiesterases, with the subsequent accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and an intensification of the effects of catecholamines. Coffee is metabolized in the liver by enzymes known as cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). Caffeine effects translate, in most people, in a psychoactive response, which includes increased alertness and attention, through the stimulation of the central nervous system, and in a complex cardiovascular response, mainly consisting of an acute increase in blood pressure. Some bene- fits related to its consumption include mood enhancement, better exercise performance, and shorter reaction times. Caffeine also produces negative effects, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, restlessness, tension, nervousness, palpitations, tremulousness, and psychomotor agitation. Moreover, the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis increases when coffee is consumed on a regular basis. Some other negative effects can arise strictly related to some special risk groups: for such subjects, a reduced consumption of coffee is recom- mended (Table 2).