Relishing a mug of coffee in the morning can be refreshing. Brewing the morning coffee on the coffee maker is an excellent skill. Coffee has its load of goodies for the body. The same coffee can be fatal.

Everything should always be taken in moderation. When simple things are abused, they become poisonous. Let's have a look at the advantages and the disadvantages of the morning cup of coffee.

The most obvious advantage is that coffee keeps one alert. This reason is precisely why most people will not step foot outside their homes without a cup of coffee. A study by EFSA revealed that caffeine increases both sustained attention and selective attention. If you are taking that driving test and you need to keep your eyes on the road, or you need to stay awake during that boring lecture, a cup of coffee is your best bet. You are almost guaranteed of full attention.

What the caffeine does in your body is to increase adrenaline production which in turn boosts your energy levels. Caffeine causes a blockage in the receptors for adenosine. This chemical is responsible for regulating your sleep patterns.

Your morning cup of coffee could reduce the risk of liver cancer by half. Recent studies have linked coffee to the decrease in the progression and recurrence of prostate cancer. Caffeine works by enhancing the death of cancer cells. The result is a reduction in the progression of cancer. 

If you have a problem with caffeine, decaffeinated coffee also contains the cancer-fighting effects. Coffee contains natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These elements act as inhibitors for the growth of cancer cells. 

The anti-cancer properties have been found in people who drank more than four cups of coffee. It is okay to partake in that cup of coffee in the morning plus much more throughout the day without any feelings of guilt.

Many people who struggle with weight will welcome the weight loss benefits of coffee. Caffeine stimulates the body to burn fat in the fat stores. This prompt prevents the burning of carbohydrates. Fat burning results to weight loss and the general body health.

Caffeine in coffee improves your physical performance in endurance workouts like running. A run after a hot cup of coffee in the morning could make a significant difference in your fitness journey.

Black coffee does not contain calories when the sugar and cream are left out. According to a 2012 study by Food & Function, caffeine increased thermogenesis, a process of burning calories in the body.

Have you ever experienced heartburn after taking your morning cup of coffee? This is one of the effects of coffee intake. Coffee has been found to irritate the esophageal sphincter.

This muscle is made to remain naturally tight. When coffee intake relaxes the esophageal sphincter, the stomach contents flow back up causing the acid reflux. Before you brew that morning addiction, think about the sour taste that might follow in your mouth.

Almost all morning coffee drinkers take their first cup on an empty stomach. This habit could cause severe irritation to your stomach. The stomach contains hydrochloric acid, an acid that aids in digestion. This acid is produced when food reaches the stomach.

When coffee is taken on an empty stomach, the acid is produced, ready for digestion. There is little or no digestion of coffee. The elevated levels of the acid irritate the lining of the stomach. The results are stomach ulcers, IBS, and GERD.

It is advisable to take a snack before downing that cup of coffee. The hydrochloric acid will have plenty to do with the snack.

Peristalsis is the constriction and the relaxation of the intestinal muscles. These movements propel the stomach contents towards the colon, and the result is a trip to the bathroom.

The stimulation of the intestinal muscles increases with coffee intake. The result is incomplete digestion and less absorption of essential minerals in the small intestines.

The natural process of peristalsis happens when digestion is complete, and the excretion process is ready to begin. Some people have used coffee as a laxative because of the effects mentioned above. The abnormal peristalsis may result to loose stools as the colon has little time to absorb more liquid.

Coffee has great taste and smell. Weigh the advantages and the disadvantages of coffee and make a decision before you give up and toss your coffee maker in the trash. Moderate the intake of coffee is important.

If your body has rejected the morning cup of Joe, do not force it. There are other healthier options out there. Extra care should be taken by pregnant women and people under medication when taking coffee. The coffee contents could reduce the drug absorption into the body.

Jeanne McDonald is the founder/main editor of YourDiningCenter.com – a great website with Tips, Guides and Reviews to help people who have passion in Coffee, Foods, Drinks and Cooking. Follow us on Twitter