For some college students, arriving to class on time can be a struggle. In fact, finals can demand twice the effort. Although most students rely on coffee for stimulation, it can be harmful to the human body.

According to the International Coffee Organization, approximately 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated “the average amount of caffeine consumed in the U.S. is approximately 300 mg per person per day.”

Although this can be considered “a moderate coffee intake,” some studies claim otherwise. Still, our health is at risk with one, or two cups of coffee a day.

Since caffeine is the principal element of coffee, consumption is non- beneficial. In fact, caffeine is known as a “psychoactive drug” and a “stimulant,”  affecting the central nervous system. It can take effect as early as 15 minutes after consumption and last up to 6 hours.

Aside from its high level of caffeine, it can increase cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, acid reflux, blood sugar levels, heartburns, and stomach irritation. Since all disease is considered to begin in the gut, doctors suggest patients suffering from ulcers, gastritis, IBS, and Crohn’s Disease, to eliminate coffee permanently.

Those recognized as heavy coffee drinkers, may suffer from insufficient mineral absorption.

Although coffee can be used as a laxative, it can still harm the digestive system. It makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients and it irritates, as well as, inflates our gastrointestinal tract.

But there is one “potentially dangerous substance” found in coffee, Acrylamide. It is carcinogenic,  a.k.a., cancerous.

“The darker the roast, the higher the levels of acrylamide are likely to be,”especially, “when coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures,” states the ICO.

Although college students say they need coffee for energy and to release stress, coffee has been proven to be one of the major sources of acrylamide, a dangerous chemical in American diets.

Coffee consumption has gone to the extreme and has been shown to be addictive. Before the body can adjust to coffee, it has been reported to trigger pounding headaches, mental fuzziness, and fatigue for a couple of days. In fact, too much caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns,  causing insomnia.

While coffee continues to be in great demand for college students, its side effects still remain. It is never too late to cut down, or to replace coffee. Reducing its consumption to avoid health problems can be a start. However, replacing coffee with a new kind of beverage can be twice as beneficial.