Coffee! An alluring, addictive beverage that many rely on for a quick burst of energy. But what hides beneath that bitter taste that seduces us so easily? Could coffee be linked to Hermes, the Greek god of speed and alertness, or perhaps to Hygieia, the goddess of health and balance?

 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 goddess of health and balance. When consumed in moderation, it can offer several benefits. For example, coffee can reduce hunger by lowering ghrelin levels, the hormone that stimulates appetite, even offering the potential to boost metabolism. Studies even suggest that caffeine can increase fat burning by up to 29%, making black coffee a popular choice for those attempting to manage their weight. Moreover, coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

But balance is critical—high-sugar options like a Grande Latte, which can contain up to 35g of sugar, can easily outweigh any potential health benefits. For those looking for the comfort of coffee without the jittery side effects or impact on sleep, decaffeinated coffee serves as a practical substitute. It provides the ritual and enjoyment of coffee without the caffeine, aligning perfectly with Hygeia's emphasis on maintaining health and wellness through moderation.

 In the end, coffee can be both your Hermes, delivering quick energy, and your Hygieia, supporting health and balance—depending on how it’s consumed. So, the next time you pour that cup, remember: it’s not just a beverage; it’s a reflection of your lifestyle and choices.