Doctor reveals stomach-churning reason why millions could be allergic to ground coffee

A doctor has warned coffee drinkers may be unknowingly sipping on microscopic traces of cockroaches if they buy pre-ground coffee.    

London-based GP Dr Sermed Mezher shared the grim fact with his 290,000 Instagram followers.

He explained that during the harvesting, processing, and grinding of coffee beans, it’s nearly impossible to entirely eliminate contaminants such as insects, which may come into contact with the beans in fields, storage facilities, or production plants. 

Such insects include cockroaches, which are abundant in tropical and subtropical environments where coffee beans are mostly grown and manufactured.

American health watchdog the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) estimate that up to 10 per cent of each bag of coffee beans may be contaminated with insect fragments, including that of cockroaches.   

However, the body says this low level is safe for human consumption. 

‘While the idea of insect parts in coffee may be off-putting, it is important to note that these levels are low and pose no risk to health,’ Dr Mezher said.  

But he warned those with a shellfish allergy to steer clear of ground beans — as sufferers tend to react to a protein called tropomyosin which is found in cockroaches. 

For those with a shellfish allergy — up to 2 million people in the UK — the symptoms usually come on quickly after eating, according to Anaphylaxis UK. 

The charity explains that mild to moderate symptoms typically consist of a red raised rash which can appear anywhere on the body, a tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth, swollen lips, face or eyes and stomach pain or vomiting. 

In more serious cases, those with an allergy to shellfish can experience anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic shock, and it can kill within minutes. 

It is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction and is considered a medical emergency.

Feeling lightheaded or faint; breathing difficulties – such as fast, shallow breathing; wheezing; a fast heartbeat; clammy skin; confusion and anxiety and collapsing or losing consciousness, are all signs of anaphylaxis.

Dr Mezher admitted he still drinks two coffees a day and advises his followers to do the same if they want to reap the health benefits. 

Coffee has been linked to numerous benefits including slashing type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke and dementia risk.

Scientists from Basel University Hospital in Switzerland found that those aged over 65 who suffered an irregular heart rhythm were less likely to suffer memory-robbing symptoms if they were heavy coffee drinkers. 

Plus, recent research published in the European Heart Journal found having coffee before midday was found to cut the risk of heart and circulatory diseases by 31 per cent when compared with those who drink it throughout the day.

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) advises that most people can safely consume up to 300mg of caffeine a day — the equivalent to three cups of coffee.

That’s because studies have shown intakes of over 600mg a day — twice that of the recommended amount —  is related to insomnia, nervousness, irritability, increased blood pressure and upset stomachs.

But if you are pregnant you should not consume more than 200mg of caffeine a day, as this could increase the risk of miscarriage or a low birth weight, the NHS warns.