There is a lot of buzz about the effects of caffeine, both good and bad. If you are a coffee, tea or chocolate fanatic, it’s important to know the pros and cons of caffeine consumption, and how caffeine affects your body.
Perks of caffeine consumption
Everyone who has had a cup of coffee (or four) to get the day started knows that caffeine stimulates the nervous system and makes your mind more alert. Coffee and tea are great friends to have around to keep you perky and awake. The more you drink, however, the more caffeine you’ll need to get that wide-eyed effect.
In addition to increased alertness, drinking caffeine has some benefits you may not be aware of. Some studies have shown that caffeine may help prevent heart disease by reducing inflammation. Drinking caffeine can also lower blood sugar levels, helping to prevent diabetes. Caffeine may also reduce your risk of developing gallstones, colon cancer, liver damage, and Parkinson’s disease. Finally, a dose of caffeine is known to ward off a headache by constricting blood vessels. (That’s a lot of bang for your cup!)
The dark side of the bean
Like most friends, caffeine isn’t perfect. Excessive caffeine intake can actually cause health problems, so moderation is important. Because caffeine is a stimulant, drinking it can cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Drinkers may notice negative side effects like restlessness, agitation, anxiety and irritability. In addition, the effects of caffeine include decreased mineral absorption. High caffeine intake can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
Take note of your toleration level when you drink caffeine. You may decide you should limit yourself to one or two cups of coffee or tea per day to avoid these negative side effects.
The other big problem with caffeine intake comes when you try to cut back. Caffeine withdrawal can create uncomfortable effects such as headaches, drowsiness, and anxiety. Quitting can require a concerted effort to push through the withdrawal symptoms.
Beyond the brew
Once you weigh the positive and negative effects of caffeine consumption, you can decide if you want to stay buddies with your brew or ditch it for decaf. Still, you need to be on the lookout for caffeine from other sources. Caffeine is commonly found in fruits, the leaves and seeds of over 60 plants, and, of course, in beverages such as colas and energy drinks. If you want to cut back, you should start reading labels to see how much caffeine you are getting from sneaky sources. Chocolate naturally provides caffeine, so be aware before you indulge.
How much caffeine you consume is a personal decision, unless your doctor advises you to cut back. You should keep these good and bad effects in mind to help you know when you are getting too much caffeine in your diet. More than five cups a day might keep your local coffee shop in business, but one cup a day might be the better choice for your body.
