When most people think of caffeine, they automatically think of coffee. However, the stimulant is hiding in numerous other areas of our diet, from over-the-counter drugs to candy bars. But other than being incredibly addictive, what are the health advantages and disadvantages to consuming caffeine?
Improve Performance
Ever wonder why mass amounts of young adults start drinking coffee when they begin college? Turns out, it is not just because the stimulant allows you to stay awake all night studying. According to an ABC News Health report, caffeine excites the central nervous system, which can temporarily aid in muscle coordination and mental clarity.
Medical Uses
Caffeine also stimulates your metabolism, allowing you to burn calories at a faster rate, which is why it is a popular component in weight loss drugs. However, studies show that exercise is a more effective (not to mention, natural) way of boosting your metabolism. In addition, caffeine can be used to hasten respiration and open air passages for patients with breathing disorders.
Other Benefits
According to healingdaily.com, several American studies conducted in the past few years show strong correlations between caffeine consumption and lowered risks of diseases. For example, Dr. Tomas DePaulis, researcher at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies, believes that regular intake of caffeine can reduce the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s Disease up to 80 percent.
Lasting Effects
“When caffeine is used in excess, your body’s own mechanisms do not work as they are intended to,” ABC News reported. “Our hormone levels go out of whack, leading to such symptoms as excess nervousness, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, extreme fatigue, headaches, heartburn, anxiety, hypertension, palpitations.”
Even more detrimental are the effects of caffeine on the body’s digestive and endocrine systems. Many caffeinated foods and drinks contain tannic acid, a substance that can upset your gastrointestinal tract. High amounts of tannic acid can prevent proper absorption of nutrients in your body. Also, caffeine is commonly found with sugar, which in excessive doses, can cause your adrenal glands to work too hard, resulting in hormonal imbalances.
A Happy Medium
Although there is no clear-cut answer when it comes to consuming or avoiding caffeine, all doctors and nutritionists believe that the stimulant should not be taken in excessively. Currently, the FDA does not require caffeine content to be listed on nutrition labels. However, most nutritionists recommend consuming no more than 300 mg of caffeine per day (about the amount in three cups of homebrewed coffee).
