Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that occurs naturally in coffee, cacao and tea. Manufacturers may add it to sodas, energy drinks and other products. There has been a long controversy about whether coffee is good for us or not. And though I will mention some of the potential health benefits, it’s all about moderation and of course, individual chemistry.
Caffeine as a stimulant activates the central nervous system (CNS). It can energize us as well as make us jittery or hyper. It may counteract feeling tired, but so can hydrating yourself, drinking some water. Caffeine can enhance concentration
Most of the research studies on health benefits did not include other lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, or social support. Coffee consumption was the only varying factor, drink it or not. So take this with a grain of sugar.
Though some experts reported different health benefits from coffee, that doesn’t prove that coffee prevents these conditions but seemed to play some part in health. Lifestyle plays a huge part in our health and risk for an illness. It is not just one thing.
Coffee drinkers were less likely to have type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Moderate consumption of 2-4 cups a day my protect us against liver cancer, improve memory, and add healthy years to our life.
Caffeine quantities in common beverages
The negatives of caffeine
Too much stimulation can lead to a racing heart rate, anxiety, restlessness, impaired sleep
It’s all about how much you consume. Studies looked at caffeine consumption at 300 mg per day, and even up to 6-8 cups. From this link you can see how much caffeine content can vary.
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Scientist-photographer author and teacher bringing together science, art and sometimes the sacred. PhD biochemist, post-doc in immunology and years of teaching mindbody health and sensory awareness. Looking within with a microscope my vision of the world has changed, yours might, too.