Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant most commonly found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants. Caffeine can be best described as a bitter substance that is present in more than 50 plants in the world. For a common man, caffeine is his energy booster. It is something that drives him up and gets him going in the morning. It helps you stay alert. So we do have coffee breaks-Right?
BUT, do you know what happens once the caffeine is absorbed into your bloodstream? Is it good or bad for your Health? Let’s find out!
Benefits of Caffeine
Drinking about 400 mg of caffeine a day is considered safe for healthy adults. It is approximately equal to 4 cups of coffee. If consumed in appropriate amounts, Caffeine will give you the following benefits:
- Boosts Brain Health – Research has proved that people consuming limited amounts of Caffeine have shown better brain functions like improved alertness, shorter recall, and reaction time. Caffeine consumers also have shown a lower risk of depression and anxiety. Caffeine reduces the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Healthy Heart – Caffeine reduces the risk of heart attacks and other related diseases by 18% when compared to non Caffeine drinkers. Caffeine might slightly raise the blood pressure in some people. However, this effect generally goes away in most individuals once they start consuming coffee regularly.
- Your Gym Buddy – Caffeine can enhance your exercise performance thereby helping in fat burning and boosting your overall metabolism. A small cup of coffee before the gym and you are set. Wow, Amazing isn’t it?
- Protection against Diabetes – A lower risk of Type 2 Diabetics was observed in people consuming caffeine. Caffeine has proven to impact insulin and increase or decrease blood sugar levels. However, the result is different for different individuals.
Some other health benefits of caffeine include an increase in longevity, protection against skin and liver cancer, gout prevention, and better gut health.
Side Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine, on one hand, can stimulate your brain and on the other hand, can also harm it. Consuming more than 400mg of caffeine per day may lead to:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Sleeping Problems
- Tremors
Pregnant women should limit their intake of caffeine. Caffeine can easily cross the placenta, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight.
So Is Caffeine Good for You?
The World Health Organization has taken coffee off of its list of potentially carcinogenic foods, Harvard Health reports. Great news, isn’t it?
But remember that moderation is the key when it comes to caffeine. Certainly, if you’re drinking too much, short-term side effects can include migraines, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, frequent urination, upset stomach, fast heartbeat, and muscle tremors.
So, you can enjoy your daily cup of tea or coffee guys without feeling guilty about it. But remember too much of anything could be dangerous. Keep healthy, Keep safe!
