In our relentless pursuit of success, our once 9 to 5 jobs have suffocated us into endless marathons. We drag our work home, diving into late-night catch-ups, pushing our weary bodies to their limits. Can our bodies really endure these grueling hours? The harsh truth is, they can’t. So, what keeps us going in these exhausting times? Enter coffee and its magical stimulant, caffeine. But could this daily savior be silently harming us?
Caffeine is a fast-acting stimulant present in different beverages and food items which boosts the energy levels of the body. It is a widely consumed on-the-go drink but is under the radar of science. There has been a continuous debate on the topic of whether is it good to have or if is it killing the body. We will discuss the same in the article further.
Caffeine: The Potent Stimulant Revitalizing Your Life
Stimulant is a category of psychoactive drugs like nicotine and cocaine that affect the brain activity of a human by enhancing their alertness, energy, and mood. Caffeine is one such stimulant that has a similar effect on the human brain. On consumption of caffeine or any such stimulant, a chemical element called Dopamine becomes over-activated in the body. This chemical then speeds up the central nervous system which thereby increases alertness and elevates mood. In addition to this blood pressure and heart rate levels are also elevated on consumption of these stimulants. Caffeine definitely, being easily accessible, is widely consumed knowingly or unknowingly across ages and demographics.
Surprising Sources of Caffeine: Unveiling Hidden Coffee Culprits
Caffeine is not just in our morning cup of latte. It is subtly present in almost all our daily delights and we do not even know about it. Despite caffeine being naturally present in lots of seeds, leaves, fruits, and other food products, we still like to have an additional dose. Some of the items that have caffeine are:
- Dark chocolate
- Coffee
- Energy Drinks
- Soda
- Green Tea
- Black Tea
- Medicines
- Supplements
| Products | Quantity | Amount of caffeine |
| Dark Chocolate | 28 gm | 12 mg |
| Energy Drinks | 200 mg | 57 mg |
| Coffee | 240 ml | 100 gm |
| Soda | 340 g | 34 mg |
| Green Tea | 40 mg | 8 gm |
| Black Tea | 40 mg | 11 gm |
The Powerful Benefits of Coffee: Why Your Daily Brew Might Be a Lifesaver
Caffeine offer many health benefits and some of those are stated below:
- Elevated energy levels:
- Caffeine boosts the central nervous system which thereby increases energy levels and fights fatigue.
- Longer life:
- Coffee drinkers are less likely to die of diabetes or kidney stones. The overall body functioning of a person who consumes americano or a similar variant is much different than that of a normal person.
- Glucose Regulation
- It helps in processing the glucose present in our bloodstream in a better way which thus reduces the chances of metabolic disorders.
- Weight Loss
- It has been linked with removing toxins from the body which thereby helps in reducing the extra kilos.
- Improved Brain Health
- A moderate regular consumption of caffeine has been proven to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
- Boosts Alertness
- It improves focus and gives the person a mental edge over others
The Hidden Dangers of Coffee: What You Need to Know!
Drinking different concentrations of this old age grown seed sounds very appetizing, but consuming an excessive amounts has been linked to many problems as well, and some of those are discussed here:
Anxiety and Jitteriness
A person who is not used to having too much coffee experiences a feeling of shakiness in body and hands. This is the sign of increased anxiety in our body and the reason it happens is coffee. Coffee elevates blood pressure levels which could lead to jitteriness in some people.
Sleep Disturbances
Many studies indicate that coffee stays in the body for 8-15 hours. Thus, having coffee late in the day can create a massive imbalance in the sleep cycle.
Headaches
Coffee is a double-edged sword when it comes to headaches. For some it cures headaches and for others, it triggers headaches. These are generally triggered when anyone is trying to reduce their coffee consumption. Body as a withdrawal symptom triggers headaches.
Digestive Issues
Coffee has a varied effect on different people. Some people report experiencing heartburn while for others it reduces the symptoms of constipation.
Increased Blood pressure
Excessive coffee causes a temporary spike in blood pressure which could be a problem for people with heart issues.
Coffee Overload: Discovering Your Safe Limit?
The “magic number” varies with every individual. Some people are occasional coffee drinkers and others are lovers of their brews. While there are people who use this stimulant as a fuel for their body, while there are others whose morning rituals have iced or hot cappuccino listed on the top. There is no one prescribed amount that is suitable for all.
Having said that, studies have shown that 400 mg of caffeine per day (4 cups of brewed coffee) is a safe sweet spot for adults. We should always keep in mind that moderation is the key here. Perhaps, excessive consumption can cause some side effects. So, it is advised to listen to your body and switch to decaf if normal espresso is not for you.
Smart Coffee Habits: Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Consumption
- Know your caffeine tolerances
- Stick to the prescribed limits, be responsible and do not overconsume
- Invest in good beans
- Listen to your body for any signs
- Hydrate yourself along the way
- Enjoy the drinking process rather than being an addict
Frequently Asked Questions:
Quitting excess consumption of caffeine can help reduce anxiety levels. Understand that caffeine is a drug and it is better to have this stimulant in moderation.
Apple cider vinegar, herbal tea, lemon water, detox water, black tea, and kombucha are some of the healthier alternatives for your morning coffee.
To eliminate anything out of life, a full lifestyle change is required. Thus, to cut caffeine completely out of your life, you need to monitor your sleep and hydration levels. Understand, it is a step-by-step process and only a strong mind can do it.
Everything from chocolates to energy drinks and pain relievers contains caffeine. Be mindful of what and how much are you consuming.
There are mainly two types of coffee which are Arabica and Robusta. Each of these coffee types is known for its distinct features of smooth taste and high caffeine content.
Yes, coffee does leave a stain on the teeth, and overconsumption of coffee for a prolonged period could affect the white appearance of the teeth.
Decaf coffee is a type of coffee which have a minimal amount of caffeine. Thus, decaf is a great option to consume.