Does Coffee Really Perk You Up?

Healthy Living - Food and Nutrition
Rizani Razeed

Are you one of those who just can’t start the day without their morning coffee? Do you love chocolate? Are you a pop junkie? You might be wondering what these three have in common. Well, it’s the caffeine content – a key ingredient in all of them.

Caffeine makes us feel energetic and alert, yet we often hear that it is the culprit behind many health problems. However, this has yet to stop anyone from getting their morning caffeine fix.

So before you reach for that third cup of coffee, we ask that you read this article, gain a general understanding of the effects of caffeine, and make a well informed decision.

Sources of Caffeine

Caffeine can be derived from over 60 varieties of plants. Most common sources are coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, and cacao pods. Though the highest concentration of caffeine is usually found in coffee, it can also be present in tea, pop, chocolate, food and some over the counter medications.

The effects of caffeine on health

Caffeine acts as a stimulant primarily affecting the nervous system. Consequently, many people use caffeine to help them stay awake or feel more alert. Judging by our society’s growing dependence on caffeine, it’s no surprise that it is also considered a mood-altering drug.

Caffeine is a highly addictive substance. Although it is commonly used to elevate our disposition, it can also negatively affect our mood if we do not get the quantity we are used to. Moreover, heavy consumption of caffeine leads to a higher tolerance, which then requires an individual to consume a greater quantity of the substance in order to receive the same stimulatory effects. It is this addiction to caffeine that makes it difficult for people to reduce their consumption.

How much is too much?

As we know, indulgence in moderation can be tolerated by our body. As with most things, when we exceed the moderate limits of caffeine, our body starts sending us warning signs. These may include:

• Restlessness

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Muscle tremors

• Sleeplessness

• Headaches

• Nausea, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Loss of sleep, or difficulty sleeping

Reducing caffeine consumption

Abandoning caffeine altogether may be the most effective solution, but thankfully, it is not necessary. Should you want to quit completely, be sure to do it slowly and not suddenly. Here are some helpful tips if you are looking to reduce your caffeine consumption:

• Determine the quantity of caffeine you consume; remember, both food and beverages can contain caffeine. This will help you monitor your caffeine intake. To begin, it is a good idea to keep a log of your daily caffeine consumption. This way, when you gradually reduce your intake, you can measure your results.

• Choose decaffeinated items over caffeinated ones. Amazingly enough, decaffeination techniques remove at least 97% of the caffeine!

• Brew your tea for a shorter time to control its caffeine content, because the longer you brew the more caffeine is present. You might also try herbal teas which do not contain any caffeine.

• Read the ingredients of over-the-counter medications and try to use those that do not contain caffeine. Talk to your pharmacist to find alternatives to caffeine-laden medications.

With these easy, doable tips, you are now equipped to battle your caffeine addiction. Remember, moderation is key! So the next time you decide to have a caffeine-loaded beverage, decide wisely, drink wisely!