TEMPERANCE
As in everything, temperance is the key here as well. Experts advise that the average adult daily caffeine consumption should not be more than 300mg.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CAFFEINE.
Coffee is the part of our daily ritual for many of us. Is the effect of the caffeine really risky for the body?
Caffeine is mostly known for its stimulant effect. Its natural form can be found in coffee, tea, cocoa, guarana, mate, paullinia yoco and in more than 50 different types of plants` leaf, seed and fruit.
There are lots of popular misconceptions related to caffeine in these days.
We would like to analyse this subject a bit in the following points.
CAFFEINE LEADS TO ADDICTION.
This has some truth. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and regular consumption of caffeine may lead to light physical addiction. However, it cannot be compared to drug addiction. Anyway if this case occurs, there might be unpleasant side effects due giving up such as headache, irritability, drowsiness and concentration disorders. However, gradual decrease of the caffeine can minimize these symptoms.
CAFFEINE CAUSES INSOMNIA.
Our body absorbs the caffeine quickly but it empties it quickly as well. In liver processed caffeine`s half-life is relative short. Half of the consumed caffeine leaves our body in 4-5 hours, and in additional 5 hours 75% of it disappears from our body. If you`re not oversensitive, 1-2 cups of coffee in the morning cannot effect your night-time sleep. If you want to be sure, the last caffeinated drink should be consumed at least 6 hours before bedtime.
CAFFEINE INCREASES THE RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS, HEART DISEASE AND CANCER.
Moderate caffeine consumption which is 300mg or 3 cups of coffee does not cause any harm in most healthy adults. Some people including the elderly and people who have high blood pressure may be more sensitive to its effects.
Osteoporosis: Misconception has been existed for a long time as coffee consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis. Caffeine may increase the loss of calcium and magnesium in the urine in case of large amount of coffee consumption. However, if you have balanced nutrition and consume sufficient calcium, caffeine will not increase the rate of bone loss according to the latest researches.
Anyway, older women might ask their doctors whether it is worth to limit their caffeine consumption to 300mg daily.
Heart disease: Large studies have shown that caffeine consumption does not increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the cholesterol level and does not cause irregular heartbeat. Heart rate and blood pressure may rise slightly for a short time by people who are more sensitive. Those who have high blood pressure should consult their doctors for safety sake.
Cancer: Rating of thirteen studies including more than 20 thousand people have shown no relationship between cancer and caffeine. Moreover, caffeine can also have protective effect against certain swelling diseases.
PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD AVOID CAFFEINE.
According to researches which analyse the relationship between caffeine and fertility factors (i.e. low birth weight) moderate caffeine consumption does not have any medical risk. Researches analysing the relationship between caffeine and time of pregnancy do also not have evidence that caffeinated drinks reduce the chance of getting pregnant.
However, temperance is also recommended, pregnant women should not consume more than 150-200mg caffeine daily.
CAFFEINE IS HARMFUL FOR CHILDREN.
Generally children`s ability of caffeine demolition is the same as adults`. Researches have not found any detectable effect on hyperactivity and duration of attention. Anyway, despite of the fact if the daily caffeine consumption is no more than 300mg, it will not be harmful for children according to research results, caffeinated beverages, energy drinks and food supplements are not recommended for children.
CAFFEINE COMPENSATES THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL.
According to common belief a cup of coffee neutralizes the effect of whisky, wine and other alcohol contained drinks. Researches have shown, however, people just think that coffee can help in sobering. The misconception that coffee has sober effect was particularly important to be disproved because alcohol and caffeine together may lead to improvidence and fatal consequences. According to statistics those college students who drink alcohol and coffee are more likely to suffer car accident. Since caffeine reduces fatigue bringing people to dangers and it will give the feeling that we are not as drunk as we really are.
CAFFEINE HAS NO MEDICAL ADVANTAGE.
One thing is certain, caffeine increases alertness, concentration, energy level and clear-heading and this is supported by research results. Caffeinated beverages have recently been in the focus of attention because of their high antioxidant content which improves health of heart and helps in preventing cancer. Due to its ability of reducing concentration of histamines caffeine can treat allergic reactions efficiently although this will require further researches to be proven. According to some researches caffeine may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, liver disease, colorectal cancers and diabetes type II.
As in everything, temperance is the key here as well. Experts advise that the average adult daily caffeine consumption should not be more than 300mg.