MODERATION IN CAFFEINE

Caffeine

Caffeine which is the most common stimulant found in beverages that is ingested to relieve or prevent drowsiness and to improve performance. It is found in the seeds, nut or leaves of a number of plants native to South America and East Asia. Caffeine containing drinks such as coffee, tea, cola and soft drinks and pain relievers are very popular and about 95% of north American adult consumes it daily. In its natural form caffeine taste very bitter, but caffeinated drinks have gone through enough processing to camouflage the bitter taste.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and boost production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and Noradrenaline, which elevate your mood.  Many people feel that caffeine increases their mental alertness although true but a few others fear of the addiction attached to it. Caffeine is a mild diuretic and drinking a moderate amount of caffeine isn’t likely to cause dehydration.

Benefits of caffeine 

ü Caffeine has been used in the treatment of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants. It improves weight gain and reduces the incidence of cerebral pulsy as well as reduced language and cognitive delays.

ü It helps to lose weight and burn fats by helping the fat cells break down and use it as fuel for training.

ü It has been used as a form of treatment in orthostatic hypotension

ü Research has show that it helps to ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

ü It may reduce fatty liver in those with non alcohol related fatty liver disease.

ü It reduces liver fibrosis risk in patients with hepatitis C.

ü It improves athletic performance in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

ü It reduces physical fatique and to prevent or treat drowsiness.

ü Research shows that those who consume coffee are at a less risk of developing Parkison disease

ü It improves reaction time and logical reasoning

ü It brightens your mood and help fight depression.

Disadvantages of caffeine

ü Bad quality coffee can have a lot of impurities in it, which can cause sickness headache or general bad feelings

ü Long consumption at high doses of caffeine increases blood pressure and causes vasoconstriction.

ü Caffeine can affect gastrointestinal motility and gastric acid secretion.

ü In menopausal women high consumption of caffeine can accelerate bone loss.

ü Large consumption of caffeine can cause insomnia,  restlessness, panic disorder and anxiety.

ü It can also result to an addictive disorder.

ü An over dose can result to increased urination muscle twitching, fidgeting, hallucination and can even result to death. Due to the extreme over dose of caffeine.

 Moderation is the key

Caffeine is usually thought to be safe in moderation amounts. But experts consider