Caffeine -
It is not bad
Many
people are under the impression that caffeine is a
horrible monster that should be avoided at all
costs. In actuality, when consumed in moderation,
caffeine can actually offer a number of benefits. It
can keep you alert and awake when making a long car
trip, it has been shown to reduce headache and
migraine pain, and it may alleviate asthma and
allergy symptoms.
 Humans
have consumed caffeine since the Stone Age. Early
peoples found that chewing the seeds, bark, or
leaves of certain plants had the effects of easing
fatigue, stimulating awareness, and elevating mood.
Only much later was it found that the effect of
caffeine was increased by steeping such plants in
hot water.
Caffeine
acts as a stimulant in humans. Caffeine is found in
the leaves and beans of the coffee plant, in tea,
yerba mate, and guarana berries, and in small
quantities in cocoa, the kola nut and the Yaupon
Holly. Overall, caffeine is found in the beans,
leaves, and fruit of over 60 plants, where it acts
as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills
certain insects feeding upon them.
Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS)
stimulant, having the effect of temporarily warding
off drowsiness and restoring alertness. Beverages
containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soft
drinks and energy drinks enjoy great popularity:
caffeine is the world's most widely consumed
psychoactive substance. In North America, 90% of
adults consume caffeine daily.
What gives caffeine a bad rap are the negative side
effects from overuse. This includes a fast heart
rate, which is dangerous for anyone with a heart
condition, diuresis (excessive urination that
results in dehydration), restlessness, trouble
sleeping, anxiety and panic attacks.
As a result, many doctors advise their patients to
limit caffeine consumption. In addition, pregnant
women are usually told to avoid caffeine because of
its potentially negative affect on a fetus.
If you need to watch caffeine intake, you should
become educated on the foods and products that
contain it. While some are obvious, others are
lesser known and surprising.
 Brewed
coffee contains more caffeine (50 to 200 mg
depending upon cup size) and is likely widely known
among consumers (drip pots produce coffee with a
higher caffeine content than percolator pots).
However, some over-the-counter headache pills also
contain as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. So,
check the label.
Chocoholics can sleep soundly knowing that most
chocolate products are low in caffeine – a one-ounce
piece of milk chocolate only has around 5 mg.
Tea is another questionable area of concern. Brewed
teas contain about half the amount of caffeine as a
cup of coffee. Iced tea measures in at 70 mg per
12-ounce serving. Also be careful of sports drinks
and vitamin waters. Some are caffeine-free, but
others have caffeine hidden within. |
