Found in coffee, tea and chocolate, caffeine is a popular drug that stimulates the nervous system. Although known to boost alertness and energy, caffeine possesses other health benefits, such as protecting against diabetes. However, caffeine consumption can also have adverse effects, which can impede overall health. Consult with your health care provider before taking any caffeine supplements.
Lowers Diabetes Risk
In a 2006 study conducted by Osaka University and published in the journal of "Annals of Internal Medicine," researchers examined the relationship between caffeine consumption and diabetes risk. Participants filled out a questionnaire regarding food frequency and beverage consumption. Scientists found that subjects drinking three or more cups of coffee or more than six cups of green tea per day lowered their risk of diabetes by 33 percent. Caffeine was the main compound behind the results, according to the researchers.
Protects Against Memory Loss
Dr. Martin Vreugdenhill led a team of researchers that studied the impact of caffeine on cognitive ability, according to the Nutra-Ingredients website. They discovered that caffeine increases gamma rhythm strength or nerve cell activity, which protects against memory loss. Scientists noted that caffeine can be used to enhance memory performance in the elderly. Although the results are promising, further research is needed.
Interferes with Sleep
Julie Carrier and colleagues investigated the impact of caffeine on sleep, according to findings published in the 2009 issue of the journal of "Sleep Medicine." Participants ingesting 200 milligrams of caffeine three hours before bed experienced reductions in sleep efficiency, sleep duration and rapid eye movement or REM sleep. Scientists noted that caffeine ability to interfere with sleep worsens with age.
Increase Risk of Heart Attack
In a 2006 study published in the "Epidemiology Journal," researchers discovered that participants who drank one or fewer cups of coffee a day were more likely to suffer a heart attack compared to regular coffee drinkers. Scientists believe that caffeine rapidly increases nervous system function, which can cause a heart attack in occasional coffee drinkers. This has less of an effect on regular coffee drinkers, since there body is used to the changes in the nervous system.
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