Facts on Caffeine

1. Health Effects

Each day, about 8 in 10 U.S. adults take in caffeine, the world's most popular psychoactive drug. Caffeine, a stimulant, is a compound which can positively and negatively affect your physical or mental health equity. In a study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, data from two large studies established the likelihood of liver cancer in folks who never or almost never drank coffee was 547.2 cases per 100 thousand people over 10 years. For people who drank coffee daily, the number plummeted by half. People who drank two or more cups per day of decaffeinated coffee had half the incidence of rectal cancer as those who did not drank decaf.

The team noted that coffee contains large amounts of antioxidants, and several animal studies have exhibited that those compounds have the possibility to inhibit cancer in the liver. Recent Japanese research suggests caffeine alters hormones that may reduce the odds of breast cancer. New Swiss research finds coffee drinkers have a 27 percent lower risk of colon cancer. A study at Harvard suggested that drinking 4 or 5 cups of coffee a day cuts the risk of colorectal cancer by 24 percent.

2. Almost the World's Most Popular Beverage

Caffeine drinks boost alertness for an exam, job interview, sporting competition or a corporate presentation. The amount of caffeine in 2 to 4 cups of coffee a day is just right. Opt for organic, however. Recent research disputes the need for replenishing your body fluids after ingesting caffeine; it's not necessary unless you gulp 500 to 600 milligrams a day.

3. Is Caffeine Addictive?

Some people feel more mentally sharp and alert while others get the heebie-jeebies and feel uncomfortable after ingesting caffeine. People can overdose on caffeine. Johns Hopkins University reports that it's mildly addictive, so if you drink caffeine regularly, you're going to feel rotten if you miss your "fix." Excessive caffeine renders us unfocused, anxious and bitchy. If you're a caffeine junkie and stop "cold turkey," you will experience mild to severe headaches. The "hair of the dog" wards off painful headaches. If you stop, do so gradually over a week or so.

4. You Could Have an Unhealthy Relationship With Caffeine

Some studies have suggested excessive caffeine aggravates heart disease and menopause symptoms. For mothers-to-be, heavy consumption can lead to the possibility of a miscarriage. Depression, sleepiness, nausea and flu-like symptoms may also be noticeable.
It's sensible to dose down on caffeine if you have anxiety, insomnia, panic disorder, heart arrhythmias, tachycardia's or palpitations, or if you're pregnant. Studies suggested caffeine can exacerbate menopausal symptoms and promote miscarriages.

5. Health Benefits

When you need long-term stamina, moderate caffeine consumption can improve your athletic endurance and job performance.

Experts say avoiding caffeine can lower blood pressure. Not so easy considering caffeine can be found in many products like sodas, candy, sports drinks, tea and coffee. It's in products like prescription medications, diuretics and pain relievers. Caffeine also intensifies the side effects of some antibiotics.

The world's most popular psychoactive drug is a classic stimulant, producing feelings of increased energy and well-being, decreased sleepiness, more talkativeness, sociability and mental clarity. Bottoms up!