Put that coffee down!

Coffee is for most the beverage of choice. Most of us consume it every day and several times a day. But do we really know everything about caffeine? This naturally occurring substance has a bitter taste that stimulates the central nervous system, it makes you more alert and in moderate doses, it can actually offer health benefits. Some of those benefits include: Boost of memory, concentration and mental health.  In America, coffee is a major source and has been associated with a possible decrease in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers.

However, people have to be careful with caffeine in excess. Excessive amounts of thus chemical can actually trigger a fast heart rate, insomnia, anxiety and restlessness among other side effects. Abruptly stopping use can lead to symptoms of withdrawal, including headache and irritability.

Coffee is also considered as one of the most common drugs in the world. But if you are thinking of to switch to decaf don’t think you are not getting any stimulant. The Journal of Analytical Toxicology looked at 9 different types of decaffeinated coffee and determined that all but one contained caffeine. The dose ranged from 8.6 mg to13.9 mg; in comparison, a generic brewed cup of regular coffee contains between 30 and 35mgs according to the Mayo clinic. The amount of caffeine in decaf is concerning for people who are advised to cut their caffeine intake, such as those with kidney disease or anxiety disorders.

On the other hand, caffeine is not only found in coffee beans. Tea leaves, kola nuts (which flavor colas) and cocoa beans all contain caffeine. According to the FDA, more than 98% of our caffeine intake comes from beverages, but those foods such as chocolate bars and medications also contain caffeine. Combining a pain reliever with caffeine makes it 40% more effective and can also help the body to absorb the medication more quickly.

Luckily for some, the body might process the chemical different based on gender, race and even birth control use. Women metabolize caffeine faster than men, smokers process it twice as quickly as non smokers do and Asian people process it slower than people from other races.

So, whatever your drink of choice is just make sure you revise the caffeine contents to avoid health issues later in life.

By Adriana Rueda

Source: Shape Magazine