so you don’t feel as tired.
Caffeine can also increase
adrenaline in the blood and
make other brain transmitters
more active, such as dopamine,
which makes you feel even
more alert. One study found
that a dose of caffeine after
you’ve just learned something
might make it easier for you
to retain the information. And
caffeine can boost your mood.
Some studies have shown
that because of caffeine’s effect
on the brain, it can reduce the
chance of depression and may
even lower the risk of suicide.
Other research has found
that it may reduce the risk of
developing brain diseases such
as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Too much caffeine, on the
other hand, can overstimulate
the brain, leading to confusion
and headaches.
HEART
Consuming a moderate
amount of caffeine per day
(between one and four cups
of coffee) may lower the risk
of heart disease by up to 18%.
It may also reduce your chances
of having a stroke and getting
diabetes, according to a review
of recent studies.
Your blood pressure may go
up after you consume food or
beverages containing caffeine.
This is because it can block the
hormones that naturally widen
your arteries. This is usually
temporary and not a problem
for most people. But because
it makes your heart work harder
for a while, it can be risky for
people who already have
high blood pressure or
heart-related problems.
If you have too much
caffeine, it can lead to a rapid
or irregular heartbeat and
breathing difficulties.
EYES
There is some suggestion,
following research into the
effects of caffeine on eye
health, that it may help protect
the lens of the
eye against
damage that
can lead to cataracts.
BONES
In large amounts,
caffeine can interfere
with your body’s ability to
absorb and metabolise calcium.
This can play a part in bone
thinning, potentially leading
to osteoporosis.
MUSCLES
Excess caffeine can cause
muscles to twitch. And if
you cut down drastically on
caffeine, you may notice your
muscles are achy.
SKIN
Caffeine may be able to guard
against certain types of skin
cancer. One study showed that
women who drank three cups
of coffee a day had a 21% lower
chance of developing basal cell
carcinoma. Men had a 10%
lower risk when they drank
the same amount.
MOUTH & THROAT
A study of nearly one million
people found that those who
knocked back four cups of
coffee a day had a 49% lower
risk of death from oral cancer
compared with those who
drank none, or just the
occasional cup.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Caffeine increases the amount
of acid in your stomach, which
may result in heartburn or an
upset stomach. You may want
to talk to your doctor about
cutting down your caffeine
intake if you suffer from issues
such as reflux or ulcers.
However, it is also believed
that three cups of coffee a day
can help increase the amount
and activity of beneficial gut
bacteria. But if you overdo
the caffeine, you may suffer
from diarrhoea.
LIVER
Coffee may reduce the risk
of liver damage, slow the
progression of liver disease and
improve the organ’s response
to treatment. Some studies
suggest moderate amounts
may also reduce the risk of liver
cancer. A study found that
those who have more than
three cups of coffee a day
have a 70% greater chance of
bladder problems, such as
incontinence.
The impact caffeine has on
you can depend on your size,
gender and sensitivity to it, and
the medications you take.FERTILITY AND PREGNANCY
If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, you may want to cut
back on the caffeine. Some research suggests that caffeine may
reduce muscle activity in the fallopian tubes, possibly reducing
your chances of getting pregnant by 27%. Another study found
that if both parents consume more than two caffeinated drinks
per day in the weeks before conception, there’s
an increased chance of miscarriage.
More than 300mg of caffeine a day
during pregnancy (the equivalent
of three cups of coffee) may also
be harmful, with a greater risk^
of miscarriage, delayed foetal
growth and abnormal heart
rhythm in the baby.
Other research has found
that because caffeine can
pass to the baby through
breast milk, mothers who^
drink large amounts of coffee
and other caffeinated beverages
may notice that their babies are
jittery or have trouble sleeping.HOW MUCH CAFFEINE AM I CONSUMING?
Here’s the amount of caffeine found in 240ml drinks:- Coffee 100-200mg
- Tea 40-120mg
- Soft drinks 20-40mg
- Energy drinks 50-160mg
- Decaffeinated coffee 3-12mg
- Cocoa drinks 2-7mg
- Chocolate milk 2-7mg
Caffeine is also found in chocolate – the darker it is, the
more it contains. There is 1-15mg in 28g of milk chocolate,
and 5-35mg in dark chocolate.
New Zealand Woman’s Weekly 53
It appears that caffeine, when
consumed in moderation, can
have health benefits.
However, if you overindulge,
it can be harmful. More than
400mg (or four cups of coffee)
a day can lead to:- Disrupted sleep
- Headaches
- Fast or uneven heartbeat
- Jitters and shakes
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
- Irritability
- Heartburn
- Stomach upsets and nausea
Caffeine can also interact
with medications, such as
antibiotics, antidepressants,
and anti-psychotic drugs.
If you consume a lot of
caffeine and you want to cut
down, make sure you do it
gradually. A sudden reduction
can leave you dealing with
withdrawal symptoms.