The Effects of Caffeine

To Buzz or Not to Buzz:

Most of us peruse health articles because we think we’re going to find out something different. We keep hoping the common knowledge that most foods and drinks are “healthy in moderation” is going to suddenly change, and some brilliant researcher is going to give us a ticket to madly eat and drink our hearts out in the name of good health.

Unfortunately, that’s just not the case or the reality. So I’m not going to tell you something phenomenal about the effects of caffeine nor am I going to cosign your ability to knock caffeine down by the Super Big Gulp. I am simply going remind you for the umpteenth time, however, that it’s a great idea to drink caffeine in moderation.

We drink (and eat) caffeine because it stimulates our brains and our bodies or just because the caffeinated drink (or bar, in the case of chocolate) tastes good.

Nevertheless, most of us also know that if we ingest too much, we could lose sleep or suffer with headaches, neck aches, agitation, and even anxiety. For this reason, once past the era of 20-something coffeehouse bingeing, most of us cut back to a moderate amount.

If you intake caffeine regularly, that’s exactly the right way to do it.

While researchers struggle to substantiate both positive and negative effects of caffeine, they all seem to agree that caffeine in moderation is safe for the health of the average adult.

Researchers are even working on claims that caffeine in moderation can serve as a preventative agent against some cancers, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, headaches, and more.

But What is moderation? you ask, as if you don’t know the difference between a healthy fine-tuned buzz and a vibrato-like bouncing off the walls?

Well, the American Medical Association sets the limits at 300 milligrams per day (that’s 7 cups of tea or 3 cups of coffee by the chart below), and, of course, this amount may be lower for pregnant women and children. These are the maximums, however, so feel free to drink less but not more.

So guess what? The effects of caffeine in moderation are harmless and quite possibly even beneficial to your health if you indulge with good judgment. That’s the good news. As far as the new news, well, there is none. But that’s good news too!

So go wild with moderation today!

Amounts are approximate and generic coffee, tea, and chocolate caffeine content may vary.

Amounts are approximate and generic coffee, tea, and chocolate caffeine content may vary.

Sources:
www.nsda.org
www.mayoclinic.com
www.chocolateinfo.com
www.adksportsfitness.com
www.teahealth.co.uk

2BASNOB.com: The Guide to being a Beverage Snob