The Pros and Cons of Caffeine

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Author Name: Mia Barnes
Date: Sunday August 16, 2020

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Do you drink coffee every day? If not, you may prefer energy drinks. In any case, it’s not only you – 85% of the American population consumes at least one caffeinated beverage per day. You may be curious about how caffeine impacts your health. What are the benefits and disadvantages?

1. Caffeine Boosts Your Memory

When you drink caffeine, it doesn’t take long for you to feel renewed and energized. That’s because it works as a stimulant that travels through your bloodstream to your brain. This process allows your brain to fire more neurons. As a result, you become more stimulated and aware.

It turns out that regular consumption may contribute to long-term memory benefits for some individuals. That said, you shouldn’t chug 10 cups of coffee if you want to boost your mental acuity. You can stick to your morning joe to enjoy these perks. A healthy diet always helps, too.

2. Caffeine May Cause Addictions

There’s no problem with an occasional latte. However, if you can’t go without caffeine for a day, it’s likely that you have a caffeine addiction. Though it’s not a drug by stereotypical terms, experts categorize caffeine as an addictive substance because it stimulates the nervous system.

We can become addicted to the way that caffeine makes us feel. It’s also possible to experience physical and psychological reactions when we go without caffeine for too long. These withdrawal symptoms often include headaches.

A caffeine addiction often isn’t as serious as other addictions, but it’s essential to cut down on your intake if you notice harmful side effects.

3. Caffeine Improves Physical Performance

If you’re an athlete, it may not surprise you that caffeine can improve your physical performance. The stimulant increases your body’s epinephrine levels. This adrenaline pushes you to enact your fight or flight response. Then, you’re ready for physical exertion.

Many people like to drink coffee before they head to the gym. It’s a safe alternative to traditional pre-workout powders and supplements that prepare your body for activity.

4. Caffeine Can Amplify Anxiety

It’s best to avoid caffeine if you have an anxiety disorder. Because caffeine works a stimulant, it can often trigger anxiety-related emotions that lead to a panic attack. These sensations are related to the fight or flight response that caffeine creates. When those jitters happen, it’s not long before an anxious individual feels unwell.

Those with anxiety disorders can still drink caffeinated beverages. That said, it’s smart to reduce consumption to only a cup or two per day.

5. Caffeine Prevents Some Diseases

You may be able to avoid some diseases if you drink caffeine. Researchers have all found connections between caffeine and illnesses like diabetes, cancer and depression. Because caffeine increases dopamine receptor availability, it may help prevent Parkinson’s disease. That’s why many patients use dopamine replacement medication to deal with Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

We shouldn’t look to caffeine as a cure-all for health problems. That said, it doesn’t hurt to recognize its potential benefits for disease risk prevention.

Consider These Pros and Cons of Caffeine

If you already drink caffeine, don’t worry! As long as you stick to a cup or two per day, it won’t cause any harm. Remember to keep an eye out for potential symptoms related to caffeine addiction. If you notice these signs, speak with your doctor.

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