Within a few minutes after caffeine is ingested, it is absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream and carried to all the body's organs. It speeds the heart rate, stimulates the central nervous system, increase the flow of urine and the production of digestive acids, and relaxes smooth muscle, such as those that control the blood vessels and the airways.
HOW IT HARMS
May cause insomnia. Ingestion of caffeine late in the day can result in a sleepless night, and excessive intake can lead to caffeinism, a syndrome marked by insomnia, feelings of anxiety and irritability, a rapid heartbeat, tremors and excessive urination. These symptoms abate, however, with the gradual withdrawal of caffeine.Irritates the stomach. Caffeine, especially in coffee, increases the production of stomach acid; people who suffer from reflux or ulcers should limit caffeine consumption.
Reduces calcium absorption. Caffeine reduces calcium absorption, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in older women.
Can cause withdrawal symptoms. Sudden withdrawal can often cause headaches, irritability and other symptoms that vary in severity from one person to another.
Aggravates heart conditions. People with some types of heart-valve disease are very often advised to forgo caffeine altogether because it can provoke heart palpitations or other cardiac arrhythmias. Caffeine can also prompt a modest, temporary rise in blood pressure and speed up the heart rate.
HOW IT HELPS
Provide boost of energy. For many people a cup of coffee helps them 'get going' in the morning, and coffee or tea breaks during the day give them a boost when energy lags.May reduce cancer risk. More then three cups a day may lower women's risk of developing the most common skin cancer by 20 per cent. Caffeine may also cut men's risk of dying from prostate cancer.
Wards off depression. Consuming at least two cups daily could reduce women's chances of becoming depressed by up to 20 per cent.
Enhances athletic performance. The stimulant in caffeine enhances mental performance by increasing alertness and the ability to concentrate. Studies confirm that 250 mg of caffeine (about two cups of strong coffee) increases endurance, presumably because caffeine increases your ability to burn fat for fuel.
May help control diabetes. A study of more than 14,000 people in Finland found that women who drank three to four cups of coffee a day cut their risk of developing diabetes by 29 per cent. For men, it was 27 per cent. Researchers aren't sure why, but they suspect that the antioxidants in coffee help your body to deliver insulin.
Knocks down migraines. Although caffeine may trigger migraine in some people, when a migraine strikes, a few cups of coffee may help relieve the pain. Caffeine is so effective at helping to shrink swollen blood vessels in the brain, it's one of the key ingredients in over-the-counter migraine medicine. Very soon, I may not even need to prescribe medicine for migraine. I'll just ask our patients to go next door to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. DamaiMedic Klinik & Surgeri will be having a Coffee House as our new neighbor soon.
Who should limit consumption?
The following people should limit coffee consumption to one or two cups a day. Tea and other caffeinated beverages may be okay.- Ulcer sufferers
- Heart patients
- Older people with hypertension
- Women who are pregnant, nursing or have osteoporosis
- Migraine sufferers
THE BOTTOM LINE
- Caffeine is a double-edged sword. It has both benefits and drawbacks. For example, it can trigger or help alleviate migraine headaches.
- For most people caffeine is safe, but if you have ulcers, heart disease, hypertension or osteoporosis, or are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should limit your consumption or avoid it entirely if you can.
(Food that Harms Food that Heals)
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