Caffeine as a word can trigger a sense of fear in many people around. Mainly because, caffeine is often considered to be a threat to our health. And this is the reason, most people looking to cut down the caffeine intake; try and limit their tea and coffee time. Apparently, for most of us coffee and tea leaves are the two primary sources of caffeine.
Well, this isn't the complete truth as caffeine is even found in fair amount in kola nuts, cocoa beans, chocolate flavored syrups, cold medications, diet pills, pain relievers and even your 'decaffeinated' coffee. Seems like we do have many myths surrounding caffeine and its use. So why not bust these myths and brush up our knowledge related to caffeine? Here we go:
Myth 1: It is Addictive
To some extent, this is certainly true. However, caffeine doesn't cause any harm to your physical, or social health as the addictive drugs do. It's indeed a stimulant to your central nervous system and the regular use does leads to moderate physical dependency. Withdrawing from caffeine can make you uncomfortable for a few days but your body soon gets over this change. Thus you can see that it's not a serious addiction like some of the drugs, where withdrawal is a herculean task.
Myth 2: It can cause Insomnia
The body absorbs and gets rid of caffeine very quickly. The body eliminates caffeine in nearly 5-7 hours. For those who drink a cup or two of coffee in morning, the night sleep can never be affected. But again, this majorly depends on your body's sensitivity. Having coffee in the later course of day, around 6 hours before you sleep can cause sleep deprivation. It all depends on the quantity used and your body's response to it.
Myth 3: It increases Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, and Cancer risk
Using caffeine in a moderate amount i.e. 300 milligrams, or 2-3 cups of coffee; doesn't trigger any health risk. Things get troublesome for people with high blood pressure, and also to those who consume higher levels of caffeine. But still health experts have not found any direct connection between caffeine and osteoporosis. As far as heart diseases and caffeine are concerned, it's applicable to only those who are sensitive to caffeine. And for cancer, health experts hold the view that caffeine on the contrary cuts down the risk of cancer.
Myth 4: It's Not Good for Women Trying to Conceive
Though there are no studies to claim this fact but experts hold the view that an intake of more than 200 mg caffeine by expecting moms can be harmful. This intake of caffeine is not just limited to tea or coffee but even includes energy drinks.
Myth 5: It has Dehydrating Effect
It can make you feel the need of urinating. But the fluid consumed in the caffeinated beverages balances out the fluid loss caused while you urinate. The fact is that caffeine is mildly diuretic (a substance that can make you urinate more) but studies have proven that moderate use of caffeine doesn't cause dehydration.
Myth 6: It Harms Children More
This has come into existence given the fact that kids today consume more of soft drinks that are caffeinated. Kids sensitive to caffeine thus develop temporary unease or irritability. Caffeine is not a harm to kids but caffeinated drinks are certainly to be kept at bay.
Myth 7: It Helps You Sober Up
This is what most people think. But in real, caffeine doesn't have any such effect. Drinking alcohol and then a cup of coffee doesn't guarantee that you can be safe behind the wheels.
Myth 8: It Has No Health Benefits
Ruling out caffeine's health benefits is certainly not done. If you ask a regular coffee drinker, then you will come to know how it boosts alertness, concentration, and energy. Caffeine is even known to cure headaches.
Adequate and proper intake of caffeine is known to cut down the risk of:
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Parkinson's disease
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Liver disease
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Type 2 diabetes
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Dementia
The bottom line is that caffeine isn't that harmful if taken in a moderate amount. And as we know it very well, 'excess of anything can be bad' and caffeine is certainly no exception to this universal rule!