You must have read umpteen numbers of articles talking about the harmful effects of caffeine. However, you might have been pleasantly surprised with some articles that claim that caffeine can do a lot of good to your body, when consumed moderately.
With caffeine being the most widely consumed beverage the world over, it is best to give this energy-boosting beverage the status it deserves. Read on and decide for yourself whether caffeine is good or harmful.
Pros Of Caffeine
Awakens Your Senses
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Coffee requires no advertizing in terms of its popularity in waking people up early in the morning. No alarm clock can beat the efficacy of caffeine when it comes to pulling you out from your bed. The smell of caffeine can arouse your senses in an amazing manner, making you feel energetic and lively.
Some studies reveal that caffeine does have a positive effect on your memory by increasing brain’s ability to concentrate and think better. These theories are supported by Mayo Clinic, which believes in temporary and effective improvement of memory related tasks when a person consumes caffeine.
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Coffee must be your most likely and affordable resort when you feel lethargic and worn out at your workplace. Caffeine can stimulate your nervous system, forcing your brain to send positive and exciting signals to your muscles, making your feel lively and active. However, this effect is temporary.
Prevents Memory Loss
Caffeine does have an enviable amount of antioxidants. These substances are known to fight off pre mature ageing and memory loss. They are therefore known to be effective in delaying or preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease along with a list of other age related illnesses. Antioxidants are also known to fight cancerous cells.
Prevents Heart Disease
Antioxidants are vital for preserving the heart’s functioning capacity. Being a good source of antioxidants, caffeine when consumed in moderation is known to act as a “heart protecting” agent.
Cons Of Caffeine
So, where is the harm, you may ask. Read on to find out the harmful effects caffeine has on your body when you consume it in excess.
Increases Blood Pressure
Caffeine is known to increase your blood pressure temporarily because of its stimulating effect on your nerves. Although the effect is not long lasting or permanent, patients suffering from heart disorders or hypertension should be very careful. In fact, caffeine can cause serious problems even in healthy individuals and teenagers when consumed excessively.
While a couple of coffee cups early in the morning do not pose a serious health risk to your body, if you consume coffee late in the evening or just before hitting the bed, you are preparing your body for sleepless nights.
This is because your body takes at least 6 to 7 hours to eliminate a major portion of caffeine. At night time, you are giving your body very less time to get rid of caffeine, allowing this substance to circulate freely in your blood stream. This can cause insomnia.
Being a mild diuretic, caffeine has the ability to drain moisture out of your body. Besides, you must replenish your body with several glasses of water to help your liver detoxify and remove caffeine out of your body. Failing to do so can lead to caffeine accumulation, causing a series of unwanted metabolic reactions.