Caffeine has been regarded as the most widely consumed food/drug in the world. Coffee benefits help in some aspects of both the physical and mental performance, even alertness. Though, there are confusing statements regarding caffeine and its effect on our health. But, these confusing statements are just myths rather than facts.
In this article, we will review 3 huge myths on caffeine and give you the real facts on caffeine.
Facts
Coffee benefits were confirmed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when it reviewed caffeine and deemed it safe for consumption and affirm it efficient use.
In testing caffeine side effects, it was concluded after a thorough examination that a daily intake of caffeine intake at doses up to 400mg per day has no side effects such as cardiovascular effects, general toxicity, changes in adult behavior and increased incidence of cancer.
When taken moderately, caffeine side effects are not likely to happen. Caffeine only causes side effects when abused. So it is not true that caffeine is not safe because it has been reviewed and tested as “safe.”
Facts
Caffeine is a mild stimulant, therefore considered a drug. Some caffeine users report some difficulty in stopping or controlling their intake of caffeine. Caffeine is mildly addictive, but not as other addictive stimulants.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, caffeine is not among the commonly abused drugs.
Though, some people feel dependent on caffeine to perform regularly and can have withdrawal symptoms if they miss their daily dose. A caffeine addiction diagnosis tool can help to determine the level of dependency one has on caffeine.
However, this myth may be partially correct because caffeine contains some addictive properties, but that doesn’t make it a dangerous addictive substance.
Facts
The statement about caffeine causing weight loss is nothing but a myth as caffeine doesn’t alter your metabolism: it neither speed it up nor reduces it.
Though, it has been shown that taking coffee before you start your workouts might help improve your performance to attain correct shape and lose some weight. It hasn’t been demonstrated that the intake of coffee alone will aid in weight loss.
Like I stated above that the intake of 400 mg of caffeine per day does not cause side effects such as cardiovascular effects. However, the Framingham Heart Study proved no relationship between caffeine intake and any heart disease or development of stroke. The study concluded that a moderate consumption of caffeine is not a factor in the development of an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
A Harvard University study shows that caffeine intake does not increase the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. While Framingham study also shows that caffeinated coffee drinkers had a 43% less risk of death due to related cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
But, caffeine can be risky for those with underlying heart conditions. It may be more risky for minor because they may have not yet been diagnosed.
If a family member has a history of cardiovascular disease, it is advisable to avoid caffeine if you have not been diagnosed as the cardiovascular disease might be hereditary.
Though study confirmed that caffeine is risky for those with underlying heart conditions, it is not said that it causes heart problems.
Bablofil -
Thanks, great article.