If you’re a healthy adult, you can safely have 400 milligrammes of caffeine each day, or about four cups of coffee, unless your doctor has prescribed something different. In healthy individuals, 200 milligrammes of caffeine does not have any observable negative consequences. However, a number of variables, such as pregnancy, the use of other medicines, and lack of sleep, can affect that figure.
It is advised that pregnant women consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. Coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans can all be used to extract the chemical called caffeine from plants. According to experts, over millions of years, these plants evolved caffeine as a natural pesticide against harmful insects. Synthetic caffeine can also be produced. Caffeine can be found in a wide range of products, including:
- Coffee and cappuccino
- Tea
- Sodas
- Chocolates
- Caffeinated mints or gum;
- Supplements for exercise or fat-burners
However, the amount of caffeine in each product may differ. The kind and size of the coffee beans, the quantity of tea leaves used, and the length of time the coffee is brewed all affect the amount of caffeine in a beverage.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies caffeine as a chemical that is “generally regarded as safe,” or GRAS. This indicates that the FDA does not regulate caffeine as a food additive. On the label of a beverage, such as an energy drink, it must be specified is an extra component.
What advantages does caffeine have?
Caffeine enhances both physical and mental performance when consumed in moderation. Additionally, consumption of caffeine can have the following nutritional benefits: Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that: o increases alertness, particularly when the circadian clock is low, such as right after lunch or during a night shift.
Reduces fatigue enhances alertness, mood, memory, focus, and general mental function. Caffeine has been shown to speed up short-term memory and reaction speeds, according to a 2005 study that was presented at the Radiological Society of North America.
Studies have shown that caffeine lowers the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It accelerates weight reduction, raises glucose metabolism, and speeds up fat burning. Long-term coffee drinkers might see a decline in these benefits, though.
The body lacks glycogen as an energy source after a workout, thus consuming caffeine can encourage the body’s production of this fuel source. Caffeine and carbs are used by athletes to increase their body’s glycogen stores. It improves the heart’s functionality by boosting heart rate and contractility and preventing negative inotropic (heart rate and contractility reduction) effects.
What negative impacts does caffeine have?
- Caffeine overuse can have undesirable effects like: anxiety, elevated blood pressure
- Caffeine addiction leads to headaches, anxiety, cravings, and despair during withdrawal.
- Caffeine induces diuresis, which causes the kidneys to excrete more water in the urine, which causes dehydration and excessive thirst.
- Since caffeine stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), too much stimulation can lead to insomnia and other sleeping difficulties.
- Caffeine can raise blood pressure, which makes you feel lightheaded.
- In patients with coronary artery disease who have previously experienced cardiac arrests, caffeine raises the risk of o Heart disease o Premature ventricular contractions o Sudden death.
- Caffeine is a gastrointestinal irritant that can contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), all of which can result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Caffeine lowers the incidence of type II diabetes, but because it interferes with glucose metabolism in diabetics, it raises blood glucose levels.
Caffeine should be used with caution and should be treated like a drug. Coffee drinkers who are extremely sensitive to caffeine should start off with small doses until they find the ideal one that doesn’t have any negative effects. This could also entail reviewing the caffeine amount on energy drinks or switching to decaffeinated beverages (decaf) after your second cup of coffee during the day.
How much is excessive?
For the majority of healthy adults, 400 mg of caffeine per day seems to be safe. That is approximately equal to the amount of caffeine in two “energy shot” beverages, 10 cans of cola, or four cups of brewed coffee. Remember that different drinks have different amounts of caffeine, especially energy drinks.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that caffeine in liquid or powder form may have toxic amounts. About 28 cups of coffee are contained in only one teaspoon of powdered caffeine. Such high caffeine intake might result in major health issues and even death.
Conclusion
Caffeine usage is not recommended for kids, even though it may be safe for adults. It’s important to warn teenagers and young adults about using too much coffee and combining it with alcohol and other drugs. Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing should discuss keeping their caffeine intake to around 200 mg per day with their doctors.