Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world.
More than 90 percent of American adults regularly consume caffeine. Experts say there are both benefits and risks to using this popular stimulant.
On the positive side, caffeine can improve your performance during endurance exercise. It can also speed up weight loss by temporarily suppressing your appetite and helping your body produce more energy when digesting food.
Research from Johns Hopkins shows it can also sharpen long-term memory. And one study found that caffeine applied directly to the skin of mice helped prevent skin cancer caused by UV radiation. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, contain powerful antioxidants.
“There are studies that show that coffee has many nutritional benefits,” said a registered dietitian Ashley Hinds.
Various studies have shown that coffee consumption can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.
However, too much caffeine can have negative consequences.
“I’m always aware that caffeine can actually escalate our anxiety and disrupt our sleep cycles,” Hinds said.
Caffeine can also affect fertility. According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, caffeine can reduce a woman’s chances of getting pregnant by about 27 percent. And women who consume caffeine during menopause are more likely to experience sizzling flashes and night sweats.
Experts generally recommend no more than 400 milligrams per day, which is about four 250-ml cups of coffee.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says children under 12 should avoid caffeine. People between the ages of 12 and 18 should consume no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. Experts recommend that pregnant women consume no more than 200 milligrams per day.
