ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. More than 90 percent of American adults regularly consume caffeine. However, there are both benefits and risks to using this popular stimulant.
On the vivid 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 while digesting food. Research from Johns Hopkins shows it can also sharpen your long-term memory. And one study found that caffeine applied directly to the skin of mice helped prevent skin cancer-causing UV radiation. Caffeinated beverages, like coffee, contain powerful antioxidants.
“There are studies that actually show a lot of nutritional benefits of coffee,” said Ashley Hinds, a registered dietitian.
Various studies have shown that coffee consumption can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. However, too much caffeine can have negative consequences.
“I’m always aware that caffeine can actually raise 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 drink caffeine during menopause are more likely to experience balmy flashes and night sweats. Experts typically recommend no more than 400 milligrams a day—that’s about four, eight-ounce cups of coffee.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says children under 12 should avoid caffeine. People ages 12 to 18 should not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. And experts recommend that pregnant women consume no more than 200 milligrams per day.
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