Affects of caffeine differs widely from person to person and depends on various factors. For healthy adults, a moderate amount (300 milligrams, or about three cups of coffee, per day) of caffeine may have positive effects, such as increased alertness or ability to concentrate, and is not likely to cause health problems.
Caffeine is best known for its stimulant effect. Once consumed, caffeine is readily absorbed by the body and enters the bloodstream stimulating the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It affects the brain and results in elevated mood, decreased fatigue, and increased attentiveness, along with increased the heart rate, blood flow, respiratory rate, and metabolic rate for several hours.
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and a small amount could cause insomnia, headaches, irritability and nervousness. However, with frequent use one will develop tolerance to many of the effects of caffeine (even addiction). At doses of 600 milligrams (about six cups of coffee) or more daily, caffeine becomes a health risk and can cause nervousness, sweating, tenseness, upset stomach, anxiety, and insomnia.
Extensive research has been conducted on how caffeine affects health. A list of various health issues linked to caffeine is summarized below. However, keep in mind that moderate use of caffeine is not likely to cause these health problems.
* Cardiovascular (heart) – caffeine raises blood pressure, causes heart rhythm irregularities, increases serum cholesterol and homocysteine levels (which increase risk of heart attacks)
* Bone density (osteoporosis) – caffeine appears to increase the excretion of calcium, a mineral needed for healthy bones. This causes decreased bone strength (especially in older women, although men get it too).
* Calcium intake: adult men and women should be taking between 1,000 and 1,200 milligrams of calcium, depending on age and gender).
* Pregnancy – Excessive caffeine intake has been associated with miscarriages and low birth weight babies. Evidence also suggests that, at levels over 500 milligrams per day, caffeine may delay conception.
* Children – soft drinks and chocolate are the major sources of caffeine for children. Since children have developing nervous systems, it is important to moderate their caffeine consumption.
* Cancer – research has shown that caffeine in coffee does not cause breast or intestinal cancer. However, not enough research has been done to determine if caffeine in coffee is involved in urinary bladder or pancreatic cancer.
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