Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee beans, cacao seeds, and kola nut seeds and is currently an ingredient in some medications as well as food stuff.
Caffeine works by activating the central nervous system as well as causing increased concentration and focus. Many studies have shown its consumption has potential health benefits as well as adverse ones.
When consumed in excess, caffeine is linked to increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. The boost in blood glucose levels after its consumption might predispose one to diabetes or increase chances of hyperglycemia in a known diabetic patient. When taken in excess during pregnancy, it has been linked to an increased risk of low birth weight babies.
On the other hand, moderate consumption (3-4 cups of coffee a day) has been related to reduced risk of liver, mouth and throat cancer. It apparently also has great benefits for the brain as it helps in long term memory and also reduces the risk of mental conditions like Alzheimer’s.
With the increasing evidence of the health benefits of caffeine, there is increased probability of caffeine addicts emerging due to more and more food items that have it as an ingredient. In this case, it is easy to overdose on the caffeine unknowingly.
Signs of caffeine overuse or abuse include insomnia, palpitations, tremors and chest pains.
So, while it may have some health benefits, caffeine is a stimulant you might want to be cautious about. Keep it to maximum of three cups a day.
However, if you have issues like anemia, pregnancy, heart disease and anxiety disorders, you might want to give it a wide berth.