5 Myths on Caffeine And The Facts About Them

There are many caffeine myths and facts that you probably don't know. You might have some real misconceptions about caffeine. Like for instance, do you know the most common sources of caffeine? Are you aware that kola nuts and cocoa beans are also common caffeine sources? And do you know how caffeine content varies from food to food? It turns out it can vary on the type and serving measurement of a food or beverage and how it’s prepared.

Caffeine content can vary from as much as 160 mg in some energy drinks to as little as 4 milligrams in a 1-ounce serving of chocolate-flavored syrup. Even decaffeinated espresso is not absolutely free from caffeine. Caffeine is also found in some over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medicines, and diet drugs. These products can include as little as sixteen milligrams or as much as 200 milligrams of caffeine. In fact, caffeine itself is a mild painkiller and raises the effectiveness of other pain relievers.

Here are some myths about coffee that you should start questioning:

#1: Caffeine Is Addictive

This one has some truth to it, relying on what you mean with the term “addictive.” Caffeine is a stimulant to the brain, and regular consumption of caffeine does stimulate physical dependence. But caffeine would not threaten your body the way addictive drugs do.

If you stop taking caffeine all of a sudden, you’ll have symptoms for a day or more, principally when you devour two or more cups of coffee a day. Symptoms of withdrawal from caffeine include headache, tiredness, anxiety, irritability and depressed mood.

#2: Caffeine Can Cause Insomnia

Your body speedily absorbs caffeine. But it surely eliminates it speedily also. Processed probably via the liver, caffeine has a rather short half-life. This implies it takes about 5 to 7 hours, normally, to do away with half of it from your body. After 8 to 10 hours, 75% of the caffeine is gone. For many persons, a cup of espresso or two in the morning won’t intervene with sleep at night time.

# 3: Caffeine Leads to Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, and Cancer

Moderate amounts of everyday caffeine — about 300 milligrams, or three cups of coffee — appear to have no harm in most healthy adults. Some folks are more prone to its effects, nonetheless. That entails such people who have high blood pressure or are older.

At higher levels that are greater than 744 milligrams/day, caffeine could increase calcium and magnesium loss in urine. However recent studies show that it does not increase your chance for bone loss, particularly for those who get adequate calcium.

A moderate, temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure is common in those people who are sensitive to caffeine. However a few significant studies don’t link caffeine to elevated levels of cholesterol, irregular heartbeats, or an expanded hazard of cardiovascular disorders. If you have already got high blood pressure or heart issues, though, have a discussion with your medical professional about your caffeine intake.

About 13 studies involving 20,000 people reported that there is no relationship between cancer and caffeine. Actually, caffeine may even have a protective effect against certain cancers.

#4: Caffeine Can Cause Infertility

Many reviews show no links between low quantities of caffeine (a cup of espresso per day) and infertility, miscarriage, birth defects and premature delivery.

#. 5: Caffeine Can Cause Dehydration

Caffeine can make you urinate more often. Nonetheless, the fluid you consume in caffeinated beverages tends to offset fluid loss while you urinate. The bottom line is that despite the fact that caffeine does act as a moderate diuretic, drinking caffeinated drinks does not simply cause dehydration.