And other caffeine-containing beverages and substances
D.C. Huddy, PhD, Dept. of Human Performance, Concord University
What you should know about caffeine
Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in coffee beans, cocoa beans, kola nuts and tea leaves. Coffee originated in Africa around 575 A.D. where beans were used as money and consumed as food. 50% of Americans drink coffee on a regular basis 59% of coffee is consumed in the morning hours
Top Coffee Consuming Countries
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Finland Sweden Denmark Holland Norway Germany Austria Switzerland Belgium France Italy United States
Pharmacology
Mild central nervous system stimulant Increases reaction time and alertness Prolongs concentration in tedious tasks Prolongs endurance in marathon running Will NOT sober-up a drunk
Health Risks of Caffeine
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Coffee has been studied extensively with respect to: Cardiovascular disease… Cancer… Fibrocystic breast disease… Reproductive function… Behavior in children… Birth defects… NO SIGNIFICANT HEALTH RISKS HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED
Are there Health Benefits of Coffee
Increased metabolism Increased fat-burning effect Conversion of fat to energy is 30% more efficient when caffeine is consumed 60 minutes prior to exercise Enhanced fat-burning effect occurs only when exercising While fat is being burned as fuel, stores of blood sugar (glycogen) are being conserved
Health Benefits
Increased concentration time on tedious tasks Increased reaction time for some persons Increased alertness Amphetamine-like effect Speeds up effect of analgesics May prevent Parkinson’s disease May lower risk of Type 2 (NIDDM) May help prevent gallstones May reduce the incidence of dental cavities
Where is caffeine found
Coffee: 75-150 mg/cup Tea: 50-75 mg/cup Soft drinks: 30-75 mg Analgesics and other OTC drugs
Who should avoid caffeine
Persons who are sensitive to caffeine should avoid coffee and other caffeinecontaining drinks/OTC drugs Some physicians recommend pregnant women avoid or limit their intake Symptoms: Jittery sensation, racing pulse, insomnia
FAQ about caffeine
Cancer? ACS says, “There is no evidence that caffeine is a risk factor in human cancer? Breast Disease? All clinical studies to date show that caffeine does not increase the risk of breast cancer. The AMA and the National Cancer Institute say, “There is no association between caffeine and breast cancer.
FAQ about caffeine
Hypertension? Seventeen studies cited in the Archives of Internal Medicine agree that caffeine does not cause any persistent increase in blood pressure. Is caffeine addictive? Caffeine does not result in steadily increased doses and most persons do not have difficulty in quitting. Some sensitive individuals might experience mild temporary effects such as headache and irritability.
FAQ about caffeine
Does caffeine affect children more than adults? Actually, children are no more sensitive to caffeine than adults. In general, caffeine is eliminated from the body twice as fast in kids than in adults!
America’s Favorite Drink