The Daily Cup of Coffee ... Why It Might Not Be That Bad For You

The caffeine in your favorite coffee is absorbed in your body within 30-45 minutes. There it works as a stimulant on your central nervous system. During this time, you feel full of energy. Three hours later, the effects of caffeine dwindle and you find yourself on your way towards a second round.

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The 'experts' call this caffeine dependence - not addiction. Either way though, withdrawal from caffeine dependence can be difficult, including headaches, anxiety, change in mood, decreased energy and/or difficulty concentrating. On the bright side though, withdrawal symptoms typically last for just a few days. The question really is though, do we really have to completely kick the caffeine to the curb, or can we still enjoy the occasional cup?

There have been more than 19,000 studies on caffeine and coffee, in an attempt to determine its exact effects on the human body.

Frank Hu, MD, MPH, PhD, nutrition and epidemiology professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, says “there is certainly much more good news than bad news, in terms of coffee and health.”

In the majority of healthy adults, moderate amounts of caffeine is not bad. It may even have positive effects. Aside from increased alertness and concentration, recent studies show the potential benefits of caffeine include:

• Lower Dementia Risk.
• More endurance during workouts.
  
• Reduced risk of Parkinson's disease, liver disease, colorectal cancer & type 2 diabetes.
• Decreased allergic reactions because of caffeine's ability to reduce histamines.
• Improved immune function from caffeine’s anti-inflammatory effects.

{Of course it is important to note that if your heart pounds and you get jittery, you may be caffeine sensitive. Make sure to check in with your doctor.}

Happy Monday Lovelies!