Caffeine, is produced naturally in the leaves and also the seeds of many plants, from which it is produced artificially, and added to certain foods,
When you take Caffeine in say 1 or 2 cups of tea or coffee daily, it is not harmful, but too much of it is harmful, and can cause health problems as follows -
1. Nervousness, making you jittery and shaking.
2. Insomnia, i.e. inability to sleep.
3. Abnormal heart beats.
4. Dehydration.
5. Dizziness.
6. Stomach upset.
7. Miscarriage during pregnancy.
8. High blood pressure patients and older people are vulnerable to Caffeine.
9. It is not healthy for children and so they should limit its use.
10. May increase loss of calcium and magnesium in urine.
11. Depending on Caffeine all the time causes withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it as follows -
(a) Irritability
(b) Fatigue
(c) Headache
(d) Depression
(e) Anxiety
(f) Difficulty in Concentration.
Although some people are more sensitive than others to Caffeine, it is wise for all to limit their use of it. Pregnant and Nursing Mothers should use it sparingly as it could cause miscarriage.
As highlighted above, excessive use of Caffeine can cause health hazards. However, it also has some health benefits as stated below.
Health Benefits of Caffeine
1. It improves concentration and focus.
2. It alleviates fatigue.
3. It is used to treat and prevent premature infant breathing disorders.
4. It can protect against Parkinson's disease, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer and some other cancers, coronary artery disease and stroke.
5. It is a mild pain killer, and so it increases the effectiveness of other pain relievers.
6. Caffeine is present in some over-the-counter pain relievers, diet pills, cold medications, and even decaffeinated coffee is not completely free of Caffeine.
7. It does not threaten health like addictive drugs or alcohol. The body quickly absorbs it and also quickly gets rid of it.
When you consume Caffeine very late in the day, it can interfere with sleep as it takes long hours, about 10 hours, to totally eliminate it from the body. So avoid taking it in the evenings.
The need for children to limit their use of Caffeine cannot be over emphasized. Too much Caffeine taken by children in form of energy drinks, sodas or sweetened teas, and all of which have high sugar content, are empty calories, and put children at high risk of obesity. Please note that Caffeinated drinks generally are not good for children.
Parents please take note, and assist your children to limit their consumption as much as possible. It is in their best interest.
Stay Healthy Always And Remain Blessed. Love You All.
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