All About Caffeine and Your Health

For centuries civilization has relied on the effects of caffeine to alter moods. Coffeehouses dating back to the 17th century show, contrary to popular belief, Starbucks did not invent the coffee bean. Today, over 90% of North American adults consume caffeine regularly. Whether it's your diet coke or the cup of coffee you use to jumpstart your day, it seems we are not letting go of our caffeine addictions anytime soon.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine (trimethylxanthine) is a known diuretic and cardiac stimulant. It has often been compared to that of cocaine and nicotine. As a known psychoactive substance it has the ability to alter brain function. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, diet pills, pain relievers and antihistamines to name a few.

Are there any positive effects?

Much like a most drugs, caffeine's positive effects are temporary and illusive. Moderate intake has been known to enhance sports performance, alertness and mood. The antioxidants present in coffee may also potentially benefit the heart.

Caffeine speeds up metabolism and is an active ingredient in most diet pills. Caffeine helps break down fat when if you are in motion. This is why most energy drinks like Monster or Volt contain large quantities of caffeine to jumpstart ones metabolism while active. However, I would not personally recommend relying on caffeine as a motivator for physical activity because of its habit forming

Too much caffeine can yield problematic results such as headache, fatigue, dehydration and sleep deprivation. If you are diabetic or insulin resistant, caffeine produces more insulin yielding an unsavory result.

Quality versus quantity

When drinking coffee if you are trying to limit caffeine intake, know your stuff. Did you know that a double shot of espresso contains 50mg where a 6 ounce cup of drip coffee may contain 100mg of caffeine? Drip coffee is usually made from a less superior coffee (Robusta coffee) than espresso which most often is derived from Arabica coffee. It is important to note the more water used for brewing, the more caffeine the coffee may contain. Why is this you ask? The longer the water brews with the coffee, the more caffeine will be extracted.

Coffee brewing method

(5 oz cup) caffeine content (mg)

• Drip method110-150
• Percolated 60-125
• Instant 40-108
• Decaffeinated 2-5 (instant)
• Decaffeinated 2

Should I try decaffeinated beverages?

97% of the caffeine in decaffeinated beverages has been removed. One of the most commonly asked questions about decaffeinated beverages is "Is it safe to drink?" There are two ways of extracting caffeine from products. The first, water extraction which involves coffee beans processed by steaming, soaking, and then rinsing allowing the caffeine to diffuse into the water. The second, the direct solvent extraction process where methylene chloride, ethyl acetate or carbon dioxide is added to coffee beans in order to extract the caffeine. Doesn't sound too tasty if you ask me.

Alternatives to coffee

• Having a substantial breakfast will give you the energy and boost you are seeking from a cup of Joe.
• Avoiding high-fat lunch which causes early burn out and fatigue in the afternoon.
• A mid morning snack or mid afternoon snack may be just the fuel you need to get you through the day.
• Most teas contain 50% less caffeine than coffee depending on your selection or try the various herbal teas available to avoid caffeine altogether.

Note: For children, caffeine not only stunts ones growth it actually dissolves away the calcium in young bones. Avoid caffeine at all costs for the little ones.

Did you know caffeine can help cure baldness? Studies show if you drink just 60-80 cups of your favorite caffeinated beverage per day you can sport a mane which will be the envy of your peers