To Caffeinate or Not to Caffeinate?

Did you know that caffeine is the most highly used drug in our society? It’s true. You don’t think of it as a drug, but it surely is. It is a powerful stimulant and the most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world today. It is legal and is not regulated in most of the world, unlike other psychoactive substances. Most coffees and teas contain caffeine naturally. Many drinks available today like soda and power boosters contain caffeine as well. Ninety percent of adults in America are daily drinkers of caffeinated beverages.

The most noticeable effect the caffeine has on you is to stimulate your nervous system. Once it reaches your brain, you will notice an instant boost in your alertness. It will make you feel more awake and reduce your level of tiredness. It is used in many medications today for migraines, headaches, drowsiness and many other things.

There are reported health benefits to the use of caffeine too. It has been found to increase brain fuction and maybe even improve your mood. Most people experience improved reaction time, short-term recall and alertness within about 20 minutes of drinking caffeine. It has also been shown to lower depression and the risk of suicide. It has also been found in recent studies that a few cups of coffee each day can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Coffee does contain other bioactive compounds in addition to caffeine that also may be causing some of the beneficial effects.

Caffeine may increase your body’s ability to burn fat as fuel when you exercise. This can delay the time to push your muscles to reach exhaustion level. It also increases tolerance to fatigue and can help your workout feel easier. Coffee and tea may even help reduce the risk and type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Consumption of caffeine is mostly considered safe, although it is most definitely habit forming. I can testify to this first hand for sure. I don’t drink coffee, but do drink a caffeinated drink each day and if I don’t get that caffeine in by a certain time the headache that ensues is terrible. I have weaned myself off in the past but it took several days before the headaches stopped.

So, there are benefits, and, as always, a downside to your caffeine use. But, we all know, it helps us get through the day or night. Just listen to your body and don’t overdo it or you will find yourself unable to sleep or get proper rest. Be safe and keep up the good work!