Myths and Facts About Caffeine

Quiz: Myths and Facts About Caffeine

Source of info http://www.webmd.com/diet/rm-quiz-caffeine-myths?ecd=wnl_day_040111:

This interesting  information was taken from the above source.

Caffeine is a considered a safe ingredient. It is a stimulant that excites the nerves cells of the brain. While some stimulants, such as nicotine, are considered addictive, you aren’t likely to become addicted to caffeine if you consume it in moderation. However, habitual consumption can lead to adverse reactions in some people if they don’t get that morning cup of coffee. Those symptoms can include headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and muscle pain.

Between 200 mg and 300 mg of caffeine, the amount in two to three cups of coffee, is considered a moderate amount and is generally considered safe for most adults.

Some studies have shown that moderate consumption of caffeine may reduce your risk of diabetes, gallstones, Parkinson's disease, and liver disease. Despite these studies, though, doctors aren’t recommending caffeine consumption as a means to reduce your risks of disease.

Can mothers  transmit caffeine to their babies in breast milk?

Babies can indeed get a dose of caffeine from their mothers' milk. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "A morning cup of coffee is not likely to harm your baby, but too much caffeine can cause problems, such as poor sleeping, nervousness, irritability, and poor feeding."

How long do the effects of caffeine last ?

Caffeine's effects last long after you finish that cup of java. It takes 5 to 6 hours for your body to eliminate just half the caffeine in a cup of coffee, which is why having a cup in the afternoon can affect your sleep. In people who are more sensitive to caffeine, the effects may last even longer.

Caffeine is often added to headache medications- why?

Caffeine helps the body absorb headache drugs more quickly, bringing faster relief. Adding caffeine requires less medication for the same effect, reducing the risk for potential side effects and possible drug addiction.

Some skin products contain caffeine- why?

Anti-aging products containing caffeine have been shown to help make skin smoother and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Older people and caffeine

Older adults can be more sensitive to caffeine because it takes their bodies longer to process it.

Caffeine and anxiety

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anyone suffering from anxiety disorders should avoid caffeine because it can aggravate symptoms, which include exaggerated worry and tension.

Caffeine and dehydration

Caffeinated beverages do not generally contribute to dehydration. In the short term, caffeine may have a mild diuretic effect in people who do not normally consume caffeine, but this is not the case for those who habitually drink caffeinated beverages. All beverages, including those that contain caffeine, help maintain hydration.

Caffeine overdose?

Deaths from caffeine overdose are rare, but they can be caused by convulsions or an irregular heartbeat. The amount of caffeine considered to be an overdose varies by a person’s size, age and gender, but in general, doses of greater than 10 grams can be fatal in adults. A typical cup of coffee has about 115 mg of caffeine, so you’d need to drink more than 85 cups to consume 10 grams.