Caffeine’s Benefits & Side Effects: What is a Good Quantity?

by Bharti
Caffeine Smoke

Caffeine is one of the psychoactive drugs, and that’s why people widely consume this all over the globe. Caffeine is also believed to boost mental and physical performance. To certain extent studies also prove that it is helpful against diabetes and other conditions.

But as it is Psychoactive by nature, it even offers numerous side effects.

Properties of Caffeine

The first property of Caffeine is that it is a compound that is extracted from the plant. It’s a herbal product and is the best type of stimulant. Its structure is very much similar to theophylline, xanthine and theobromine.

An average person consumes Caffeine in the form of tea and/or coffee. These are also the two most important source of caffeine. But both these types still offer different effects for our body. They differ in the percentage of Caffeine.

People consume Caffeine mainly due to its ability to boost energy. It also has mood change properties and improves your mental alertness. But prolonged use of caffeine in any form is never healthy for the body.

Main pro factors of consuming Caffeine

In general, there are a few well-known health benefits of consuming caffeine – but in regulated amounts only.

  • It helps in boosting the mental and physical performance of humans.
  • It proves helpful in relieving common headache and other types of pain.
  • Caffeine to a certain extent will also help in protecting the liver condition.
  • Caffeine consumption will also help in curing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
  • The consumption of caffeine also helps in weight loss.

Some very concerning side effects

Caffeine consumption is only good if it is in small amounts. The drug is sedative by nature so there are a few potential side effects as well when consumed for prolonged periods.

  • Excess or prolonged consumption of caffeine can lead to dependency or tolerance factors.
  • In most cases, people often find it difficult to withdraw as symptoms can be harsh.
  • It will directly result in insomnia and anxiety-like conditions.
  • Caffeine consumption will also affect the heart and blood pressure rate.
  • It leads to the formation of a glaucoma condition.

You face side effects only if you are over-consuming caffeine. Some common side effects may include nervousness, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, speech rambling, dizziness, urination and flushing. However, if you consume Caffeine in small doses, you can vouch for the fact that the side effects will not harm you.

Right Caffeine Dose

The safe dose limits may vary from one individual to another. During pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid consuming caffeine as much as possible. For others, it is safe to consume a small doses. However, make sure your doses do not exceed 40 mg to over 400 mg on daily bases.

It is also safe to consume caffeine irregularly. You can try and consume it twice or three times a week. Avoid Daily consumption as it can lead to addiction and dependency.

Health benefits of consuming less Caffeine

Caffeine when consumed in a small dose will offer numerous health benefits. Some such common health benefits are mentioned here below.

1. Migraine Relief

Caffeine can help in relieving migraine pain. If you have been suffering from migraine-like pain, then it is recommended to consume caffeine in small amounts. You can include it like a coffee or tea drink in your daily diet.

2. Helps boost alertness

It has been proved medically that consuming caffeine in small amounts will improve mental alertness. It is only best to consume small doses equivalent to 40 or 300 mg. moderate dose consumed irregularly will prove more helpful.

Exceeding a dose equivalent to around 800 mg will result in sleep deprivation in patients. Over 100 mg of caffeine consumed can also help in improving coordination, memory, decision making task or body reaction time.

In some cases, it will also offer harsh stimulating effects that may last for a few hours. The toxicity of caffeine is more potential if you have consumed it in a higher dose.

3. Helps improve physical performance

Caffeine will help in improving physical performance. If you consume caffeine, then you will be able to exercise for a longer time. It helps in improving muscle endurance ability. It also strengthens the body muscles. If you are performing aerobics, then consuming a mild dose of caffeine will prove helpful.

Consuming caffeine is helpful when performing certain types of physical exercises like power training, endurance improving and physical activities.

4. Helps cure Parkinson’s disease

Caffeine can Possibly prevent Parkinson's

By nature, caffeine is considered to be a neuro-protective compound. It helps in the process of nerve cell degeneration. It proves helpful in improving motor-related nerve activities and mobility functions. But only a small dose equivalent to around 100 mg will prove helpful.

Patients who are suffering from Parkinson’s disease can consume 100 mg of caffeine over two times a day for around three weeks. Excessive use of caffeine may result in harsh effects.

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