What is the relationship between caffeine and overall health?

by Dan Ritchey


     90% of Americans consume caffeine on a daily basis and many are dependent upon it for energy. I was curious to know what long-term effects consuming caffeine has on the body. The reason caffeine is so helpful in keeping people awake is because it stimulates the central nervous system, alleviating fatigue, increasing wakefulness, and improving concentration and focus, according to the Mayo Clinic.
     However, consuming too much caffeine can have adverse effects on the body. Moderate consumption is defined as 200 to 300 mg of caffeine per day, or about 2 to 4 cups of brewed coffee. Heavy consumption in the range of 500 to 600 mg daily can lead to problems such as the following:

• insomnia
• nervousness
• restlessness
• irritibility
• upset stomach
• increased heart rate
• muscle tremors

     The main point to consider is that most adults consume caffeine every day with little to no health problems, however there are some cases in which you may want to curb your caffeine intake. For more information on this matter, visit mayoclinic.com.

References:
Caffeine -- You may like caffeine's effects, but how much is too much? - MayoClinic.com. (2011, March 9). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600/NSECTIONGROUP=2