Caffeine has been given a boost by the FDA. Much research has been conducted on the effects of caffeine. Moderate intake (3-6 cups per day) of caffeine has been proven to NOT cause cancer. It may increase physical performance which in turn may benefit the heart. Those who drink two cups of coffe per day were 44 percent less likely to have liver damage. It may cause some calcium loss in heavier drinkers, so drink an extra class of milk during the day.

Caffeine is well-known as a stimulant. It stimulates the central nervous system, causes our pupils to dilate, our muscles to tighten , releases glucose into our bodies and increases dophamine levels in our body. (Dophamine increases the pleasure centers of the brain.) There are many benefits to caffeine. It increases metabolism which may help weight loss occur. If taken 30 minutes before a workout, it helps convert fat to energy with about 30 percent more efficiency. This conversion does not occur if you don’t exercise! Recent studies also show that caffeine can inhibit the appetite.

Caffeine also appears to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Since the brain functions exclusively on glucose, these higher blood sugar levels facilitate thinking. In other words, you think better and clearer.

Some research indicates that caffeine may help control Parkinson’s disease. Asthma and headaches have been treated with caffeine derivatives for many years. (In fact, I drink caffeinated green tea each morning to help control my asthma.)

According to Frank Hu, MD, coffee is loaded with antioxidants, including a group of compounds called quinines that when administered to lab rats, increases their insulin sensitivity. This increased sensitivity improves the body's response to insulin. Coffee also has large amounts of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and tocopherols, and minerals such as magnesium.

There are some harmful side effects of caffeine consumption. Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, insomnia, rapid heart beat, fibrocystic breast disease and high blood pressure. (The high blood pressure is short lived and therefore not dangerous in the long run.) Symptoms occur quickly in people with lower body weight. Up to 200 mg of caffeine per day may not cause any side effects.

Dehydration is another side effect of too much caffeine. You must drink an equal about of water for every cup of coffee you drink to prevent dehydration from occurring.

Most people tend to add nonessential items to their coffee. Things such as sugar, cream, milk, cocoa, and vanilla add calories and health risks. To find out about the health risks of sugar, click here. Many coffee supplements have food additives and preservatives. Sugar has been proven to be harmful to your health. Pure coffee has no calories but once all the extras are added you can have several hundred calories in no time.

Caffeine is a drug. It is classified as a stimulant. The obvious drawbacks to any drug are the withdrawal symptoms that accompany its abuse. Withdrawal symptoms for caffeine include headache, and nausea and vomiting. Drinking only one cup of coffee each day will probably not induce these withdrawal symptoms. So if you are going to drink coffee, find a level that gives you the benefits but does not cross the line into abuse. Most researchers agree that more than 4 cups of coffee per day may carry some health risks. To make the healthiest cup of coffee possible, click here.

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