Caffeine- Poison or Tonic?

Welcome to the first of 08's    

Energy Bulletin

Caffeine has been around for, well almost forever. Most of us consume it in some form or another whether it be in coffee, tea, chocolates, dietary aids or soft drinks. Today caffeine is the most consumed substance in the world.

There is a popular saying that goes something like "Just because 2 billion people are doing a stupid thing doesn't necessarily mean that it's not a stupid thing" or something to that effect. But is drinking coffee or using caffeine for improved sports or mental performance still the evil villain it was once thought to be or have we once again reversed our thinking?

There has been much controversy over the years in the world of science as to whether or not caffeine was to be avoided or if indeed it did have some positive health benefits. We know for example that moderate consumption of caffeine, say 2-3 cups of coffee, can temporarily increase feelings of alertness as it acts as a mild stimulant on the central nervous system while at the same time reducing fatigue and drowsiness by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain. On the other hand caffeine can slightly increases water loss through urination which in turn can increase the amount of calcium lost through the digestive and urinary tracts.

Some caffeine studies have even been shown to increase I.Q. and enhance physical performance, which is why it is illegal to use caffeine pills in most controlled sports. In fact studies in Canada have shown that ingesting 330 mg (or 5 mg per kilogram of body weight) 30 minutes to an hour before workouts results in longer endurance, faster times, less exertion, less fatigue, and more rapid recovery -- up to 30 percent better in each category. The most effective caffeine, though, is in tablet form, not in coffee, because the 100-plus other compounds in coffee probably block some of the effects of caffeine. Recent studies have even debunked the myth that coffee will dehydrate an athlete even though the diuretic effects of coffee are well known.

Surprisingly there hasn't been a single medical report linking caffeine to any major health risks, including cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease or any serious birth defects. Consuming too much however can cause nervous behavior, reduce or prevent sleep, irritate the stomach and cause headaches, usually from its diuretic nature (fluid loss).

There are other conditions that have been linked to excessive caffeine intake such as infertility, miscarriage and impaired fetal growth. It would likewise be a good idea to reduce or even eliminate your morning cuppa if you are taking certain medications such as that used with high blood pressure and ulcers or if you are pregnant. Check with your doctor if you're not sure if your medication is contraindicated with caffeine.

"Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful," says Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University's Institute for Coffee Studies, which conducts its own medical research and tracks coffee studies from around the world. "For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good."

Play smart with caffeine kids, it is a drug after all.

duncan