Caffeine for the Soul
Contrary to popular belief, coffee or tea, when taken in moderation, is actually good for you. Caffeine has been the subject of many scientific debates for decades, and many myths and old wives’ tales have sprung up on the subject. Before you head to the café for your much-needed caffeine fix, read about the pros and cons of caffeine intake.
“Overall, [our] research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful,” says Dr. Tomas DePaulis, research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies.
Men who drink four cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease as those who skip caffeine, presumably because caffeine keeps dopamine molecules active. While caffeine raises blood pressure, the habitual coffee drinkers are half as likely to die of heart failure as those who don’t take caffeine. And while caffeine spikes blood sugar, it also helps avoid diabetes.
Small amounts of caffeine have also proven to increase metabolism, muscle strength and mental ability. This is why a lot of people always need a cup of coffee in the morning to get them going. And while many scientists still argue against caffeine’s dietary factors, it is actually the main ingredient in most diet pills.
“Caffeine does not become a problem until you start consuming an excessive amount of it,” according to Chris Chenoweth of disabled-world.com. “As your body gets used to caffeine, it becomes addicted to it.”
Symptoms of caffeine addiction include: restlessness, irritability, anxiety, heartburn, headaches, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sleeplessness, and nausea. Symptoms can begin as soon as 12 hours after your last cup, depending on the amount of caffeine your body is used to. Symptoms can last for up to a week and include headaches, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, muscle stiffness, and even chills or hot spells.
You’ve heard the “Caffeine is good in moderation” bit so many times, but how much is too much? According to fitwise.com, a dangerously high dosage of caffeine is equal to 600 mg per day. That’s about five cups of regular drip-brewed coffee.
The key to controlling your caffeine intake is to know which drinks and foods actually contain caffeine and how much. The Center for Science in the Pubic Interest has posted the caffeine content of typical consumer drinks and foods in this link: .
Now that you’ve learned a little more about caffeine, go ahead and order your favorite cup to go. Check out Belle De Jour’s coupons from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, where you get a buy-one-take-one deal on their irresistible teas, ice-blended mixes, and delectable cheesecakes.
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf invites you to share your most memorable experiences while enjoying a cup of Chai Latte or chilling out with friends over original ice-blended drinks by joining “My Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Story.”
If your story is their cup of tea, you might just become the winner of a trip to Hollywood for 4 days and 3 nights, with accommodations and pocket money. For more info, log on to
and . Deadline is on July 31, 2008.
What’s Your Coffee Story?