You are not alone if you enjoy a cup of coffee to jumpstart your day each morning. But what do you know about caffeine and its potential effects on your body? You may be surprised that this stimulant also has a handful of potential benefits. Here is what you need to know about caffeine before you fix that next cup of joe.
 

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Where You May Find Caffeine

While most people know that you will find caffeine in coffee, they may not be aware of the many other foods and drinks that may contain this naturally occurring substance. In addition to coffee beans, caffeine is also found in tea leaves and sodas.

Cocoa beans, cacao, and various other chocolate products also often contain caffeine. If you are watching your caffeine intake, you would be wise to read the labels of these types of foods.

Not surprisingly, caffeine may also be found in most energy drinks and pre-workout powders. This natural stimulant has been shown to improve athletic performance as it raises alertness and delays the onset of fatigue, making it a popular supplement for fitness enthusiasts.
 

Benefits of Caffeine

Although caffeine may get a bad rap, some studies have extolled it for its numerous health benefits. Some research has demonstrated that coffee consumption may be linked to a decrease in mortality as it offers a few protective effects against a handful of diseases and illnesses.

While the research is not definitive, some studies have indicated that moderate caffeine intake may reduce the risks associated with type 2 diabetes, stroke, Parkinson's disease, heart failure, and liver disease. Other research studies have suggested that moderate caffeine intake may delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Lastly, the stimulant effect of this substance may increase your metabolism, aiding in weight loss efforts.

However, it should be noted that the bulk of these protective benefits may be linked to the actual product that contains the caffeine and not necessarily the stimulant itself. For example, tea offers a myriad of antioxidants and polyphenols that boost overall health.
 

Negative Effects of Caffeine

The key to harnessing the benefits of caffeine comes when you use it in moderation. Too much caffeine can have a clear detrimental effect. Too much caffeine can lead to a variety of serious health conditions, including insomnia, anxiousness, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and jitters.

On the more serious end of the spectrum, excessive use of caffeine could cause seizures. While it would be nearly impossible to consume this amount through beverages alone, you can find excessive amounts of caffeine in pills or caffeine powders. This makes it important that you use these products with a great amount of caution, particularly if it is in a concentrated form.

In addition, some people can become dependent on caffeine. When your body is accustomed to drinking a set amount of caffeine on a regular basis, suddenly stopping this consumption can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Possible symptoms include irritability, fatigue, and headaches.
 

How Much Caffeine Can You Safely Consume

So how much caffeine is too much for the average person? According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine each day. Any more than this and you may be staring down potential health issues.

This amount of caffeine is the equivalent of about four cups of coffee or 10 cans of soda. Energy drinks are particularly high in caffeine, making it important that you read the label to make sure that you are not exceeding this recommended maximum intake.

Individuals who suffer from hypertension should be vigilant about their caffeine intake because too much of this substance can raise blood pressure. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also warns that pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to a more reasonable 200 milligrams per day. Lastly, children should not consume caffeine as it can inhibit bone growth and cause additional health concerns.

Understanding more about this stimulant will help you to make wise choices about your consumption so that you can enjoy the benefits without the potential adverse effects.