Excerpts from "The truth about caffeine" from Fitness Magazine May 2005.
For years, researchers were divided on the health benefits of this legal "drug". Now studies show it can improve your workout, boost brain power and even prevent disease.
Caffeine blocks the action of a sleep-inducing neurotransmitter called adenosine, which is why caffeine makes you feel alert. Caution though, it can also, in large doses, can cause insomnia and anxiety.
Caffeine can improve workouts because it exaggerates the effects of adrenaline but stay away from the foofoo coffee drinks because they can pack a ton of calories.
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it helps shrink dialated bloodd vessels. In a major review of 30 studies, caffeine was found to increase the effectiveness of aspirin and acetaminaphen by 40 percent. Watch out though, because too much caffeine every day can cause a physical dependence that can trigger withdrawl headaches.
The antioxidants in coffee, and teas of all colors have been proven to be beneficial for disease prevention, and may fight free radicals better than equivalent servings of many fruits and vegetables. People with hypertension or heart issues should be careful to not overdo the caffeine as it can make a person feel like their heart is beating faster.
The link found between caffeine and osteoporosis is currently unsupported by evidence. Even though it causes more calcium to be excreted in the urine, that small amount can be replaced by adding two tablespoons of milk to the coffee.
I thought this was interesting to read and curious how the establishment is always quick to jump on the "bad for you" bandwagon and then usually after some studies are done, it comes to the realization that anything in moderation (minus heroine and crack) is okay for you. Eggs and chocolate have also been found to not be as bad as they first predicted.
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