Pexels
The cap on caffeine
You can’t talk about coffee without considering one of the most crucial elements to a good cuppa: caffeine!
One of the key components that make coffee as addictive as it, is caffeine. However, if you’ve become too dependent on it, you might want to try and cut back a bit. According to the professionals, 2-4 cups of brewed coffee per day appears to be safe for most adults.
However, it’s important to remember that caffeine isn’t only in coffee. Check your cold-drinks and energy drinks too – and even your chocolate! Caffeine could be hiding in the ingredients.
Generally, up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine should be where you cap the caffeine.
ALSO SEE: Wake up and get your coffee fix! This is your ultimate guide to types of coffee
The positive effects of caffeine include increased alertness, enhanced physical performance, a boost in energy and even mood elevation. Who needs more reasons to love coffee, though.
What we should be aware of, is the dark side of consuming too much caffeine…
Pexels
The dark side of coffee overindulgence
These are the negative effects that can be experienced after consuming too much coffee:
Disrupted sleep patterns
Coffee contains caffeine, a powerful stimulant that can interfere with our sleep patterns when consumed in excess. Even a cup of coffee in the afternoon can disrupt our ability to fall asleep at night, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.
Coffee Tip: Establish a cut off time to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
Increased anxiety and restlessness
Excessive coffee intake can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and leave us feeling jittery and restless. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, triggering the release of adrenaline, which can heighten our feelings of anxiety and restlessness.
ALSO SEE: Why you should avoid eating late at night
Digestive disturbances
Coffee is known to be an appetite suppressant and have a laxative effect due to its ability to stimulate bowel movements. Excessive coffee intake can lead to digestive disturbances such as acid reflux, heartburn, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Did you know? Coffee contributes to dehydration.
Adrenal fatigue
Relying on coffee as a constant source of energy can have long-term consequences on our adrenal glands. Consistent overstimulation of the adrenal glands due to excessive caffeine consumption can lead to adrenal fatigue, leaving us feeling exhausted and drained.
Pexels
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
Regular and excessive coffee consumption can lead to dependency, as our bodies become accustomed to the stimulating effects of caffeine. When we abruptly reduce or eliminate our coffee intake, withdrawal symptoms can arise, including headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Coffee Tip: Gradually reducing caffeine intake can help minimise the severity of these withdrawal symptoms.
Interference with nutrient absorption
Coffee contains compounds that can interfere with the absorption of certain essential nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and zinc. Excessive coffee consumption, especially during or immediately after meals, can hinder our body’s ability to absorb these vital nutrients properly.
Heart health
While moderate coffee consumption has not been directly linked to adverse effects on heart health, excessive intake may lead to increased heart rate, palpitations, and high blood pressure in some individuals. If you have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or concerns, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare professional regarding your coffee consumption.
Just remember, everything in moderation. Even coffee…
ALSO SEE:
Feature Image: Pexels
