Coffee 101: Coffee, Caffeine and Your Body

While coffee's flavor is appealing, its caffeine kick has likely played a huge role in it becoming so widely appreciated.

Let’s take some time and discuss what coffee and caffeine actually do, and what they don’t.

Coffee as a Stimulant

Coffee drinkers can agree that for a good start of a day, drinking a cup of coffee is a “must.”

So, why is coffee so popular? Its flavor and ritual are a big part of it, but so is the fact that it contains caffeine.

Caffeine is a stimulant. According to MedlinePlus, it stimulates your central nervous system, which can make you feel more awake and give you a boost of energy.

That’s why aficionados appreciate their morning cup when they’re feeling sluggish getting out of bed.

Coffee, Memory and Focus: Keep Expectations Real

Do you have a big exam tomorrow morning? Are you set to make a big presentation to your bosses? Coffee has a reputation as a study and work buddy, and how caffeine relates to memory, focus and reaction time is something researchers continue to look at.

But drinking coffee alone is not going to give you a photographic memory or a better game day. How caffeine affects you depends on how much you have and on you: Mayo Clinic notes that caffeine affects some people more than others, and even small amounts can leave some people restless or unable to sleep.

So enjoy your cup as part of your routine, not as a performance tool, and get some sleep before that exam.

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

For most adults, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams of caffeine a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects. Mayo Clinic puts that at about the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee.

Too much caffeine can bring side effects. The FDA lists things like increased heart rate, insomnia, jitters, anxiety, upset stomach and headache. If you notice any of these, it may be time to cut back.

Coffee and Long-Term Health Headlines

You may have seen headlines linking coffee to a longer life or to a higher or lower risk of various conditions. Findings like these are often associations from observational research, and they shift as more studies come in. They’re not a reason to start (or stop) drinking coffee. That’s a decision for you and your doctor.

What we can tell you is that coffee is delicious. If you want to spice things up a bit, try out different recipes that use coffee as an ingredient. Doing so also allows you to experience the distinctive flavor of coffee in new and exciting ways.

For most of us, coffee is about flavor, ritual and that familiar morning jolt. Don't forget to drink coffee in moderation, follow your doctor's instructions if there are any and monitor your reaction to the beloved black drink.

 

Try Waka instant coffee today. Get it here.

This article is for general information only and isn't medical or nutritional advice. If you have questions about caffeine, your diet or a health condition, talk to your doctor.