9 SURPRISING CAFFEINE FACTS

 

Do you crave coffee first thing in the a.m.? Need a Coke in the afternoon? Caffeine has a bad reputation, but is it a myth? Read on for 9 interesting (and somewhat surprising!) caffeine facts...

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINT IS ADDICTIVE.

MYTH: Although caffeine is considered a mild stimulant, it's not addictive, according to the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Unlike classic stumulants, there's rarely a strong compulsion to use caffeine. But caffeine can be habit-forming. That's why you may feel mild withdrawal symptoms if you skip your morning cup of coffee. Typical symptoms include headache, restlessness and irritability.

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINE CAUSES DEHYDRATION?

FACT: Caffeine is a mild diuretic, but it's not very pronounced. Still, diuretics make you havel to pee.The more often you go, the more fluids you lose. And you'll feel more dehydrated because you're losing more fluids than you're taking in.

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINE CAN MAKE HEART DISEASE WORSE.

MYTH: Doctors often tell cardiac patients, especially those with high blood pressure, to avoid caffeine. But there is littel proof that it raises the risk of heart attack, sudden death or abnormal heart rhythms. In fact, coffee drinking may reduce risk of heart disease - one of the benefits of caffeine. Drinking tea - black and green - may also have heart-healthy benefits.

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINE HEIGHTENS HYPERTENSION RISK.

A LITTLE BIT OF BOTH: Caffeine does cause a small, short-term boost in blood pressure, but it's nothing serious, and has no lingering health effect. Caffeinated colas did increase the risk, but that could be due to the sugar and other ingredients in sodas, not the caffeine. Tea drinking received mixed results.

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINE CAUSES HYPERACTIVITY IN CHILDREN.

MYTH: A kid on a Coke rush will practically bounce off walls. But studies show that a moderate amount of caffeine doesn't make them hyperactive. A bigger concern is the empty calories in soda and high-energy drinks that teens like.

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINE CAUSES BONE LOSS.

FACT: Caffeine causes a slight, neglibible increase in calcium excretion. Any calcium loss could be offset by comsuming more calcium. Even youngsters who drink one or two caffeinated beverages a day aren't harming their bones, unless they consume them in place of milk.

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINE IS LINKED OT FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE.

MYTH: Caffeine intake isn't related to the benign condition of lumpy breasts. It seems to contribute to breast pain, but doesn't cause breast cancer. That's because breast pain is hormonal and caffeine causes blood vessels to dilate, adding to normal monthly breast tenderness.

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINE IS UNHEALTHY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN.

FACT: So, if you're pregnant, you'll have to watch how much you drink. Once a woman is carrying, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises no more than one or two cups of coffee a day. Too much caffeine may cause an irregular fetal heartbeat.

 

MYTH OR FACT? CAFFEINE COMES WITH CALORIES GALORE.

MYTH: On their own, coffee and tea have no calories or fat. It's the flavored syrups, whole milk and cream that turn innocent caffeinated drinks into calorie bombs. Those tasty blended drinks can contain 200-600 calories. And the creamers found in many offices? Two tablespoons can add 80 calories and 4 grams of fat - equal to a pat of butter. To cut calories, choose the smallest serving, and order your beverage with fat-free or skim milk.

 

source: www.lifescript.com