Pros and Cons of Caffeine

As we grow older, sleep gradually becomes more of a delicacy than a given right.  Therefore, most of us lean toward caffeine to stay awake for our daily obligations.  What is the best way to consume this caffeine though?  We can drink it in tea, coffee, soda, etc.  According to WebMD, 68% of people rely on caffeine every day.  There are plenty of pros and cons that come with drinking a lot of caffeine.  For instance it tends to improve concentration and memory.  It also reduces the risk of getting Alzheimer's and liver cancer.  Although these are very amazing benefits, there are also many downsides.  Drinking too much can lead to high blood pressure, low bone density, and high blood sugar.  It has been proven that caffeine exaggerates stress.  Surprisingly, caffeine is like a drug in that it can be addictive and people can experience withdrawal.  Then again, most people who feel as if they are going through withdrawal have just formed a psychological dependence and can do without it.

I know a couple people who drink coffee every single day and say they cannot function without it.  One of my old teachers told me that she drinks it so often that it does not even effect her anymore.  Although, if she goes a day without it, she feels helpless and useless.  Apparently, this kind of reaction varies form person to person.  I only drink coffee when I really need it.  Therefore, I probably drink it once or twice a month and I feel jittery and restless.  Drinking too much definitely effects sleeping habits too.  It is important to drink a healthy amount and do not drink it prior to sleeping.


Source:
Doheny, Kathleen WebMD. "Pros and Cons of the Caffeine Craze." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2013.