Effects of Coffee Consumption
With many students and Americans relying on coffee to help them through their studies or wake them up in the morning, the effects this drink has on the body can be a thing of concern. Coffee doesn't provide nutritional benefits, but is usually consumed for its taste or caffeine content.
What is caffeine?
Found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa extract, over the counter pain medication and soft drinks, caffeine is a fast-acting central nervous system stimulant. The FDA has defined three levels of caffeine doses: low dose: 130-200 mg, moderate dose: 200-300mg, and high dose: >400 mg, with a moderate dose recognized as being generally safe. After consumption, there may be a rise in heart rate, respiration and basal metabolic rate. Along with these effects, smooth muscle becomes relaxed and blood vessels constrict.
Possible positive effects from coffee:
- Increased concentration and alertness
- Lower occurrence of stroke, heart failure and myocardial infarction
- Reduced risk of blood clotting in the legs and lungs
- Ease of headaches. Caffeine may dampen pain perception.
- Increased athletic performance.
Possible negative effects from coffee:
- Increased blood pressure/
- Insomnia, if consumed prior to going to bed.
- Heartburn. This may be caused from coffee potentially irritating and inflaming the esophagus and promoting gastro esophageal reflux.
- Increased anxiety. Stimulatory effects of caffeine react with the body's sympathetic nervous system, which controls stress response.
- Body may become dependent and go through withdrawal. Some withdrawal signs include headache, tiredness and fatigue, decreased alertness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.