Caffeine - Any Benefit Aside From The Buzz

By Author: Sherri L. Dodd
Total Articles: 2
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Waking up at 4am is rough, but considering I have two children and being that I sometimes start my work schedule at 5am, it should be no surprise that an occasional ‘early-EARLY' rise can and will occur. Nevertheless, I count down the minutes until my helpful alarm clock rings out a futile warning. Nothis article is not about insomniait is about caffeine, something I will no doubt be indulging in today.

You mention the word caffeine and it rings out like a desperado's cry for drugs. And let's face it, if you have any kind of colorful past, the boast of a 'need' for caffeine is your best way of saying you are still a bit wild. This taboo surrounding caffeine has its reasons, especially since it is reinforced by a few drawbacks. First off, it is a diuretic! That means you could shrivel to a waterless desert, if you do not replenish for water loss. Most experts advise two cups of water to one cup of coffee.

Another drawback - like anything used with reckless abandon, it can become an annoying addiction (withdrawal effects can include headache and nausea). Remember to drink in moderation. As well, remember ...
... that if you are nursing, you should limit, if not avoid caffeine, since it passes directly to the infant. This will usually cause increase in breathing and urination, not to mention extra crankiness...in you and the infant!

There are more risks that you can read about elsewhere, but today...especially since I need it...I am more inclined to emphasize the good stuff! Fat Facts First - caffeine stimulates the release of fatty acids into the blood, making them easier to burn up during exercise. Pretty straight forward, right!? And of course, we have that alertness that accompanys an infusion of caffeine. But wait, there's more!

The University of Arizona conducted a study and found that caffeine helps boost memory, especially in adults over 65. The study was comprised of a quiz in the morning, followed by the same quiz in the late afternoon. Results showed that in the over 65 group, decaf group had a dramatic decrease in memory performance, while the caffeine drinkers had very little loss of their daily short-term memory.

Aside from that, Bronchial Asthma sufferers take note! Researchers discovered in a study of 70,000 adults, asthma patients actually benefited from caffeine. The study showed that long-term drinking of moderate caffeine, actually decreased attacks by 27% and even prevented attacks altogether in some participants.

Don't like coffee? Caffeine comes in a variety of forms'energy' drinks (e.g. Red Bull or Sobe Adrenaline), black and green teas and even Excedrin. You may know that black and green teas are full on anti-oxidents and Excedrin has aspirin that has been known to be good for the blood, and subsequently, the heart.

With the drawbacks noted, you would not want to binge on caffeine on a regular basis. As with anything, your caffeine intake should be monitored and, honestly, probably even less than moderate. However, a little indulgence once in awhile is sure to put a jolt of excitement in your life.
About the Author Sherri L Dodd is the creator and author of the newly-released book, Mom Looks Great - The Fitness Program for Moms. She is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer and Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant with over fifteen years of exercise experience. She has lectured to groups on her fitness plan and is a freelance writer on the topics of fitness and general nutrition as well as the humorous side of motherhood.