Caffeine. It’s the most popular stimulant in the world. Odds are that most of us consume at least one caffeinated beverage every single day and 80% of the world’s population consumes caffeine daily.
Where do we get our caffeine?
Often, we might be consuming caffeine without even knowing it. Some beverages can be incredibly misleading
Let's take a look at all of them!
A cup of coffee!
Decaffeinated coffee.
A cup of brewed tea.
Yerba mate.
Energy drinks.
Soft drinks, like Coca-Cola.
Cocoa beverages, like hot chocolate or chocolate milk.
How much can we have each day?
Studies said that 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for a healthy adult to consume is the limit. This is not a one-size-fits-all recommendation though.
What does caffeine do to our bodies?
Its effects mainly impact the brain, it blocks the effect of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that works by relaxing your brain and promoting feelings of tiredness.
Most common effects:
It increases energy.
It is a diuretic
It bumps up the acid released in your stomach.
It creates interference in the calcium absorption process.
It can lead to high blood pressure.
Does caffeine actually stunt growth?
Caffeine is not what is stopping us! Height is determined by genetics and the overall quality of health while growing up during those important formative years.
Are there any pros to consuming caffeine?
Apart from the fact that it is not technically bad for you, there may actually be some plus sides to your daily dose of caffeine.
Drinking coffee can boost your mood and your brain functions. Two or three cups each day could reduce the risk of suicide. It can reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer and Parkinson.
What’s the takeaway?
Enjoy everything in moderation. As long as we don’t go over 400 mg of caffeine. It might not help us grow, but it definitely won't stop us!