Safety Or Risk Of Caffeinated Drinks - Research Paper Example

Safety Or Risk Of Caffeinated Drinks Introduction Caffeine is an approved substance that is consumed daily, making it the most common drug globally. Caffeinated products are sold in almost all food and beverage stores, with some of the global companies such as Starbucks and McDonalds majoring in the production and sale of coffee as the principal commodity. Advertisements for caffeinated products are found in all media promoting the use of coffee and related products on daily basis. The companies must promote their usage to maintain business and competitiveness in the market. Coca-Cola is an international company whose caffeinated products are consumed in virtually all social functions. Coffee is taken during formal and informal meetings and is regarded as a major energizer when people are exhausted during long meetings or cold weather. The taste and refreshment derived from drinking caffeinated drinks supersedes the health benefits when deciding what to use for refreshment. Due to the central role that caffeine plays in the social sphere and the fact that there are no restrictions in its use, it is important for consumers to be informed concerning the health risks associated with its consumption. This paper seeks to establish if this everyday simulant is abused and if so, is it safe and does it have health benefits or are we harming ourselves ingesting these caffeine products such as coffee and energy drinks. It will prove or disprove either way through research and documented support. Safety of Caffeinated Drinks According to Ruzich (2008), no direct association between coffee consumption and the risk of heart disease or cancer has been established. Rather, reduced cardiovascular mortality in older people drinking less coffee has been documented. Moreover, research has shown that Caffeine consumption has myriad health benefits such as helping the immune system to fight against Parkinson’s disease in men. In women, such a connection has not been established as result of the probable interaction between oestrogens and caffeine. Caffeine is also associated with suppressing the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Apart from the application of caffeine in treating Parkinson's disease in men, it has been found to reduce the risk of many types of cancers. The risk of colorectal cancer has been found to reduce by between 10 and 24% among people who consume more than four cups per day. Research established that the risk of endometrial cancer in women is reduced by 25% among women consuming more than four cups per day (Goldberg, 2012). Liver cancer and cirrhosis are among the diseases of the liver that mainly occur as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol among other causes. Studies have shown that consumption of four or more cups of coffee reduce the risk of liver cancer by 50% compared to those who do not. The highest reduction in the risk of liver cancer was found among hepatitis C patients, which is a syndrome that is known to raise the risk of liver cancer. It has also been established that a cup of coffee per day reduces the risk of cirrhosis by 22%. Consumption of more than three cups per month was found to lower the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 17% (Rogers, 2012). This is a highly common type of skin cancer although it is least dangerous among skin cancers. The risk of malignant melanoma was found to reduce by 20% among people who drank more than four cups per day. Nevertheless, health professionals caution against over-reliance of caffeine in reducing the risk of cancer. All risk factors need to be taken in to consideration in cancer prevention (Goldberg, 2012). Botvin (2000) argues that caffeine is known to enhance cognitive abilities as well as reduce the threat of depression. A 10 year study conducted in California established a 50% reduction in suicide among consumers of more than two cups of caffeinated drinks per day. Caffeine is known to increase alertness and hence the high preference among people who wake up early. It enables them to shake off sleep and concentrate. In highly stressful work environments, caffeine is used to rejuvenate reduced attentiveness such as among long distant drivers and people who are required to remain awake overnight. This is a very important role as it helps to prevent accidents and also ensure smooth running of operations in the workplace (Satel, 2006). Increasing alertness is also a desirable characteristic in studies as students become more active and attentive thereby promoting learning. According to Rogers (2012), caffeine enhances short-term memory and reaction time. This is important especially among the aging population who are affected by memory lapses. Consumption of more than three cups per day was found to increase information processing by 20% among people aged 65 to 75 years. It also slowed the cognitive decline accompanying aging by 15% over a period of 10 years. Studies on mice indicated increased sharpness and memory recovery. The mouse model has been used successfully to help individuals recover from Alzheimer’s condition. Caffeine also improves mood and lowers brain fatigue, which are necessary for mental health. Apart from mental sharpness, caffeine has also been found to enhance physical performance through increased perseverance and improved muscle contractions (Botvin, 2000). People involved in activities that require significant muscle contractions such as athletes might benefit from consuming coffee before embarking on their daily exercises. This also applies to those involved in vigorous workouts. Increased power to last longer in such exercises enhances weight loss goals. The International Olympic Committee banned consumption of caffeine among athletes to prevent users from having an unfair advantage over non-users. Nevertheless, the question of the legality of caffeine consumption arose as it is generally used as part of the daily food intake for healthy living. The physical advantages of caffeine consumption have been found to be predominant among young people as well as healthy older people. It is therefore necessary to take in to consideration the age of a person before recommending the use of caffeine for improved vigour (Satel, 2006). In the past, nutritionists contended the health benefits of caffeine consumption arguing that its consumption raises fluid secretion in the body, which increases the risk of dehydration. Nevertheless, recent studies have demonstrated a high hydration potential of caffeinated products on consumers. Dehydration has been found to emanate from consumption of large quantities of caffeinated products such as more than one and a half litres of strongly brewed coffee in a single day (Goldberg, 2012). Such high levels of consumption are uncommon and hence the reduced likelihood of dehydration. Coffee and tea contain considerable amounts of polyphenols, which are beneficial the heart’s health. The association between caffeinated products and heart disease is therefore negligible. Caffeine is known to lessen the risk of cardiac and cerebrovascular syndromes. The use of caffeine for pain relief is widespread especially in the treatment of migraines. It has been found to be more effective when used together with other pain killers such as ibuprofen. Nevertheless, its application in treatment of headaches is disputable as its potential for addiction is high, hence the headache might be a withdrawal symptom. This means greater addiction if the consumer is to use it constantly to relief headache (Rogers, 2012). Research indicates a significant difference between the addictive nature of caffeine and that of other substances such as cocaine and nicotine that influence ‘accubens’, which is the nucleus involved in addiction (Satel, 2006). In other words, caffeine addiction has a significantly lower impact on the consumer than that of cocaine and nicotine. In comparison to alcohol addiction, caffeine has mild withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol addicts experience withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens that are detrimental to the health of an individual. These do not occur among caffeine ‘addicts’ who usually experience mild headaches. Addiction to caffeine is commonly regarded as a habit rather than addiction because of the significant differences in the manner that the addiction occurs between hard drug users and caffeine consumers (Goldberg, 2012). Cocaine, heroin and alcohol are associated with violence, social stigma and severe withdrawal symptoms. The consumption of caffeinated products is usually in a safe, legal and friendly social setting compared to the illegal hard drugs. The motive of consumption is also different in that hard drug users desire to possess super human characteristics such as energy to move away from their normal forms. They assume different personalities with great energy levels until the level of substance in the blood subsides. At the peak of the substance effect in the body and mind, most of the substance users can try do virtually anything including that which is beyond their means as humans. At the same time, they desire more of the substance when they are already intoxicated thereby lowering their reasoning capacity and potential to cause violence among other antisocial behaviours (Botvin, 2000). Such addicts are exposed to the risk of arrest and prosecution due to the illegitimacy of these drugs as well as the resulting behaviour. On the other hand, caffeine consumers’ motive is usually diverse depending on their perception regarding its benefits. Coffee may be taken to warm up the body and also to stimulate the mind for greater concentration. Caffeine consumers do not assume superhuman characteristics or unrealistic accomplishments. Other addictive substances such as nicotine must be used often depending on the level of addiction. For example, the more an individual is addicted to cigarette smoking or marijuana, the more they need to inhale in a day. Smoking adversely affects the respiratory system while marijuana has a greater impact on the mind. Placing caffeine in the same category as these drugs is therefore wrong and misinformed as it does not have the same cognitive and legal implications (Ruzich, 2008). Despite the numerous benefits of caffeine, there are a number of risks associated with consumption of caffeinated drinks. Studies have established a 30% decline in the chances of conceiving among women who consume caffeine. Moreover, consumption of more than two cups of coffee has been found to increase the chances of low child birth weight by 50%. However, caffeine is not the sole contributor to low chances of conception or low child birth weight (Goldberg, 2012). Professional advice is necessary for women of child bearing age regarding reproductive health. Studies showed a 30% higher risk of hip fracture among women who consume more than four cups of coffee per day compared to those who take less than one and those who do not take coffee with the same quantities of calcium intake. Even though the risk of Parkinson’s is lowered in men who consume more than three cups of coffee per day, the same amount was found to raise the risk in women who were using post-menopause oestrogen (Peck & Linda, 2010). It is therefore necessary for such women to understand the risk of interaction between caffeine and the oestrogen. Consumption of more than 3 cups of coffee has also been found to cause insomnia. Even though maintaining alertness may be desirable during working hours, overconsumption may cause sleeplessness when an individual needs to sleep. This might lead to stress and anxiety in subsequent hours as a result of disorganised sleep (Botvin, 2000). Studies have shown a connection between caffeine consumption and increased blood pressure. It is therefore necessary for consumers to understand their blood pressure status so as to avoid caffeine if there is a risk of triggering a rise. Even though keeping exhausted drivers awake through caffeine intake helps to prevent accidents, over reliance of this strategy is likely to cause long term problems as such drivers become addicted and might fail to remain alert in future if they do not take coffee (Rogers, 2012). Moreover, the benefits of sleep after long hours of work outweigh the short term benefits of coffee consumption to overstretch the body’s capacity to remain awake. Consumption of coffee among students has positive outcomes. However, it may become entrenched in their minds that without coffee they cannot perform or concentrate. This is likely to cause addictive tendencies at an early age and poor concentration and performance in the absence of coffee. Moreover, caffeine causes sleeplessness yet sleep is significant for a developing brain. It should therefore be discouraged among children and students of adolescent age (Peck & Linda, 2010). High intake of unfiltered coffee has been found to increase cholesterol levels in the body. This increases the risk of heart disease among obese people and also lowers the chances of attaining weight loss goals. Furthermore, genetic mutation occurring among some individuals may cause lethargic breakdown of caffeine in the body thereby increasing the risk of heart disease. It is therefore necessary for an individual to understand his/her rate of metabolizing coffee so as to avoid it if there is a potential health risk. Studies have shown a connection between high caffeine intake and outburst of gout. Individuals suffering from gout or those who are at risk of contracting gout should therefore avoid caffeinated foods (Ruzich, 2008). Conclusion The benefits of caffeine consumption outweigh the risks. The stimulant is not abused and cannot be compared with other illegal hard drugs that are abused including cocaine, heroin and marijuana. The effects of caffeine consumption vary among different individuals depending on the level of sensitivity. There are remarkable health benefits including reduced risks of Parkinson’s disease in men and Alzheimer’s condition, reduced risk of a number of cancers and heart disease as well as improved memory in the aging population. Caffeine is also beneficial in maintaining alertness in stressful work environments. However, it is associated with some health risks such as high blood pressure in people with hypertension and flare-ups of gout. Nevertheless, the problems are not caused by caffeine consumption. Rather, it enhances development of already existing health conditions. It is important for consumers to understand their health status to avoid caffeine if they have conditions that might be adversely affected by caffeine consumption. References Botvin, G. J. (2000). Preventing drug abuse in schools: social and competence enhancement approaches targeting individual-level etiologic factors. Addictive Behaviours, 25, 887–897. Goldberg, R. (2012), Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Drugs and Society. 10th edition. Guilford, Connecticut: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin. Peck, J. D. & Linda D. C. (2010), “A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence Concerning the Reproductive Health Effects of Caffeine Consumption: A 2000-2009 Update.” Food and Chemical Toxicology 48(2), 2549-2576. Rogers, P. J. (2012), Caffeine-Our Favourite Drug. Connecticut: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin. Ruzich, C. M. (2008). “For the Love of Joe: The Language of Starbucks.” Journal of Popular Culture 41(3), 428-442. Satel, S. (2006). “Is Caffeine Addictive?” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 32(1), 493-502. Read More