Pros and cons of caffeinne - Essay Example

Caffeine Caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea and cocoa, is a stimulant that temporarily increases the body’s metabolism. It stimulates the nervous system, increases blood pressure and blocks adenosine, a chemical in the brain. “Adenosine basically tells us to slow down” (“Caffeine Pros and Cons”, 2006). While the consumption of caffeine carries benefits, it could negatively impact health such as increasing heart rate, cause dehydration and raise blood pressure (Gruenemay, 2006).

However, caffeine has been deemed a safe substance by the Food and Drug Administration if consumed in moderate amounts (Waller, 2006). Research has shown that caffeine improves memory and decreases fatigue while improving mental and athletic performance (Doheny, 2006). Caffeine increases athletic stamina by enhancing glycogen, the body’s energy storage system, and mobilizes fat cells which allow the body to burn fuel more efficiently thus promoting endurance. Caffeine diminishes perceived effort while exercising.

This has the psychological effect of increasing the degree of effort during exercise which burns additional calories (Gruenemay, 2006). This chemical action also suppresses appetite which leads to weight loss. Morning coffee drinkers know that caffeine increases alertness. It does this by stimulating brain activity. Caffeine is an addictive drug causing a dependence which leads to withdraw symptoms when discontinued (Doheny, 2006). Though caffeine increases energy, the dehydration that accompanies makes exercise especially unhealthy.

Caffeine, a natural diuretic, relieves constipation by encouraging the intestine to contract which causes diarrhea and cramping. When over-used, all stimulants including caffeine can cause insomnia, irritability and ‘the shakes.’ The weight loss associated with stimulants is offset by cream added to coffee or tea. Caffeine has been shown to initiate heart palpitations and should be strictly avoided if the user is at risk of heart disease or if the user is taking any prescription drug (Gruenemay, 2006).

 Moderate amounts of caffeine will not cause heart disease, cancer or birth defects according to evidence compiled by the American Dietetic Association. Moderation is the key to enjoying products that contain caffeine without suffering ill effects but the operative word is moderation (“The Pros and Cons of Caffeine”, 2003). Works Cited“Caffeine Pros and Cons.” Healthy Living. (2006). Real Simple. January 17, 2007 Doheny, Kathleen. “Pros and Cons of the Caffeine Craze.” (October 17, 2006). WebMD. January 17, 2007 Gruenemay, Jennifer.

“The Pros and Cons of Caffeine Use for Exercise.” Life Script. April 24, 2006. “(The) Pros and Cons of Caffeine in Your Diet.” (December 2003). Memorial Healthcare System. January 17, 2007 Waller, Rachel. “Caffeine: Pros and Cons for Health.” Belmont Vision. (October 11, 2006). January 17, 2007