With the current health awareness speeding across the nation, caffeine is a hot debate subject. We all know the micronutrient is addictive, and maybe that’s why dieters and the health aware alike chose to take the calorie blows associate with the most common caffeinated products. Whether it’s the teeth-decaying sodas we buy in packs, a nibble of chocolate, or that latte we need each morning, it’s easy to tell ourselves caffeine isn’t that bad. It’s all about moderation right?

How can caffeine hurt you?

Not so. Depending on your susceptibility to the negative side effects of caffeine, you may find yourself up late at night unable to sleep, super jittery, irritated by everything and everyone, with an upset stomach, or suffering from a superfast heartbeat. Caffeine might also react with certain antibiotics and medications, so be sure to chat with your doctor if you’re taking anything and eating or drinking caffeine regularly.

Benefits to eating or drinking Caffeine

Despite the negative effects of caffeine, there are actually a couple examples of caffeine perks. For example, caffeine is more natural alternative to drugs on the market that assist in chronic breathing issues. I have a friend who has absolutely no qualms about giving her six year old son a soda a day because the caffeine opens up his allergic-to-everything nasal passages and esophagus. I remember my mother giving me bitter, black coffee to help with the same problems when my asthma gave me grief.

Furthermore, caffeine has been shown to assist in the prevention of brain cell death leading to Parkinson’s disease. It also lowers chances of certain types of cancer and gallstones. General heart health is increased with small, regular doses of caffeine such as cups of regular coffee. And several small studies have found short-lived increase in mental and physical performance.

In the End

At the end of the day, there are two well researched and believable sides to the caffeine conundrum. Each person will have to choose whether or not they want to risk their health, spend their money, and enjoy their caffeinated products. I’ve always been on the anti-caffeinated bandwagon, choosing herbal tea and only having a couple fancy coffees a year. (Oh spiced pumpkin latte, how you crumble my resistance!)

No matter your take on caffeine, I hope this article made you aware of every pro and con of caffeine, and better able to judge for yourself how it fits into your healthy lifestyle.