Caffeinate with Caution: The Pros and Cons of a Caffeinated Existence
by August Johnson McLaughlin, CN, CPT

Ask any woman how she likes her java and, more than likely, her eyes will light up as she explains precisely what creates her perfect cup. She knows where she gets it, when she needs it and what she likes dripped or frapped into it. Then she’ll probably ask you to join her for a round.

Sixty-eight percent of Americans drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks daily for a wide variety of reasons. These reasons include energy (that extra boost to start your day), social reasons (all your friends are doing it), general enjoyment (it simply tastes good) and, most recently, for weight control (I’ll get to this one in a moment).

Though women know how they like their jolty drinks, most don’t know how much caffeine is appropriate, what the benefits and risks are, or how much caffeine they are actually drinking.

Moderate caffeine consumption is 200 – 400 milligrams per day, or the equivalent of 2 – 4 cups of coffee. If you aren’t sure how large a cup actually is, pull a standard measuring cup out of your kitchen or visualize two-thirds of a regular soda can. It isn’t all that much. Most coffee shops offer sizes that range from 12 ounces for a small and up to 24 ounces for a large size.

Caffeine in healthy amounts carries few health risks. It can actually enhance memory, alertness and physical relaxation. If you drink tea, even better. Black and green tea offer added benefits such as improved bone density (highly important for women), increased longevity, and lower risk for certain types of cancer.

Excessive caffeine intake may lead to high blood pressure, emotional or physical dependence, mood disorders, insomnia, loss of bone density and even infertility. Add to that the sugar, corn syrup, high-fat milk, heavy cream and other additives that often accompany these liquid feasts and your list of potential side effects elongates…

Caffeine has become a popular weight loss drug as of late, alarming physical and mental health practitioners alike. Body conscious women who choose caffeine, thinking it will boost metabolism or reduce their appetite, are sorely mistaken. Studies show repeatedly that caffeine is not an effective weight loss measure. Substituting meals with a caffeinated beverage can actually increase hunger. It may postpone it temporarily, but as a stimulant, caffeine kicks your bodily functions up, not down. The hunger will hit and probably stronger. What’s more, skipping meals slows the metabolism. If you’re hungry, enjoy a healthy snack or meal.

If you are happy drinking 0 – 3 cups of coffee or tea and are not experiencing negative side effects, you likely have a healthy relationship with caffeine. If a day without it seems unfathomable, you drink more than 4 cups per day or you suffer from a mood disorder, sugar sensitivity, or high blood pressure. It may behoove you to rethink your caffeine drinking practices.

photos by ahmed rabea and akatayama

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