Caffeine is a substance that is found not only in coffee, but other beverages and foods like tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and in various seeds, fruits and leaves of plants. Although studies have found that coffee and tea have many chemical components with beneficial effects, one of these components, caffeine has earned a bad reputation with some people because of its stimulant effects. Some people crave it, while others avoid it. There are many reasons for people to love or hate caffeine, but not many people know the truth about it.
Here are some facts about caffeine:
1. Caffeine is not addictive.
Moderate caffeine intake has benefits, such as mood enhancement and increased alertness. Most people who love coffee take one to three cups per day, but others take a lot more than that. You would think that caffeine is addictive, but according to the American
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So be sure to replace your fluid losses by drinking more water throughout the day.
4. Decaf is caffeine-free.
Don’t think that switching to decaf makes you caffeine-free. A study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology reports that different types of decaf coffee actually contain caffeine in different doses, ranging from 8.6 to 13.9 mg. Another study found that as much as 20 mg of caffeine has been found in some types of decaffeinated coffee. Note also that a 12-ounce can of your favorite soda may contain 30 to 35 mg of caffeine. Of course, compared to a cup of regular coffee, which typically contains 95 to 200 mg of caffeine, this amount is relatively small.
Experts warn, therefore, that drinking 5-10 cups of decaf coffee per day can equal the level of caffeine found in one or two cups of regular coffee, which could be harmful for people with kidney disease or others who are sensitive to the chemical.
5. Caffeine does not cause heart