How healthy is caffeine
Caffeine is found in a variety of sources and is one of the most popular legalised drugs in the world. Can you imagine a world without any caffeine? Well once upon a time ago that was the case, before humans could boil water easily, they would drink beer to kill any bacteria. Luckily we no longer have to drink beer every day.
- Tea
- Energy drinks
- Diet pills
- Sports drinks
- Coffee
How much coffee should you drink?
It’s recommended that you don’t drink more than four cups of coffee a day because it can cause several health problems, including:
- With coffee being a diuretic it can lead to dehydration.
- It can affect iron absorption so best to avoid drinking coffee at mealtimes.
- It increases heart rate and blood pressure by stimulating the central nervous system.
Pregnant women and caffeine
Pregnant women are advised to drink no more than 200mg a day because it has been linked to babies with low birth weights.
Insomnia and caffeine
Coffee can take up to 10 hours to leave the body, and so it is recommended to avoid drinking caffeine after 1 pm to avoid sleep interferance.
If you notice you feel more tired the day following several late afternoon/ evening coffees then that could be the cause.
As with all things, it’s important to use your judgement and ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water.