Caffeine – A great pick me up, but all in moderation….

Caffeine is a great way to start the day. Also, when starting a workout, it can give you the “umph” you may be lacking for a great workout. However, there are downsides to caffeine when not done in moderation.
The amount of caffeine coffee may contain varies widely. A normal cup of coffee can contain from 95 to 165 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of instant coffee has about 63 milligrams. Caffeine content will vary from black tea, espresso, and cola.
Caffeine has positive effects; it increases alertness, relieves fatigue and improves concentration and focus. For athletes, it can enhance endurance. It may even boost weight loss by temporarily suppressing appetite and prompting the body to produce heat and energy when digesting food. Consumed in moderation, coffee has even been linked to a reduced risk of several kinds of cancer.
When taken in larger doses (i.e., not in moderation), there are negative impacts on the human body. Caffeine has been associated with an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, jitteriness, irritability, and anxiety, all of which can have untoward effects on cardiovascular function.
Caffeine increases secretion of cortisol which is best known for creating a fight-or-flight response. Cortisol diverts other bodily functions to permit a quick, effective response to stress or danger. A sudden jolt from cortisol prompts your blood pressure to rise, heart to beat faster and energy level to soar. Cortisol may have served its purpose with wild beasts, but today we don’t need our body system’s alarm to be turned on all day.
Too much cortisol can result in a number of health problems, including anxiety, depression, problems with memory and concentration, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and heart disease. In addition, other results can be impaired responses by the immune system and central nervous system, memory deficits and changes in critical factors like problem-solving judgment, motivation, attention, memory, learning, emotions, and empathy.