Health & Fitness
What Are the Health Implications of Caffeine?
Interesting question, given the fact that caffeine has been vilified in the past. However, that's not the case anymore.
Question: Are there any serious health implications when it comes to caffeine?
Answer: Interesting question, given the fact that caffeine has been vilified in the past. However, that’s not the case anymore. Caffeine is actually studied more for its health benefits nowadays as opposed to any significant health detriments. It does increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, but only to a small degree. If you have pre-existing medical conditions that could be affected by these “side effects,” then you may want to moderate or avoid caffeine entirely. And some people are considered caffeine-sensitive, so in addition to the above, they may experience tremors, anxiety, or insomnia. Again, these folks might want to limit or avoid caffeine as well. Thankfully, those adversely affected are in the minority. For most of us, caffeine is pretty benign. In fact, some studies indicate that up to 90 percent of Americans take in some form of caffeine each and every day. That’s pretty amazing! As with most dietary constituents, it’s a good idea to moderate your overall intake, so keep track of foods and beverages you consume and the caffeine in them.
About the author: Grant Pritchard is the club owner at Anytime Fitness in Buckley & Orting.