Is Caffeine Good for Your Health?

For those of you who enjoy your morning cup of joe, good news: Caffeine does have health benefits! In fact, recent research supports “consuming 300 to 400 milligrams of caffeine (about three or four cups of coffee) per day for its brain benefits.” So, what’s the best way to get these benefits, aside from bringing your giant to-go mug to the coffee shop? Read on to find out.

• Caffeine’s benefits. A 2014 study done by Medical News Today found that drinking three cups of coffee a day could reduce the risk of liver cancer by 50 percent, and a separate study posited that consuming four cups of coffee per day could cut the risks of mouth and throat cancer in half. It may also protect against such health ailments as Parkinson’s disease, liver disease and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Drinking coffee can also possibly reduce adults’ risk of suicide and may boost long-term memory.

• Always consume with care. Make sure you consume your caffeine responsibly. Consumption of unfiltered coffee, such as boiled or espresso, is linked to mild elevations of cholesterol. And, remember what you add to your counts toward your health, like putting cream and sugar in can add hundreds of calories. Drinking more than 500-600 mg a day can also trigger nervousness, insomnia, irritability, upset stomach, increased heartbeat and muscle tremors. Figure out what amount works best for you and, as with any beverage, drink in moderation.

• Not just coffee. While we tend to think of coffee as the main source of caffeine, its newly discovered benefits encourage companies to promote caffeine-infused water and seltzer. Matcha, a type of tea, has three times the amount of caffeine as a typical cup of tea, almost as much as a cup of coffee. For a bit of a treat, dark chocolate has small amounts of caffeine in it. Most sodas have caffeine (some more than others, so read labels), but regular products also have tons of sugar, so opt for the diet versions. You can even find caffeinated gum and mints.

When you need a little wake-up, some caffeine can not only make you feel more alert, you can enjoy other health benefits as well. For help with your job search, reach out to the staffing experts at Medical Professionals.