The Dark Side of Coffee...
Colin Bailey
Multi-Award Winning Holistic Wellness Alchemist ? Mental Health Educator and Subject Matter Expert ? Lead in International MH Documentary ? International Speaker ? #1 Best-selling Author ? MH Professional of the Year ?
Yesterday, I wrote about coffee, and the "benefits" of coffee (or more specifically, caffeine...) - in moderation...
Today, we're going over to "The Dark Side..."
A study, published in 2010, suggested that caffeine may “protect against increased risk-taking propensity in those who are sleep deprived”. 25 Adults (21 men, and 4 women) completed two different risk-taking scales - Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) and Evaluation of Risks (EVAR) - at regular intervals during 75 hours of continuous sleep deprivation.
Approximately half were given caffeine during the study, whilst the control group were given a placebo. The placebo group showed significant increases in risk-taking propensity and behaviour over the 75 hour observation. The "caffeinated group" did not. “Three nights of total sleep deprivation led to a significant increase in behavioural risk-taking but not self-reported perception of risk-propensity. Overnight caffeine prevented this increase in risky behaviour”.
It is important to note, however, that the increased cerebral and cognitive activity, and the increase also in energy levels that are produced by caffeine consumption is, however, only a temporary effect and the body may actually begin to feel even more tired than before. To maintain the (temporary) energy boost, the body will - over time - begin to crave more caffeine.
Studies have also shown that a sudden increase in caffeine creates havoc to the psychological state of mind and may also cause users to become nervous and edgy.
Coffee intake has also been linked with skin disorders and can cause acne outbreaks.
Drinking an excessive amount of caffeine has also been linked with an increased risk of heart complications. The results of a 2014 study linked an excessive intake of energy drinks with angina, irregular heartbeat, and even death.
The key term here is "excessive". I'm no medical expert, but - at the risk of inciting controversy - as my doctor once advised me, the key to good health lies within "moderation"...
Have a GREAT day!