We ALL know it.. And we know it well… the midday slump.. That time between lunch and dinner that hits us all and we notice a yawn here, our focus is slipping and either we need a power nap OR caffeine likely consumed in that yummy afternoon cup of coffee!!!!
Did you know that coffee, when consumed in moderation, may not be as bad for us as sometimes we may think!?!?
So go ahead and savor that morning, or afternoon, or anytime, cup while you continue reading!
5 Fun Facts:
1. Coffee is one of the leading sources of antioxidant consumption!
It’s true! Coffee provides more healthful antioxidants than any other single food or beverage for most people!
2. Studies also show that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, neurological disorders, and liver diseases.
Read more about this here.
3. On top of providing beneficial antioxidants, the caffeine contained in coffee can boost mental focus and alertness!
4. This boost in mental focus and alertness can improve your athletic performance.
Better performance means a better workout which ultimately can lead to more gains!! Whether it’s strength or endurance or a mix of both, having the ability to achieve a better workout can never be a bad thing!
5. Research shows caffeine itself has no addictive qualities despite what many may believe. I know what you're thinking.. but, hold on!! (4)
I know, I know, ask anyone what would happen if you stopped consuming all caffeine.. That dreaded headache!! Yes, that happens and it is sort of a “withdrawal” process, but this does not mean caffeine itself is an addictive substance. You may have an addiction to the actual food source that contains the caffeine, but it is not the caffeine.
Now this is real life, so there is a downside and there is such a thing as too much caffeine.
DOSE DOES MATTER!! Always!!
Too much caffeine can cancel out the positive and healthful benefits.
From sugar and fat filled (and consequently calorie dense) coffee drinks that are exquisitely marketed (and delicious of course) to chemical filled energy drinks and pre-workout supplements fueling our chronic sleep deprived population, over-consumption of caffeine is very easy to do!
Signs you may need to dial it back a bit
Increased anxiety
Sleep Disturbances
Digestive Problems
Muscle Twitching
Heart Palpitations
Decreased Sensitivity - Finding the same amounts just aren’t giving you the boost it once did.
References
“Coffee a Top Source of Healthy Antioxidants.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 12 Sept. 2005, www.nbcnews.com/id/9105892/ns/health-fitness/t/coffee-top-source-healthy-antioxidants/#.XWaVeJNKhTb.
Jane V. Higdon & Balz Frei (2006) Coffee and Health: A Review of Recent Human Research, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 46:2, 101-123, DOI: 10.1080/10408390500400009
“New Research on Antioxidants Shows Surprising Role for... : Oncology Times.” LWW, journals.lww.com/oncologytimes/Fulltext/2005/10250/New_Research_on_Antioxidants_Shows_Surprising_Role.32.aspx.
Satel, Sally. “Is Caffeine Addictive?--a Review of the Literature.” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17127537.
TodayShow. “7 Things You Didn't Know about Caffeine.” TODAY.com, 20 Sept. 2012, www.today.com/health/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-caffeine-1B6013380.
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