What are the Myths Relating to Caffeine?

Caffeine is one of the most popular and most talked about ingredients in the world. It is also one of the most studied ingredients among a surplus of food and beverage items. The perceptions about caffeine vary from depending on the individual, and depend on what they believe. Most of us are still not aware of how much caffeine is present in a food or what the most natural sources for this compound are.

The most common perception about this compound is that caffeine is very addictive. Regular use of caffeine does cause some amount of dependence. But there is no evidence to show that caffeine dependence affects the physical or emotional health of a person. The dependence on caffeine can be seen when one tries to stop drinking coffee or any other caffeinated beverages suddenly. It has been discovered that people who are dependent on this compound often get headaches, fatigue, fever, anxiety, and depression as withdrawal signs.

You may have heard that caffeine is the major cause of sleep disorders. However, the fact is that coffee is easily absorbed and excreted from the body. So, if you are having your regular cups of coffee in the morning, it is not going to affect the sleep later in the day. Coffee consumption later in the day may affect sleep in the night. Furthermore, sensitivity to caffeine varies depending on the individual.

Many still believe that caffeine does not have any health benefits. Studies show that coffee increases alertness, concentration, and energy. One study showed that consumption of coffee reduces cognitive decline, particularly in women. Caffeine is also associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, Liver disease, colorectal cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and dementia. Contrary to common belief, caffeine does not increase the risk of bone loss or osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Moderate amounts of caffeine may not increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or premature birth.