Caffeine, between Danger and Benefits

If consumed in excessive amounts, caffeine can cause heart problems. However, with the right dosage, caffeine effectively increase alertness, and even healthy.

Caffeine is an alkaloid compounds, mainly found in tea (1-4,8 percent), coffee (1-1.5 percent), and kola nut (2,7-3,6 per cent). In addition to the material contained in a natural, caffeine can also be generated semisintetis.

Although safe for consumption, caffeine can cause unwanted reactions, such as insomnia, restlessness, increased respiration, muscle tremors, and diuresis (frequent urination). Caffeine can also cause a mild addictive. People who drink coffee will suffer a headache in the morning or after 12 hours after consuming coffee.

The study also showed that people who used to drink coffee more than 5 cups a day at risk of heart problems. Caffeine consumption during pregnancy can cause birth abnormalities.

On the other hand, for the health benefits of coffee also was not there. A recent study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consumption of 2 cups of caffeinated drinks, including coffee, would reduce the risk of heart attacks and 31 percent. Coffee was also significantly reduces the risk of colon cancer formation.

According to Professor Peter Rogers and Dr Lindsay St. Claire from the University of Bristol, UK, the negative effects of caffeine stronger in men than women. In women, caffeine actually reduce stress, especially on office workers. Coffee is also effectively increase alertness and sociability in the office.

To get the positive benefits of coffee, experts recommend the consumption of organic coffee and Arabica coffee from Java. Each 8 ounces of Arabica coffee proteins known to contain levels higher than regular coffee and have caffeine levels are lower. This organic coffee also contains antioxidants 40 percent higher than other types of coffee.