Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Caffeine limits

 

 

"To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?"

One wonders what exactly inspired the great bard himself.

Once upon a time I ran to the doctor shouting "Doctor, doctor my heart is racing!" to which the doctor replied "Pete, you're so stupid you drink eight cups of coffee a day!"

Well, I always knew that there was something very special about my morning brew; only that my morning habits somewhat extended through the afternoon and then the evening!

Thus, I learnt that coffee was not only a wonderful inspiration but also that a dose of caffeine added a few extra beats on my ticker. But one would have accepted that as a fine price to pay for a sudden flash of ingenuity. Indeed.

The oracle says - Source - U.S. Food and Drug Administration - 400 milligrams (about 4 cups brewed coffee) is a safe amount of caffeine for healthy adults to consume daily.

And the dictionary describes - Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that is found in various plants such as coffee, tea, and cocoa. It is also added to many soft drinks and energy drinks as an artificial ingredient. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can help to increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and improve concentration. It works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for promoting sleep and suppressing arousal.

Wonderful! So as long as one may settle for four flashes of inspiration throughout the day then the whole world goes round perfectly well for me.

Thursday, March 2, 2023

What are the benefits of drinking one cup of coffee a day?

 


 

Drinking one cup of coffee a day can offer several potential benefits:

Increased alertness: Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that can help you feel more awake and alert. Consuming caffeine in moderation can help improve mental focus, attention, and concentration.

Improved mood: Coffee can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. This can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Boosted physical performance: Caffeine can also enhance physical performance by reducing fatigue and increasing endurance during exercise.

Reduced risk of certain diseases: Studies suggest that regular coffee consumption may lower the risk of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and liver disease.

Antioxidant properties: Coffee contains several antioxidants, which can help protect against damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

It's worth noting, however, that the benefits of coffee consumption can vary depending on individual factors such as genetics, age, and overall health status. Additionally, excessive consumption of coffee or caffeine can lead to negative side effects like jitters, increased heart rate, and insomnia. It's important to drink coffee in moderation and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

For further reading see WebMD