Caffeine is in approximately 80 species of plants and causes a bitter taste. Caffeine is a biological pesticide, so many plants contain it to make them less attractive to bugs. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough to protect coffee plants from insect infestations that require heavy insecticide and herbicide spraying. The Coffee Dance is a documentary about women, former coffee pickers in Costa Rica, who organized a play to warn women in the industry about high rates of breast cancer caused by this spraying.
Quick Energy from Caffeine Has a Price
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, triggering the body’s fight-or-flight reaction that helps ensure survival in times of crisis. The liver dumps glucose and fat into the bloodstream, digestion slows down and the adrenal glands secrete cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels are associated with stress. High levels of sugar and fat can damage arteries. Alertness from a cup of coffee is due to increased sensory and motor activity, which translates into dilated pupils, increased heart rate, and higher blood pressure. Caffeine is metabolized by the liver and is excreted from the body some 12 hours after ingestion. Excess caffeine intake is associated with insomnia, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, hypoglycemia, hypertension, heart disease and osteoporosis, according to Stephen Cherniske, author of Caffeine Blues.
Dietary Caffeine May Be Hidden
Some common sources of caffeine and approximate amounts in each source include the following:
- Brewed coffee has 120 mg. per cup.
- Black tea has 70 mg. per cup.
- Green tea has 40 mg. per cup.
- Colas start at 45 mg. per 8 oz.
- Dark chocolate 30 mg. per oz.
- Milk chocolate 6 mg. per oz.
- Decaf coffee 5 mg. per oz.
Caffeine can also be hidden in coffee flavored candy, yogurt, ice cream, baked goods, medicines, and various brands and flavors of carbonated soda. Decaffeinated products typically contain small amounts.
Caffeine Affects Young and Old
A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared blood pressure, heart rate and behavioral mood in younger and older men who normally drank moderate amounts of caffeine. Researchers found that one hour after ingesting the alkaloid, 19- to 20-year old volunteers reported feelings of anger and 65- to 80-year olds had increased blood pressure. The differences seemed to indicate that subjective effects of the drug, such as anger and tension, were more likely in younger men while older men has less subjective effects but were more sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
Caffeine Affects Women’s Health
Women who have fibrocystic breast disease are advised to decrease or eliminate dietary caffeine. During pregnancy, caffeine intake should be limited to the amount in no more than two cups of coffee daily. Caffeine interferes with mineral metabolism, causing increased urinary excretion of calcium, a risk factor for osteoporosis. And since caffeine’s stimulation of the central nervous system heightens sensitivity to stress, many women report that caffeine intensifies the irritability associated with premenstrual syndrome.
Quitting Caffeine Cold Turkey is Not Advisable
Cherniske advices caffeine addicts to take it slow; weaning gradually off of the drug over six weeks helps to avoid withdrawal symptoms of headache, lethargy, and trouble concentrating. The author warns that three weeks to two months of caffeine-free living are necessary to fully appreciate benefits.
Caffeine is a substance found in many plants and foods. Excessive caffeine intake leads to addiction and is associated with many health consequences for young and old, men and women. Gradually reducing caffeine intake is the best away to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
References:
The Coffee Dance, Mother Jungle (Susan Lutz), The Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation
Caffeine Blues, Stephen Cherniske, Grand Central Publishing, 1998
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Arciero PJ, et. al., Relationship of blood pressure, heart rate and behavioral mood state in younger and older men following caffeine ingestion, 52(1), Nov. 1998
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
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