EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

by Susan Sanchez

            For many, caffeine intake has become more than just a habit; it has become a lifeline. However, like most things, caffeine can possess both positive and negative impacts. Therefore, it is important to note that other important factors need to be taken into account to understand whether or not caffeine is good or bad for one’s health. 

           Part of the appeal of coffee and other caffeinated beverages is its accessibility. Coffee and tea are two of the world’s most popular and most preferred drinks: from the commercial instant coffee on the shelves of grocery stores to popular coffee chains like Starbucks and Tim Horton’s. From the coffee farmers to the baristas to the end consumer, coffee does not only have individual health benefits but holds collective socio-economic value as well. Even the third wave or artisan coffee has slowly captured the market. Caffeine just seems to be everywhere. Coffee, tea, and energy drink businesses are big, global, and lucrative enterprises. This is mainly because human beings have developed a long and intense history with caffeine.

             It is not unheard of that there is a considerable percentage of people who consider themselves “coffee dependent”. Whether to kick start the day, uplift one’s mood or enable social interactions (e.g. coffeeshop conversations/meetings), caffeine has permeated every aspect of regular daily life. There is certainly no shortage of promotion on mass media on coffee products. It is safe to assume that the demand for caffeinated products will surely be there.

            People differ in how they take their coffee. Peoples' bodily responses to caffeine also vary. Some generally need one cup to get through a workday. Other people seem to crave for four or five to be productive. A person’s general well-being concerning taking caffeine is a crucial factor. Is the person constantly lacking quality sleep? Is he an anxious type of person? Is he taking more than the recommended amount of coffee? How are one’s diet and lifestyle linked to the body’s reaction to caffeine?    

              How much caffeine is consumed and how often it is consumed are two usual indicators that may predict if caffeine is beneficial or harmful to a person. Widely known as a stimulant, caffeine can give an instant energy boost and can help one to focus. This is why students studying in coffee shops is not a rare sight. For a habitual drinker, caffeine intake is vital for workplace productivity and performance.

            According to an article on Healthline, caffeine can aid in boosting mental function. It acts as a stimulant for the nervous system thus making one feel more alert and energized. It may also improve one’s mood, attention span, and aid learning. In regulated amounts, coffee or tea do hold some benefits.

            Caffeine can be good as a quick fix and useful in the short term. Various studies claim that there may be a correlation between memory and caffeine. Some believe it enhances short term memory, while others argue it does not affect memory or even impedes cognitive function. These ongoing debates clearly show the need for further scientific research. Studies also show that coffee may reduce the risk of illnesses like dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease; reasonable amounts of coffee can protect against developing these diseases. 

             On the other hand, too much of anything can have adverse effects and can quickly cancel any supposed benefit. Over-stimulation from caffeine can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, and even agitation. For those struggling with other health conditions, caffeine can also trigger and agitate certain conditions. Those suffering from hyperacidity are normally advised to limit caffeine intake.   

              Conclusively, caffeine is not bad when taken in regulated and moderate amounts. Coffee can help people function in their day-to-day lives. However, like most things, everything should always be taken in moderation to avoid any deficiency or excess. Caffeine is no exception; it places one’s health at risk and has the potential to be harmful when taken in excessive amounts.   

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