Should I be Running on Caffeine?

As college students, our schedules are constantly packed. Between classes, work, sports, clubs, homework and socializing, many of us have little time for sleep. Our campus is constantly on the go and usually it is with a cup of coffee in hand.

“I usually drink about two cups of coffee a day, and then another double-shot Starbucks energy drink,” said freshman Shelly Ignacio, triple major in psychology, government and politics and Spanish. “But usually after coffee, I end up crashing and needing another cup.”

Shelly’s experience is one that many of us can relate to. If this is so, should we even bother drinking coffee at all?

It is important to consider the following before making that decision:

Is coffee healthy?

This is a question that has been asked many times. The answer is that it depends on how the drinker decides to mix his or her cup.

A cup of black coffee contains virtually no calories or fat and is generally considered healthy. But many coffee drinkers tend to add hundreds of calories worth of cream and sugar to their cups. These calories can be controlled by using small amounts of sugar or skim milk instead of creamer.

Even with additives, coffee has been proven to help with weight loss (yes please!). This is due to it’s tendency to increase the breakdown of fat cells and the body’s metabolic rate, according to Kris Gunnars, nutrition researcher.

How does caffeine affect the body? Let’s face it, while coffee is delicious, most of us do not drink it religiously just for the taste. We crave our morning cup because of that burst of energy it provides, which is due to the high levels of caffeine coffee contains.

An article on LiveStrong.com describes how caffeine mocks the nervous system depressant adenosine in our bodies. Once in our bloodstream, caffeine blocks the body’s receptors for adenosine and stops its production. This reduction of depressants in our blood results in the boost of energy coffee gives us.

How much is too much?

Just like anything you eat or drink, caffeine should be consumed in moderation. Caffeine should never be overused, no matter how late you think you will be up studying. Though it depends on the drinker’s height and weight, the staff at MayoClinic.org suggest that the average adult limit caffeine intake to about 400 milligrams a day, which is roughly four 8-ounce cups of coffee. This way, you can minimize the negative side effects of caffeine while still enjoying your favorite brew daily.

What is the difference between consuming coffee vs. tea? Of course, coffee isn’t the only drink caffeine addicts crave; tea is another energy-booster. But which one is better for you? According to Hannah Nicholas of MedicalNewsToday.com, the average cup of coffee contains about 95-200mg of caffeine per cup, while a cup of black tea contains around 14-60 mg. Tea is beneficial because it contains antioxidants that help boost the immune system, and it is proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, according to an article from WebMD. However, this does not mean that coffee is less healthy than tea. Coffee can reduce the risk Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease, according to Donald Hensrud of MayoClinic.org.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of consuming caffeine?

Many people do not realize that caffeine is considered a drug. According to the FDA, caffeine is a nervous system stimulant. Too much of it can result in dehydration, shaking, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, irregular heartbeat, and heartburn. However, if consumed in healthy amounts - which, as mentioned, should be no more than four cups per day - caffeine can improve cognitive function, according to Stephanie Watson of Harvard Women’s Health Watch.

It can also decrease depression, according to Tori Rodriguez of Psychiatry Advisor. The boost of energy caffeine provides can aid in keeping us focused, allowing us to perform physical and mental tasks faster and more effectively.

“I drink coffee about three times a week and it makes me jittery, dehydrated, and hyper,” said freshman Valeria Manent, undecided major. “But I love it too much to give it up and it keeps me awake.”

The Conclusion: According to Jane Jakubczak, the campus dietitian, brewed coffee can be healthy for most people in moderation. However, “some of the sweet coffee-drinks on the market are closer to a dessert than a traditional cup of coffee,” she said. “These coffee-drinks should be enjoyed on occasion.”

Though coffee may have some negative side effects, none of them are out of your control. If you drink coffee right, it can be perfectly healthy and provide your body plenty of benefits.