Caffeine Myths

2003/05/01 Agirre, Jabier - Medikua eta OEEko kidea Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna

Caffeine can act as a stimulant, temporarily slows fatigue, which can lead to insomnia or insomnia in sensitive people. It has also been shown that caffeine has a diuretic effect: although light stimulates the elimination of liquids. And even though there have been numerous studies that claim not to harm in an extreme way, there are still widespread misconceptions. That's why, in this article I'm going to collect the results of scientific research on caffeine and health, and I'm going to try to clarify the doubts about it.

Myth: caffeine creates addiction.

Reality: Many people say it depends on caffeine, just as others depend on buying, work or television. According to current definitions, and according to most experts, caffeine does not produce addiction. If caffeine intake is abruptly interrupted, some have headache, fatigue, and drowsiness, but these symptoms do not last longer than a day and can be prevented by progressively reducing caffeine intake.

Myth: Caffeine increases the risk of heart disease.

Fact: Numerous large-scale studies have shown that caffeine intake does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, does not raise cholesterol levels and does not cause heart rhythm disturbances. In people sensitive to caffeine, light temporary increases in blood pressure are observed, but these increases are similar to those caused by other daily activities such as climbing stairs. However, if the tension is high, consult a doctor.

Myth: Caffeine causes cancer.

The reality is that there are scientific studies that show that caffeine does not increase the risk of cancer. Results from two large-scale studies in Norway and Hawaii, and 13 studies with more than 20,000 people, indicate that there is no relationship between coffee (or tea) consumption and cancer risk.

Myth: Caffeine is the risk factor for osteoporosis.

Fact: According to some studies, caffeine intake causes a greater loss of calcium in the urine. However, it has been shown that these losses are minimal and that caffeine consumption at normal doses does not affect either calcium level or bone density. More recent studies have shown that caffeine intake is not a risk factor for people with osteoporosis, especially for women who consume adequate amounts of calcium.

Myth: Pregnant or pregnant women should not take caffeine.

The reality is that many studies have studied in depth the effects of reproduction produced by caffeinated beverages, and data show that moderate caffeine intake is no harm to the pregnant woman or fetus. On the other hand, there is no evidence that caffeine intake reduces the likelihood of having children.

Two major research conducted in the US did not find a correlation between caffeine consumption and pregnancy problems or fetal malformations. In addition, other studies have shown that there is no relationship between caffeine consumption and natural abortions. However, the effect of high doses of caffeine has not been analyzed. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to take a moderate amount of caffeine (maximum 300 mg/day, i.e. 3-4 cups of coffee).

Myth: caffeine has no positive influence.

No link has yet been shown between moderate caffeine intake and health risks.

The reality is that caffeine ‘lights up’ and gives more attention. It is often recommended to drink coffee or tea to overcome sleep, for example for drivers traveling for long trips, and many people take their coffee after eating, before returning to work. In this sense, several studies have shown that caffeine strengthens memory and mental abilities.

In caffeinated drinks (tea, and recently also in coffee and chocolate) antioxidant agents have been found. These agents especially benefit health, heart and cancer prevention.

Finally, caffeine seems to be useful in treating allergic reactions as it reduces the concentration of histamine. Caffeine has long been known to be beneficial for asthmatics. However, more research is needed in this field to reach definitive conclusions.

Final balance

Despite studies conducted over several years (or decades) on the effects of caffeine, science has not yet shown any link between moderate caffeine intake and health risks. Therefore, we can continue to consume drinks with tea, coffee or other caffeine as long as we do so in moderation.