What is caffeine?
Caffeine, a alkaloid found in numerous plant species, acts as a pesticide to paralyzes and kills
certain insects. [1]

Caffeine is a stimulant in humans.

What is the potent benefits and side effects of caffeine?
A small study recently has suggested a couple cups of coffee before a tough workout may lower the
chances of sore muscle later on! In theory, caffeine may limit muscle pain by blocking the activity of
adenosine. Adenosine is released as part of the inflammatory response to injury and can activate
pain receptors in body cells. [B1]

A team of Swedish and Danish researchers found that people who drank three to five cups of
coffee daily were 65 percent less likely to develop dementia, compared with those who drank two
cups or less. People who drank more than five cups a day also were at reduced risk of dementia.
[B3]

Dr. Roland Griffiths from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine pointed out that caffeine as low as 10
milligrams can cause behavioral effects in sensitive individuals. Moderate levels of caffeie can
increase heart rate, blood pressure, agitation and anxiety in some individuals. A can of Coca-Cola
and some popular espresso drinks can deliver as much as 31 milligrams of caffeine. [1]

While, Dr. Bruce Goldberger from University of Florida found that some decaffeinated coffee sold
in coffee shops may still contain caffeine. People with high blood pressure, kidney disease or
anxiety disorders should avoid drinking coffee. [1]

In a study, nine female college students who took a caffeine supplement before being subjected to
eccentric stimulation caused delayed muscle pain. Delayed muscle pain would occur one or two
days after one does some exercise to such a degree that it triggers so called eccentric contraction
of the muscles.  [2] While, a recent research of 1000 pregnant Californian women shows that
consumption by pregnant women can significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. Those women
who consumed 200 milligrams of caffeine or more a day were about twice as likely to miscarry. To
avoid the side effects of caffeine, one should switch to decaffeinated coffee and other
decaffeinated beverages. [B2]

By the way, carbonation is often thought to decrease the amount of oxygen that can be carried in
the blood. It may not be a good idea to drink carbonated beverages before marathon or other
exercise! [B4]

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2011
[1] Caffeine, Wikipedia, October, 2006.
Study: Decaf coffee has some caffeine Associated Press, October 11, 2006. [2] Ben Wasserman Caffeine may ease
post-exercise pain - foodconsumer.org Jan 11, 2007
[B1] Caffeine may lessen exercisers' muscle pain Reuters Health Apr 8, 2009 [B2] Caffeine link to miscarriage risk The
Sydney Morning Herald January 22, 2008 [B3] Coffee: What kills you one week, cures you the next, jacksonville.com Apr. 12,
2009 [B4] Coke or Gatorade? Boston Marathon Runners Debate Drinks Bostonist.com  April 11, 2009
Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
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The potential health benefits and side effects of caffiene
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