Contents
Many unconfirmed facts, myths and legends are associated with the effect of caffeine on the body. What properties characterize this substance, and how does it affect a person? Let’s figure it out together.
Foods with the highest caffeine content:
General characteristics of caffeine
Caffeine is a well-known naturally occurring stimulant. Possesses pronounced tonic properties. It is made from plant materials (coffee, tea, guarana, mate).
Available in tablets, it is part of some dietary supplements and products for athletes. It is found in many medicines for headaches and asthma.
The effects of caffeine on the human body are controversial. It can be characterized as both positive and negative. Toxic in very large quantities.
Daily Caffeine Requirement
Caffeine is not essential for the body. Doctors recommend taking 1-2 tablets a day for the first week when migraine occurs. Further, 1 tablet of a preparation containing caffeine, no more than 1 month.
Bodybuilding experts recommend taking 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight 1 minutes before training. Such a dosage of the substance can increase the body’s performance by 30%. To make it easier to navigate the amount of caffeine, you can use this guideline. 20 cup of tea (1 ml) contains 237 mg of caffeine.
The need for caffeine increases
- in diseases accompanied by depression of the central nervous system;
- with the manifestation of frequent spasms of the vessels of the brain (migraines and other types of headaches);
- with reduced mental activity;
- in case of shock, in a state of collapse, with the threat of loss of consciousness;
- with low physical performance, weakness and drowsiness;
- with hypotension;
- asthma;
- when diagnosed with enuresis in children;
- when losing weight;
- with respiratory failure and such a disease as idiopathic apnea in newborns.
The need for caffeine decreases:
- with high blood pressure;
- with chronic diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- with atherosclerosis;
- weak nervous system;
- with oncological diseases;
- with neuropsychiatric disorders;
- in case of sleep disturbance (insomnia);
- with glaucoma (contraindicated);
- in old age;
- in children (due to the lability of the nervous system);
- in preparation for pregnancy (excess caffeine reduces the possibility of fertilization);
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Digestibility of caffeine
Caffeine is easily absorbed by our body, but it irritates the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, clogs the body.
The beneficial properties of caffeine and its effect on the body
The effect of caffeine on the body was studied by I.P. Pavlov. Studies have shown that caffeine enhances arousal in the cerebral cortex. And also affects the increase in physical activity.
Caffeine stimulates performance, while significantly reducing fatigue and sleepiness. The use of caffeine helps prevent blood clots.
It is noted that coffee lovers are 2 times less likely to suffer from such a formidable diagnosis as a stroke. In addition, coffee increases the body’s perception of insulin. This fact suggests that the body is well protected against type XNUMX diabetes.
So, with a fairly moderate consumption, the substance has the following features:
- is a stimulant that reduces feelings of drowsiness and fatigue;
- improves mood;
- sharpens the work of the senses;
- protects against strokes;
- is a stimulant of active blood circulation;
- accelerates metabolism, stimulates fat burning;
- used for vascular spasms;
- used as a natural antidepressant.
- causes an increase in mental and physical activity;
- acts as a trainer for the heart and blood vessels by increasing the frequency of contraction of the heart muscle.
Interaction with essential elements
It is not recommended to consume caffeine and caffeinated foods immediately after meals. This can negatively affect the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals (magnesium, calcium and sodium).
Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect. When caffeine is consumed in large quantities, dehydration can occur.
Interacts with analgesics, increasing their bioavailability to the body.
Signs of a lack of caffeine in the body:
- low blood pressure;
- lowered blood cholesterol levels;
- fatigue;
- decreased mental and physical activity;
Signs of excess caffeine in the body:
- hyperactivity and agitation;
- insomnia;
- hypertension;
- tachycardia, cold sweat;
- dry mouth;
- nausea and vomiting;
- frequent urination;
- tinnitus;
- state of anxiety, unjustified anxiety, “tremor”;
- depression, fatigue;
- drowsiness (at very high dosages);
- obscurity of consciousness.
Factors Affecting Your Body’s Caffeine Content
In order for the level of caffeine in the body to be normal, a complete diet, which includes foods containing it, is sufficient. In this case, it is worth paying attention to the individuality of the organism: diseases, age, chronic diseases, intolerance and allergies.
Caffeine for beauty and health
Caffeine increases the strength and performance of muscles, contributes to their intense contraction. Athletes are allowed to use caffeine before exercise. Caffeine as a doping is prohibited in competition.
The benefits of caffeine for building a strong and beautiful body is a topic of much debate. There is no final answer on the advisability of using it before training.
Also, caffeine is an indispensable ingredient in slimming creams.