Fact of the Day: 05/10/2021
Why do you feel sharper after drinking a cup of coffee?
Coffee contains a chemical compound called caffeine. Caffeine stimulates many organ systems in your body, including the central nervous system, which is why you get that feeling of alertness after consuming it.
Like any stimulant, caffeine can be consumed in safe and unsafe amounts. A safe amount of caffeine will heighten your focus and may lead to some health benefits, such as a lower risk of dementia. Too much caffeine, however, can lead to overstimulation and confusion, headaches, irritability, and other such symptoms.
What’s the safe limit of caffeine in a day? Generally, most adults can consume up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine in a day, according to Mayo Clinic (the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee). Children and adolescents, however, shouldn’t drink as much. Excessive intake can lead to problems, so consider only drinking one cup of coffee a day (the equivalent of a 100 mg-intake of caffeine). Since caffeine can interfere with sleep, consider also drinking your cup of coffee early in the day as opposed to the afternoon.
Reference(s):
- https://www.healthline.com/health/caffeine-effects-on-body
- https://www.britannica.com/science/caffeine
- https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/caffeine.html
Fact Author: Ace
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