Wednesday, August 29, 2001


The following is from the book Advanced Nutritional Therapies by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, 1998, page 131:

"In general, small amounts of caffeine each day seem to have no negative impact on health for most people and, in fact, may even be helpful. . .

In a study published in March 1996 in the American Medical Association's archives of internal Medicine, researchers at the Harvard Medical School reported that women who drink coffee are less likely to commit suicide than those who do not. Although the study has been criticized, it is consistent with another investigation conducted in 1993 by the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, which found a lower risk of suicide among people who drink caffeine-containing beverages.

Also, a 1990 study on caffeine revealed that as little as 100 milligrams per day (less than one moderately strong cup of coffee) could increase feelings of well-being, energy, and motivation to work. .....

Also on the positive side are numerous clinical and anecdotal reports that caffeine can improve mental acuity and, in some cases, athletic performance.

But there are also negatives associated with this stimulant in some people, especially when it is taken in large doses. These include:

*Aggravation of irritable bowel syndrome.

*Increasing symptoms associated with prostrate infections.

*Magnified side effects, such as headaches or anxiety when caffeine is combined with birth control pills.

*Shortness of breath.

*Headaches.

*Irregular heartbeat.

*Insomnia.

*Prevention of conception. A study at Johns Hopkins University, conducted in 1995 and reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that women who consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day -- about 3 cups of coffee (or 8 caffeine containing sodas) -- reduce their chance of pregnancy by 26 percent.

Extra Scientific Information

*Taken in doses commonly available in one cup of coffee, caffeine can significantly improve the therapeutic potential in humans of acetaminophen (the pain reliever in Tylenol®), concluded Pakistani researchers in Biopharmacy and Drug Dispositions, August 1995, pp 481-7.

*After reviewing the results of seventeen studies researchers reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine that coffee, tea, and other beverages containing caffeine do not cause any persistent elevations in blood pressure. Even in people who do not consume caffeine on a regular basis, the blood pressure elevations that occur after caffeine consumption are short-lived, lasting only one day at most. But if noticeable heartbeat irregularities occur with caffeine intake, the substance must be avoided in all forms, including coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate."

so of course we must drink our coffee in moderation; more than 3 cups a day seems as if you're headed for the insomnia and other mild but negative side effects.

still, what a useful substance: reduces suicide! now how many things can do that? (tastes nicer than prozac too, probably.) makes tylenol work better! what's not to like?

posted by fortune | 6:27 PM | top | link to this | email this: | | | 0 comments