FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#11 - Flipbook - Page 25
a
ne
ox?
Samantha Stuk, Accredited Practising Dietitian
When it comes to coffee,
tea, and other caffeinated
beverages, the news isn’t all
bad. In fact, some studies
suggest that coffee drinkers
live longer.
For example, two large
studies conducted in Europe
and the USA found that
participants who drank two
or more cups of coffee per
day were 7–18% less likely
to suffer a premature death
from heart disease, cancer,
stroke, type 2 diabetes, and
kidney disease.
However, were these
positive 昀椀ndings related to
caffeine—or something else?
In both studies,
decaffeinated coffee
yielded the same results,
meaning that the health
bene昀椀ts of drinking coffee
are more likely related to
its antioxidant activity,
not caffeine. Coffee is
rich in polyphenols—the
same antioxidants found in
extra virgin olive oil, dark
chocolate, and red wine.
ARE THERE ANY
BENEFITS SPECIFIC
TO CAFFEINE?
If you’re a new or non-habitual drinker, caffeine
can support improved physical performance,
endurance, and exertion by reducing your
perception of pain.
Caffeine also increases adrenaline and dopamine
signalling, which can enhance mood and
concentration—if taken in moderation (high doses
can cause overstimulation, blurring your senses).
Furthermore, some studies suggest that 200 mg
of caffeine (approximately two espressos) in nonhabitual drinkers can lead to a minor increase in
metabolism.
However, these effects are short-lived. Habitual
caffeine users develop a tolerance to it, to the
point where the only consistent bene昀椀ts are
wakefulness and alertness. Over time, you may
昀椀nd yourself needing more and more caffeine just
to achieve the same effect.
In fact, regular caffeine intake can downregulate
dopamine production, meaning you may need
your morning cuppa just to reach a ‘normal’ level
of focus.
