Morning must or afternoon soother? Your cuppa makes you feel good, but is it good for you?

We all know that the caffeine in our morning coffee or tea helps us wake up, but does it really affect our health? Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system that not only increases alertness but also reaction time, heart rate, urine production and metabolism. For most people who drink coffee or tea in moderation – under about five cups a day – the side effects are minimal. And most doctors say if you must be hooked on something, coffee or tea isn’t so bad.

The feeling of exhilaration from caffeine has become a much-enjoyed side effect for many, so are we a nation of addicts? Most experts agree that dependence is a better word to describe our love affair with caffeine. Researchers have called this reliance ‘caffeine dependence syndrome,’ which is characterised by at least three out of four of the following traits:

• Withdrawal symptoms such as headache, depression, and fatigue
• Continued consumption of caffeine despite physical problems
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or eliminate caffeine
• Increased tolerance over time

What effect does caffeine have on the heart?
Caffeine has been reported to cause a temporary elevation in blood pressure, though this typically occurs in people who consume it only on an occasional basis. It can also intensify heart rhythm irregularities in susceptible individuals. As far as increasing risk of heart attack, a 1996 study of over 121,000 women found that coffee consumption – even at high levels – did not increase risk of heart attack.

Will coffee give me a stomach ache?
Digestive disturbances may plague some coffee lovers because caffeine, and even the chemicals used to process decaffeinated coffee, can boost acid secretion in the stomach. Some people also experience reflux of these acids back up into the throat. If you find coffee to be irritating, limit your consumption or eliminate it from your diet altogether.

Is that last cup keeping me awake?
Possibly. Caffeine is rapidly absorbed and remains in your system for hours. Too much caffeine makes some people nervous, jittery, anxious, irritable and unable to sleep. Try eliminating your afternoon and evening brew or substituting decaf at these times to see if you sleep better.

Does caffeine worsen PMS symptoms?
Caffeine may increase anxiety and the likelihood of experiencing mood swings, as well as breast tenderness for some premenstrual women. Around one quarter of women experiencing this symptom find relief by eliminating caffeine from their diets.

Can mums-to-be continue to drink their morning cup?
To be on the safe side, pregnant women are urged to limit their caffeine consumption. Caffeine does affect the placenta, and large amounts of caffeine can alter a baby’s heart rate and breathing and may possibly decrease blood flow to the placenta. It has been reported that pregnant women who drink more than two cups of coffee a day may be at increased risk of miscarriage.

Is coffee OK for nursing mums?
This is an individual choice, and though it is not necessary to avoid coffee when breastfeeding, it is recommended that nursing mums limit their daily amount to no more than five cups. Large amounts may accumulate in the baby’s system, causing irritability and wakefulness.