There are many unanswered questions about caffeine and its affect on us. Scientists discuss whether we should use it or refuse using it at all. There are many different opinions and even more myths.
Myth 1. The link between caffeine and dehydration. Some people say that drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, coke, etc. can cause dehydration. However, that is not true. Although caffeine has mild diuretic effect which encourages urination, this effect is not strong enough to make your body lose more fluid than we get drinking those drinks. Even if we would drink only drinks with caffeine, it wouldn’t cause dehydration. Our body just would not get enough of fluids for proper metabolism. To ensure a good balance of fluids in your body, you should not count drinks with caffeine to the daily amount of drinks you have.
Myth 2. Caffeine and addiction. The idea that caffeine can be addictive is probably the most common myth. However, caffeine does not cause such addiction as drugs, alcohol or tobacco do. People who regularly consume big amounts of caffeine can feel drowsiness or headache when they stop using drinks with caffeine. However, these symptoms should disappear in a few days. However, nutritionists warn that we shouldn’t get more that 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is 3 cups of coffee.
Myth 3. caffeine and changes in bone density. Lately some people say that caffeine affects our bone structure. However, doctors say that this happens only if we consume too much caffeine. If you drink coffee and other drinks with caffeine in moderation, you will not have negative effect on your health. However, if you get more that 400 mg of caffeine daily, it can disrupt metabolism of calcium in bones and this means that your bone density can be reduced and this can lead to increased risk of fractures.
Caffeine even has a positive effect on people who have liver diseases. Besides, it relieves headache. However, just like everything else, caffeine should be used in moderation. Experts also point out that you shouldn’t forget the chocolate you eat and other products that contain caffein when you count how much of it you get lately. Remember that not only coffee contains caffeine.