The Benefits and Risks of Caffeine
Caffeine is a widely available and consumed compound that is commonly found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and more. More than 85% of the adult population in the US consume caffeine daily. It is often consumed for its properties as a stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain management and can be found in multiple over-the-counter medications. Due to caffeine's wide usage and few adverse effects, considerable research has been done on its potential medical benefits.
Studies have shown that that caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system (CNS), which increases heart rate and pressure and improves the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Ongoing research is being conducted to focus on caffeine’s anticancer properties, which can help suppress and stop tumor growth. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with 19.3 million cases in 2020, resulting in 10 million deaths.
Cancer cells have certain characteristics responsible for their growth and spread. Caffeine and its components have been found to slow or stop some of these properties such as resistance to apoptosis (cell death) and cellular senescence (cell aging). In a study conducted by Damnhour University it was found that after treating cells with various doses of caffeine, caffeine was able to cause an increase in cancer cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability. It was also found that combining caffeine with other drugs was able to cause tumor regression in mice, which shows promise for humans.
Studies have shown that that caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system (CNS), which increases heart rate and pressure and improves the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Ongoing research is being conducted to focus on caffeine’s anticancer properties, which can help suppress and stop tumor growth. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with 19.3 million cases in 2020, resulting in 10 million deaths.
Cancer cells have certain characteristics responsible for their growth and spread. Caffeine and its components have been found to slow or stop some of these properties such as resistance to apoptosis (cell death) and cellular senescence (cell aging). In a study conducted by Damnhour University it was found that after treating cells with various doses of caffeine, caffeine was able to cause an increase in cancer cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability. It was also found that combining caffeine with other drugs was able to cause tumor regression in mice, which shows promise for humans.
Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive and bioactive molecule in the world.
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Caffeine also has anti-inflammatory effects on the body. With its properties on the immune system, caffeine has shown effects on multiple sclerosis. It was found that mice with multiple sclerosis were treated with caffeine in drinking water, and results showed that caffeine was able to slow the spread of inflammation. Another study found that when caffeine was combined with stem cell treatment to treat rheumatoid arthritis, it helped reduce the severity of the disease.
Caffeine is the most common psychoactive compound consumed by the world, and athletes are no exception. 75-90% of athletes consume caffeine before and/or during activity as it is believed to be an ergogenic substance, improving performance and recovery. It has been shown that low doses of caffeine increase attention, alertness, and mood during and after exercise while other studies show improvement in resistance training in muscle strength, endurance, and speed.
Research has shown that caffeine can have beneficial medical effects. However, consumption of caffeine should be moderated. Individuals with a high dose and long-term consumption of caffeine have been shown to have further risk of cardiovascular disease compared to individuals with lower consumption. Finding a balance will be key to unlocking its medical potential.
Caffeine is the most common psychoactive compound consumed by the world, and athletes are no exception. 75-90% of athletes consume caffeine before and/or during activity as it is believed to be an ergogenic substance, improving performance and recovery. It has been shown that low doses of caffeine increase attention, alertness, and mood during and after exercise while other studies show improvement in resistance training in muscle strength, endurance, and speed.
Research has shown that caffeine can have beneficial medical effects. However, consumption of caffeine should be moderated. Individuals with a high dose and long-term consumption of caffeine have been shown to have further risk of cardiovascular disease compared to individuals with lower consumption. Finding a balance will be key to unlocking its medical potential.
Featured Image Source: Myriams-Fotos
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