CAFFEINE AND CARDIAC HEALTH

Your daily cup of tea or coffee may come with a punch that lands on your heart. But the evidence is not confirmed, as is always the case with such issues.

Caffeine is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It is an alkaloid, like nicotine of cigarettes fame, and the older deadly brothers like morphine and cocaine. The most popular products consumed for their caffeine amounts, other than coffee, are cola drinks like Pepsi, tea, chocolates, energy drinks, and cocoa products.

What does it do?
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, keeps the person awake, and alert, with quick responses. It stimulates to the point of controlled excitement, unlike its older deadly brothers that drive you overboard. Hence it is the preferred slow poison of the masses - half the Americans having at least a cup, and two-thirds in England having a cup of tea daily.

Why is it popular?
Coffee and tea do not produce steep excitement, so people tend to drink more and more, perhaps to get some energy from the sugar and milk used alongside. They are more like a snack for a short break. Another reason is social - invite someone for a cup of tea - and that is the most perfect way to invite anyone, anywhere. You don't invite them for cocaine or marijuana, do you? It bonds people together.

Why is it harmful?
Anything taken in excess is harmful. Now researchers, and they are always on the look out for such popular items, have found the adverse effects of caffeine on the heart. As if no one ever suspected a stimulant to affect the heart in any way. And the effects are for overuse. We told you earlier about excesses. So the story isn't new, and the effects are known, only given a technical dress - arrhythmias, and so on. Another bad effect is loss of calcium.

Any Benefits?
A popular drink must have some benefits. Tea and coffee contain anti-oxidants and other beneficial chemicals that have a refreshing effect on your body. They keep you looking and feeling younger with age.

What to do?
It seems a far fathced idea that a few cups could do such a damage. Many other factors like your general health and exercise patterns should also be taken into account. We would advise switching from coffee to tea, as the latter contains only half as much of caffeine.