PROS AND CONS OF CAFFEINE By: Susan Gazerro There is so much controversy about caffeine. Is it good for you? Is it bad for you? Does it help you to lose weight? Is it bad for your heart? There are so many questions. I decided to do my own research, as I do drink one or two cups of coffee each day so I wanted to find the truth! The first article I came across was very positive. It clearly stated that caffeine can improve memory, decrease fatigue, improve your mental functioning, and study after study showed that coffee can improve your shortterm memory and speed up your reaction times. This was all according to a study presented in 2005, at the Radiological Society of North America.
Many students have used coffee, soda, or energy drinks to caffeinate themselves while studying and taking exams or just to stay awake for a long day of lectures. Coffee has become such a staple of everyday life that you can barely go a block before finding a coffee shop. This is especially true here in the Northeast. We have a coffee shop on every corner. Every other week, an article comes out either praising caffeine for its health benefits or criticizing its side effects. So, should you stop drinking coffee or should you invest in a coffee machine? Let’s go back to those previous pros and cons. Pro: Energy
Another article I read had more pros than cons, as is shown below: • Pro: Energy • Con: Stopping caffeine causes withdrawal symptoms. • Pro: Caffeine is not addictive. • Con: Interferes with sleep • Pro: Long term health benefits • Pro: Not just for coffee lovers • Con: Caffeine has different strengths in different products. • Pro: Coffee is widely popular in social settings.
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The reason most people are so dependent on coffee is because it gives them energy. This often translates to better performance at school and work, and moderate caffeine intake can even improve mental health. Con: Stopping caffeine causes withdrawal. Caffeine withdrawal is real and symptoms range from the “Monday morning blues,” to headaches and muscle pain.
