Tuesday, August 5, 2008

caffeine

Coffee, Coke, Tea... what's your poison?
I personally have almost zero tolerance for caffeine anymore.  But I read an interesting article and want to pass on what I learned.

Coffee itself contains more antioxidants than other beverages.  It can possibly lower the risks of liver cancer and type 2 diabetes, whether it is caffeinated or not.  Caffeinated coffee may reduce incidence of gallstones and lower the risk of Parkinson's.
Caffeine in any form can improve focus, memory, reduce fatigue, and possibly stave off Alzheimer's.  There are a lot of claims as to the benefits of caffeine.
So enjoy your daily cuppa whatever and don't feel guilty about it.  

But we do need to remember that caffeine is a drug.  You need to decide how much you are willing to be controlled by that substance.  If you can't say no - then it is controlling you.

The article I read suggests that if you need the caffeine to function then you likely have an underlying problem that should be addressed.  Poor sleep, bad diet or perhaps a thyroid or other metabolic problem.

It is recommended that you take breaks from your caffeine habit on a regular basis.  Cut back gradually and eat a more alkaline diet, which would be more fruits and veggies and less carbs, cheese and meat.  Increase your vitamin C, B complex,  and calcium and magnesium to help you through the process of quitting.

Like every good thing, we need to maintain moderation.  So enjoy your coffee, coke, tea, or whatever, but you be the one in charge.

10 comments:

Julie said...

No problem. I shall continue at your insistance. :)

Robin said...

I don't drink carbonated beverages, coffee or tea... does that mean I'm doomed? haha I do partake in the occasional chocolate though.

Momstheword said...

Isn't it funny how one report says something is bad for us, then another report comes out that says it's good for us? I guess moderation is the answer. Sounds strange coming from me! :)

Melanie said...

GREAT! I LOVE this post!!!

Robin said...

Hi Kay - just an FYI - I noticed on blogger they now have a bunch of new gadgets you can add to your blog - like calorie counters, clocks, dictionaries, etc. Just go to customize to check them out.

Robin said...

Kay - I linked to your blog on a new blog that I will post on probably rarely, but wanted to use those new gadgets...

Robin said...

oops forgot to give you the link - http://2livehealthylives.blogspot.com/

Julie said...

Robin,
You are funny...a blog just so you can use the gadgets.

Robin said...

Hi Julie - I know I'm crazy...I started putting the gadgets on my Actions Speak Loudest blog and decided against it because they aren't really the purpose for that blog...so I thought well just make another and whenever I want to play with the gadgets go there. I already put a post up (well at 7am tomorrow it will go up) for tomorrow. Not sure how often I will post - probably just recipes and such as I decide to share. Or maybe once I have the baby I will talk about weight loss...maybe nursing...who knows...guess we will have to wait and see.

God's Girl said...

oooooo.... thanks for the reminder.

Have a wonderful week.