I’m Torn: Caffeine

June 8, 2009 1:00 pm     Posted in Body, Reality  Brithny - Duke University g+ page

giantcoffeecup.jpg

Good to the last...gallon.

[Life isn’t black and white. As much as we wish we simply loved or hated things, there is often that whole annoying gray area in the middle. Like how we love American Apparel basics, but aren't so sure about the gold lame... Or how we love staying on campus all summer, but just aren't so sure we wanna be in the classroom. Damn you, gray area; you make decision-making that much more complicated!]


By Brithny

“One venti double chocolate chip skinny white mocha frappuccino with a single shot of espresso, half whip, skim milk, sugar-free caramel syrup, shaken not stirred.”

Does that sound like you? I, like so many people I know, can’t function without a big mug of Joe in the morning (and one in the afternoon). My eyes won’t even open until the heavenly scent of coffee hits my olfactory glands. Yes, I even grab one on the way to the gym. It’s not my fault – I’ve been conditioned by our go, go, go and caffeine-obsessed culture. But I wonder: is that (extra large) cup of energy-charged caffeine really good for me?

Love It
I admit it: I’m a caffeine addict. Coffee, tea, diet soda, you name it, I drink it. I have many reasons for my addiction, reasons I use to combat the imaginary little guy on my shoulder that tells me all this caffeine is not all that good for me:

Coffee reduces the risk of disease, improves your performance, and even has a few antioxidants in those heavenly beans. Tea has even more health benefits: it fights cancer, lowers cholesterol, strengthens your immune system, and has an amazing amount of EGCG. Some scientists even believe green tea can speed up weight loss. And when you need a fiz fix, there’s nothing like a can of ice-cold Diet Coke. And what about those late-nighters that seem like a college requirement at times? It’s why I currently have 3 cans of Red Bull in my fridge (originally a pack of 4). I mean, I always drink at least 8 cups of water to keep my body happy, but sometimes water just doesn’t cut it.  It doesn’t wake you up like coffee does, doesn’t provide as many health benefits as tea, and isn’t as fun to drink in a little cafe with your friends while you catch up on the weekend’s happenings. So be quiet, imaginary little anti-caffeine man and let me enjoy my caffeine in peace.

Loathe It
There’s a reason why humans are only supposed to consume under 300 mg of caffeine daily, which is equivalent to about 3 cups of coffee. (And I’m talking actual cups, not those giant venti things I’ve been walking around with.) Too much can cause twitching, an increased heart rate, tremors, upset stomachs, anxiety, and insomnia. Since caffeine is a diuretic, it can also lead to calcium loss which can ultimately lead to reduced bone mass and even ostereoporosis. Not to mention, too much caffeine leads to frequent trips to the bathroom (I don’t know about you, but this is why I never drink before long trips). Dark caffeinated beverages like coffee and Coke also stains your teeth and make your once-pearly whites not so white or pearly anymore.

I love my caffeine and could never give it up (just…can’t…do it….), but I do try to limit my intake so I don’t become too jittery and high-strung. And I’m working more milk into my diet to offset the calcium loss. And I’m brushing my teeth more often. And I’m….well, I’m doing anything to keep from breaking up with my Starbucks barista.

What about you? Are you trying to decrease your consumption as well? Or will you still make your (twice) daily latte runs?

9 Comments on "I’m Torn: Caffeine"

  1. Jenny says:
    Mon, 8th Jun 20099:09 am 

    I don't drink coffee as a habit. I can go for a small iced coffee once a week, but other than that, I go without. I drink soda pretty often, but I don't find myself craving it if I don't have any in the house.

    My mom is horribly addicted to caffeine to the point where she gets very ill if she doesn't have her morning cup. She's an extreme case, but seeing her go through withdrawals so badly has turned me off to relying on caffeinated drinks in the morning.

  2. Kelly says:
    Mon, 8th Jun 200911:41 am 

    I can't go without it. I drink almost a pot of coffee a day and if I skip a cup or go too long without drinking any I get headaches, stomachaches, and get really irritable. When I'm stressed it calms me down, and when I need to study I just drink tons of it until I get the jitters and can crank out a ten-page paper (its my legal form of Adderall). Plus, it protects and helps repair your liver from corrosion from late nights out at the bars.

  3. Liz says:
    Mon, 8th Jun 200910:04 pm 

    I never understood coffee, I'm all about the milk and probably drink close to a gallon a day. I'd have my own cow if I could…

  4. sara says:
    Tue, 9th Jun 20096:38 am 

    I love coffee though I try to limit myself to a cup or two in the morning and around 4oclock. I can do mornings without it, but every day around 4 I get exhausted without fail, and if I don't have my coffee I can't function because I'm so sleepy and I inevitably take a long nap. I have read that two cups of black coffee a day is actually healthy for your heart and reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers. However that is BLACK coffee not any fattening cream, sugar or sweeteners.

  5. Claudio says:
    Tue, 9th Jun 200911:52 am 

    I drink 2 to 3 cups a day….sometimes I have tea in the place of one of those thou…..trying to cut down since i go to the gym as much as i can and i kno its not all that good but, i dont drink dark sodas or red bulls…..so im guessin thats good no?…..I drink alot of water too

  6. Dermify says:
    Mon, 15th Jun 20097:07 am 

    Don't really like drinking coffee all that much but some days just have to due to lack of sleep..

  7. NedNoD says:
    Tue, 16th Jun 20095:06 am 

    I require coffee. If this woman doesn't get coffee, there will be hell to pay. Migraines, grogginess, general foul mood make for a bad day for the entire 5 mile radius.

    I get kidney stones and I refuse to give it up. The doctor told me, when I first got them, that I need to give up soda. Ok, done. I need to cut back on chocolate, hesitant, but if I can have the REALLY good stuff now and then (the imported stuff or the expensive Schaffenberger stuff) I'm fine. Give up coffee? You'll have to catch me first! After actually researching my type of kidney stones, calcium oxalate, it turns out that my other vice- dark leafy greens (mostly Saag paneer- the most delicious spinach indian dish on the planet) is more of a culprit than the coffee. So take that Dr. man! This woman gives up coffee for NO ONE.

  8. Claire says:
    Thu, 18th Jun 20093:01 pm 

    I love coffee and actually get headaches if I haven't had one by a certain time. I do try to limit myself to 3 at the most. I could never give it up though. I love it!

  9. Laura says:
    Wed, 24th Mar 20104:33 am 

    I've only had coffee once so it's good, but I resist the peer pressure (seeing everyone enjoy it around me). Plus my wallet says no. And I'm cutting back on soda and replacing it with water since I have high blood pressure and don't need to gain more weight or stain my teeth.

Tell us what you're thinking...