For that instant boost, many of us enjoy starting our days with a steaming cup of coffee. Although caffeine, which can be found in drinks like tea and coffee, acts as a natural stimulant that improves mood and cognitive function when consumed in the proper quantity, an excess can cause a number of health-related issues.
“Excess caffeine can cause insomnia, restlessness, nausea, and increased heart rate. Also, one must avoid it during the pregnancy,” remarked Dr. Jyoti Khanijoh, the department head of the Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Max Super Speciality Hospital.
She added, “According to various studies, the side effects of caffeine may also include general toxicity, and is likely to affect the heart, bone, reproduction, and overall development.”
Consequently, how much caffeine should one take in?
Dr. Jyoti advised ingesting 200 mg to 400 mg of caffeine, or about 2-3 cups of coffee.
Do you have any alternatives?
Smitha Shetty, a lifestyle dietitian, claims that although there are no actual alternatives for coffee, one can balance their intake by, “eating foods that help keep you feeling energetic throughout the day. Also, exercising regularly will lead to a release of dopamine and promote sleep, which will make you feel fresh. You can also try picking up a hobby,” she said.
However, if you want to stop drinking coffee, “start with tapering caffeine consumption and gradually replace it with drinks like cumin-coriander tea, lemongrass tea, decaf herbal chai, and carob (closest substitute of chocolate),” Smitha recommended.
