Nutrition Info 101: What are the benefits of caffeine?

July 16, 8:16 AMNutrition ExaminerCarol Bardelli

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It's all right to love your caffeinated beverage.

Over the years caffeine has been both demonized and glorified. Studies yielded various outcomes and gave the media fuel for reporting both sides of the story. Caffeine was bad for your heart (if your had heart disease and drank 10 cups a day.) Caffeine was good for your metabolism (again, one study claimed only if your drank it to excess.) So what's the truth about caffeine? Does drinking caffeine have benefits?

Despite all the negative media caffeine has received, the majority of science on caffeine showed a safe level of consumption was as high as 300 mg or about two cups of coffee per day. And a recent report on Alzeimers disease, and brain function in the general public, shows the amount of caffeine in up to six cups of coffee improved memory without detrimental effects.

Reliable scientific studies show caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea have various health benefits. Caffeine actually does aid active people in increasing fatty acid metabolism. This means if you exercise often, and with enough intensity, caffeine can help you burn more body fat. Athletes, bodybuilders, and gym goers often drink caffeinated beverages to increase their performance also. More powerful workouts of longer endurance mean greater fitness, fat burning, and weight control beyond the boost in fat metabolism.

Drinking caffeinated beverages can reduce your risk of developing some cancers, prevent type II diabetes by reducing sugar metabolism, and lessen chances of developing Parkinson's disease. Caffeine may also prevent conditions as diverse as headaches and cavities. Caffeine boosts your mood, makes you more alert, slightly raises brain function, and even aids your endurance for sticking with and completing mental and physical tasks.

Another great source of caffeine is also full of healthy antioxidents. Dark chocolate packs a double health boost by delivering antioxidants and caffeine together in a thoroughly enjoyable and sweet package. A serving of 70 percent cacao (or cocoa) chocolate has 230 calories. Cacao, from cacao beans, contains antioxidants known as flavanols. These compounds have health benefits including the ability to reduce atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and impeding the formation of tumors. Cacao can also help lower blood pressure. Even foods and beverages we love can offer healthy ingredients. Remember, a little bit of dark chocolate or sweet cocoa can go along way. 

For more info: The Latest Performance Benefits Of Caffeine.

 FACT... Cacao has a 10% Antioxidant Concentration Level, making it the HIGHEST antioxidant food on the planet. Yes, you read that correctly, raw chocolate.