Just as scientists have discovered new benefits from aspirin, they’re also finding surprising ways that another common drug—caffeine—can give us a boost in the health department. Here’s a taste.
Exercise easier. New research suggests that caffeine inhibits spinal nerves that transmit pain messages to the brain. Now, in plain English: You can beat the muscle burn you typically feel during workouts with a cup or two of coffee beforehand. (Just check with your doctor if you have any complicating health concerns—like high blood pressure.)
Relieve minor aches and pains. Even when you’re not exercising, caffeine can act as a mild pain-reliever. That’s why it’s listed as an ingredient in many OTC pain-relief medications.
Head off a headache. Taking caffeine and ibuprofen relieves headaches more effectively than taking ibuprofen alone. The amount of caffeine in two cups of coffee seems to do the trick.
Rev your metabolism. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which helps you burn calories even when you’re not doing much of anything active.
Soothe a hangover. If you grab for a cup of coffee after a night of a little too much wine, your instinct is right. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can help relieve that headache and morning-after feeling.
Recharge your day. To beat an energy dip in the afternoon, try sipping 2 ounces of coffee every hour from 10 AM until 2 PM. Even that small amount will get you through.
Stop an asthma attack. If you’re caught without your medication, have some espresso. The caffeine in a shot or two may open narrowed bronchial tubes.
Save your memory. The research is preliminary, but there’s some evidence that coffee may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Older women who drank three cups or more per day were 70% less likely to have forgetfulness than those who drank a cup or less.
But before you go straight to the coffeemaker to chug, keep in mind that caffeine is a drug. Too much will make your life feel even more stressful. It will also disrupt sleep, which can bring on a world of health problems. So keep caffeine to a level you can handle without any nasty side effects. And if specialty coffees are your addiction, you should know that the typical fancy latte contains 210 calories and 11 grams of fat. Drink that every day instead of plain, and you’ll be getting an extra 73,000 calories (or the equivalent of 21 pounds) per year!
Anything that has been around for this long without any sevire side affects is good in my book. Natural is always better.
BELINDA REEVES ON 8-25-09 12:27 P.M.
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