In today’s fast paced world, caffeine is often a vice one uses to give them assistance for a hectic day. From the bright mornings when energy is needed to attend their morning classes or for late night study sessions, coffee is constantly consumed around the world, especially with young adults.
But as reliance on caffeinated drinks grows, a critical question arises: is the daily routine healthy in the long run?
In the article, “How Much Caffeine is Too Much for Young Adolescents?” found in the National Library of Medicine by Hae-wol Cho says, “excessive caffeine intake by adolescents has been associated with a number of detrimental health effects such as nervousness, irritability, nausea, sleep impairment”, as well as other various effects. I can personally relate to these symptoms, especially during a day where I don’t consume my regular amount of caffeine, which as an avid coffee drinker can feel detrimental. I become angry easily, sleepy, and feel less involved. Along with the painful sensation of headaches, I often experience underscoring the deep dependence I have on my morning cup of joe.
Overconsumption of caffeine itself can also disrupt sleep and affect your motor skills, leading to twitching or pacing. As much as the supplement can help you concentrate, it can also force you into feeling like you are in overdrive, too aware of your surroundings, overstimulated and tense, or too jittery to concentrate.
As much as it is heavily relied on, too much caffeine can also stunt your growth, which is why it is significant to know your limits, especially if you are young.
Coffee does still have a variety of positive effects. According to “What does Caffeine do to your body?“ by Peter Morales- Brown caffeine not only helps you focus and supplies you with energy in the beginning of a challenging task, it can also help process information speedily, improve your mood, stimulate brain activity, and boost logical reasoning. It is proven that coffee can promote sharp cognitive function, better mental health, and a fresher start to your day.
So should young adolescents continue to drink caffeine on the daily? My answer is a resounding yes. Grab your matcha, espresso shots, coffee or frappuccinos to give your morning a more enjoyable start.
Just don’t go over kill, and regulate your coffee intake. You don’t want to end up sleep deprived if you consume too much, and definitely don’t want a pounding migraine on the side of a not-so-entertaining-day.
Drink it while you study, while you are getting ready, maybe even drink it in the shower. Just drink the right amount. Preferably less than two cups, but make sure to eat something in addition to that.
You can’t run solely on caffeine, though this might be hypocritical coming from me, as it isn’t healthy. And a tip of advice, do not load your coffee with sugar and half cups of milk. Caffeine should be something you consume to smooth around the edges, not something you rely on.