Coffee can become part of our everyday life, and not just because it tastes so great.
Many men rely upon it for an early morning or afternoon boost when we’re feeling mentally or physically drained.
Then there are those who take it to the next level with high-octane energy drinks. Everyone should be aware of the documented side effects.
Helping With Memory
Food and Drug Administration experts say about 80% of adults in the U.S. consume caffeine in some form on a daily basis. It impacts human nervous systems almost immediately, reaching a peak of effectiveness within roughly an hour of consumption, according to the Harvard Medical School.
But there are other notable impacts. The Journal of Gerontology reports that consuming the amount of caffeine recommended by experts can also help deter dementia.
Adults 65 and older who were surveyed reported less memory loss after ingesting two to three servings of eight-ounce cups of coffee on a daily basis over a decade. Conversely, those who drank a half a cup or less said they had more symptoms of dementia.
Heart Health
Caffeine can have a negative impact on men’s heart health. These reactions vary, of course, depending on the subsection of men. General confirmed effects included temporary elevation of blood pressure and heart rate, and that can be particularly worrisome for those dealing with cardiopulmonary disease.
Regular consumption of coffee among healthy people doesn’t generally lead to arrhythmias, according to the Journal of the American Heart Association. (The body eliminates as much as half of your caffeine intake within four to six hours.)
Your blood pressure may rise initially while drinking coffee, but regular drinkers are 50% less likely to die from heart failure as those who don’t imbibe, according to Men’s Health.
Managing Your Coffee
If you are worried about caffeine, consult your personal physician to discuss its impact on your cardiovascular system.
Be honest about your relationship with coffee, and how your schedule impacts your stress levels and caffeine intake. They may make specific recommendations about how to manage your consumption.
The American Medical Association specifically recommends that people avoid energy drinks, since they have a more negative impact on electrocardiograms than teas or coffee.