7 Benefits Of Going Caffeine Free
Americans drink coffee more than tea and the caffeine shot means everything from matcha lattes to the 25+ billion dollar energy drinks industry. We know drinking coffee in a limited amount has its benefits, from a faster metabolism to a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, cutting down your espresso drink habit have benefits too.
Let’s check out what all benefits you can have by going caffeine-free:
1. Less anxiety
Feeling increasingly anxious lately? It can be due to too much caffeine. Caffeine offers a burst of energy, which stimulates “fight or flight” hormones in the body. This may cause an increase in anxiety, nervousness, heart palpitations, and even panic attacks.
Those who are already prone to stress and anxiety should avoid coffee and other energy drinks as caffeine can worsen their symptoms. Moreover, higher caffeine intake can increase the chances of depression in adolescents.
2. Better sleep
Some studies show daily coffee intake can alter your sleep cycle, causing restless sleep and daytime drowsiness. If you’re not getting good sleep at night, ensure not to drink caffeine six hours before going to bed. If in case, you want something to drink, you can have green tea after your super.
3. More efficient absorption of nutrients
The tannins in caffeine can slow down the absorption process of nutrients in the body. If you’re not a caffeine drinker, your body may absorb some nutrients better than those who do partake. The nutrients include:
This is true especially if you have very high caffeine intake, an imbalanced diet, or of older age. Restricting caffeine in your diet can ensure that you’re getting all of the nutrients possible from your diet.
4. Healthier (and whiter!) teeth
The high levels of Tannins available in coffee and tea can stain your teeth. This compound can cause build-up and discolored tooth enamel. The acidity in caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda can also lead to enamel wear and decay.
5. Balanced hormones for women
Women may especially benefit from going caffeine-free. Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can alter estrogen levels.
According to a 2012 study, “Drinking 200 milligrams or more of caffeine per day increases estrogen levels in Asian and black women, while white women had slightly lower estrogen levels.”
Variation in estrogen levels is a concerning issue as it increases the risk of various health issues including endometriosis, breast cancers, and ovarian cancers. While caffeine isn’t directly linked to these conditions, high estrogen levels are associated with the causes. Caffeine has also been shown to worsen certain menopause symptoms.
6. A healthy digestion
Caffeine can lead to unpleasant digestive issues. Coffee creates a laxative that stimulates the bowels. Consuming large amounts of coffee can cause diarrhea or loose stools, and even incontinence. Moreover, caffeinated beverages may play a role in developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
7. You may age better
If you’re concerned about aging, it’s better to quit caffeine. Caffeine interferes with collagen formation and reduces the amount of collagen in human skin. Since collagen has a direct effect on the skin, body, and nails, quitting caffeine could mean fewer wrinkles for you.
These are some of the benefits of going caffeine-free. However, ensure not to quit caffeine suddenly, reduce its consumption overtime to avoid caffeine withdrawal.
Yes, you read right. Caffeine withdrawal is a real thing. One of the most unpleasant side effects is headaches. It may not take a few days for one to show up.
Some other symptoms associated with caffeine withdrawal are:
- brain fog
- fatigue
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
To avoid such a situation, ensure to reduce coffee consumption over 6 weeks. According to a study reported in 2019, “Gradually reducing caffeine consumption over 6 weeks lead to successful, long-term caffeine cessation with minimal side effects.”
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