Caffeine

Is there a big difference between synthetic and natural caffeine? Which gives a stronger jolt? Does it even matter?

Natural caffeine in coffee, tea, and chocolate is much less common than the synthetic caffeine found in so many other products.

Caffeine is found in plant species such as the more popular ones like Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta, as well as tea leaves, kola nuts, cacao beans, Yerba mate and guarana berries.

Not only does naturally-occurring caffeine from said plants keep your cognitive functions at their peak, but it also contains antioxidants that help you fight illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Caffeine is NOT addictive, but it sure is habit-forming. You don’t hear about coffee addicts robbing stores and hijacking motorists to get money for a fix. That’s because while caffeine does cause dependence, it isn’t in the same category as opiates or alcohol.

Considered as supplements, these are your caffeine fix taken in capsule form. They may have natural caffeine straight from the brewing process, while others may have synthetic or artificial caffeine.

Caffeine pills provide the same stimulating benefits as coffee and other caffeine beverages.

Note that caffeine pills aren’t exactly those caffeine powder you see in bulk from the retail stores. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA considers caffeine powder as “potentially dangerous.” [1] Caffeine pills are generally safe, though there are some precautions to note, which we’ll talk about later.

You have it every day. You know exactly what to tell the barista the moment you step into the café.

Coffee - it’s second nature to you.

You may have heard a lot about what it does to your body – its surprising benefits and side effects alike.

But can you really tell which is truth from #fakenews?

Today we’re going to do some myth busting.

Here are 3 things about coffee – and what the real score is.

The holidays are upon us. It’s only October but with the rate this year has gotten to the tail-end, we’ll all be wearing our favorite sweatshirts (forcibly or otherwise) and devouring the holiday away in no time.

The forward-looking you will already be starting to watch that *extra holiday weight* before the holiday even starts.

But one step at a time, right? After all, there’s a few weeks left before the celebrations and holiday parties officially kick in.

If the java lover in you has ever been curious whether caffeine can help curb the appetite, now is the perfect time to find some answers.

The word on the street is that caffeine is one of the best appetite suppressants.

Spoiler alert: researches tell us the jury’s still out on this one. 

For us coffee junkies, coffee is a staple part of our day.

Without it, we’re essentially a zombie rolling out of bed.

One cup is all it takes to bring us to life. And there’s nothing better than an aromatic smell of freshly brewed coffee right?

Unfortunately, sometimes this aromatic smell comes with a not-so-pleasant odor.

Coffee breath is the bane of the otherwise epic experience of enjoying your daily cup of joe.

Mixing up caffeine and antibiotics – yay or nay?

If you’re under medication, specifically antibiotics, but is yearning to reach for that cup of joe, then this is a very important question.

According to a report by the New York Times, coffee can prevent some of the medications from working. [1] Depending on the drug you’re taking, coffee – or any other caffeine source – can either amplify its effects, increase the side effects, or block the absorption.

Some interactions are even considered lethal, while others may only need a consultation with a medical professional.

Adverse effects include reduced absorption [2, 3], heightened side effects, and prolonging the drug's stay in your system.

With the help of rx.com, we’ve listed down a few drugs that may have direct impact in your system when mixed with caffeine. [4] 

No one’s spared from it.

Most, if not all, of us have had stinky breath at one point or another (like the first time you open your mouth, yawning in the morning).

Usually, there’s no cause for worry. Bad breath happens when there’s a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.

Luckily, there are several ways to fix it… whether you’re on-the-go or in need of long-term solutions.

Achieving a healthy disposition and well-being can be as simple as keeping yourself hydrated.

Can’t put two and two together?

Studies show that poor hydration leads to poor health. 

So what does this mean for coffee-lovers and caffeine junkies?

Some people say that caffeine can make you dehydrated.

But is there any truth to this? Or is it just another #fakenews alert?

About 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine in one product or another.

Does caffeine really stunt growth? Or is it a mere urban legend? Here are some reasons why this may NOT necessarily be gospel truth, plus some evidence-based studies bringing us good news that caffeine does not hamper growth.

Caffeine appears to raise blood pressure, in some people in the short term and in others in the long term. This is an important question because 80 percent of Americans drink coffee every day and about 90 percent of people worldwide consume caffeine in one product or another.

It's also an important question because high blood pressure can cause strokes or heart attacks.