Health implications
Coffee consumption during the teenage years has become an increasingly topical issue. While studies suggest that, when consumed in moderation, coffee can promote ‘alertness’ and ‘higher levels of concentration’, there is also a growing body of research highlighting the potential risks associated with coffee consumption for young people.
One of the most commonly cited risks is that coffee can increase teenagers’ risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Recent research has shown that excessive caffeine consumption can cause problems such as migraines and insomnia, as well as increasing the chances of developing high blood pressure. Additionally, regular coffee drinking has been linked to higher levels of stress, which can have a negative effect on teenagers’ physical and mental health.
Nutrition
When it comes to nutrition, coffee can have a variety of detrimental effects on teenage health as well. While coffee contains some beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, it can also consequently deplete important vitamins and minerals. Coffee consumption has been linked to calcium deficiency and lower levels of Vitamin D, both of which are important for healthy bones and teeth. In addition, the high amounts of caffeine in coffee can contribute to dehydration, since it acts as a diuretic.
Additionally, many teenagers tend to drink coffee in order to ‘fill up’ or provide them with a quick source of energy. However, relying on coffee for sustenance can be detrimental to their health in the long run. Consumption of caffeine in the form of coffee can lead to imbalances in levels of the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which can disrupt a person’s appetite and lead to excessive calorie intake.
Dependence
In addition to the aforementioned health issues, there are also potential risks associated with teenagers becoming dependent on coffee. Consuming caffeine in excessive amounts can impair teenagers’ thought processes, leading to problems with concentration and focus. Moreover, over-dependence on coffee can lead to issues such as irritability, headaches, and fatigue.
Those who become heavily dependent on coffee may experience difficulty in refraining from its consumption, and they may crave coffee even when they are not feeling particularly tired. In the short-term, this can lead to decreased productivity and emotional disruptions, while in the long-run it can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.
Economic implications
The economic repercussions of excessive coffee consumption in teenagers should also not be overlooked. Unfortunately, youngsters are increasingly opting for cheaper, low-cost alternatives, such as instant coffee or pre-made coffee drinks, due to their accessibility and convenience. When consumed daily, these cheaper choices can have detrimental effects on their health, such as contributing to weight gain, due to their high sugar and calories content.
The economic implications of teenagers’ coffee consumption should also be taken into account. A regular coffee habit could potentially lead to economic vulnerability due to being unable to limit expenditure on coffees, leading to more severe monetary trouble later in life.
Expert advice
Experts generally go for a ‘moderation’ approach when it comes to coffee consumption for teenagers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents aged between 12 and 18 should not consume more than 100mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to a cup of brewed coffee.
For those teenagers who do consume coffee, experts also advise them to opt for an interesting yet healthy selection, such as a cappuccino or a chai latte, instead of simply drinking classic black coffee. Additionally, experts recommend opting for organic and ethically sourced coffees instead of low-cost mass produced alternatives.
Social aspects
The social considerations associated with a teenage coffee drinking habit should not be overlooked. Young people often find themselves under pressure to conform to the ‘peer norms’ that develop around coffee consumption, and those who don’t conform may be seen as different or out of the norm. This can lead to negative implications for their self-esteem.
It is important for teenagers to understand that it is perfectly acceptable not to drink coffee, and that pressing health issues are not the only consideration when it comes to deciding whether to consume coffee. There is also the environmental impact of coffee production to consider, since coffee cultivation is associated with a range of environmental issues, from water pollution to deforestation.
Marketing strategies
Another important consideration for teenagers is the increasingly prevalent use of targeted marketing strategies by coffee companies. These companies recognize how attractive coffee consumption is to young people, and often target them with advertisements and promotional offers. This can influence teenagers’ attitudes towards coffee consumption, and may have a detrimental effect on their decision-making capacity.
It is important for teenagers to be aware of these strategies, as they may incorrectly view coffee consumption as ‘normal’ or even desirable, leading to dangerous over-consumption. When it comes to assessing the potential benefits and risks of coffee consumption on a regular basis, teenagers should look past the attractive packaging and advertising strategies, and instead consider the long-term health implications.
Life-balance
In order to make an informed decision about whether to drink coffee on a day-to-day basis, teenagers should also consider how it might affect their day-to-day activities. Coffee consumption can negatively impact teenagers’ academic performance, as it can lead to decreased attention and concentration in class.
Having a regular coffee habit can also lead to problems with physical health, by disrupting sleep patterns, causing headaches and dizziness, and leading to a reliance on coffee for energy instead of healthy activities, such as exercise.
Therefore, it is important for teenagers to assess the potential benefits and risks of drinking coffee, and determine how it might affect their life balance. It is also essential that teenagers understand that coffee consumption should only be done occasionally and in moderation, and that its consumption should not be taken lightly.
