Coffee may be one of the most popular drinks around, but is it suitable for everyone? Depending on age, the effects of coffee can vary massively, so it’s important to know when you or your child can start drinking coffee.
Caffeine is present in coffee and is a stimulant that can affect people differently. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends different amounts of caffeine intake according to age. For children between the ages of 4-6, a maximum of 45 milligrams of caffeine should be consumed each day. Ages seven to nine should not consume more than 62.5 milligrams, ages 10-12 should not exceed 85 milligrams, and teenagers up to age 18 should not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day.
In terms of coffee specifically, the AHA suggests that children under the age of five should avoid caffeine altogether. This is due to its stimulating effect, as well as its ability to curb appetite. For children aged 5-12, a cup of coffer should generally range from 7oz to 12oz, which contains about 60-100 milligrams of caffeine. For children aged 13-18, a 12-oz cup of coffee contains between 85-100 milligrams of caffeine.
Doctors also warn that drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to nausea, restlessness, and elevated blood pressure. As with adults, children should not drink more coffee than is appropriate for their age, to avoid any of these side effects. Therefore, it is best to wait at least 30 minutes after awakening before consumption.
Regular coffee consumption can also lead to dependencies and withdrawal symptoms, as the body adjusts to its stimulant effect. Therefore, teenagers should limit their consumption to around two cups of coffee per day, and adults should stick to the recommended 200 milligrams.
At the same time, there are plenty of benefits to occasional and responsible coffee consumption. Coffee has been found to stimulate the flow of oxytocin, the ‘happy hormone’ released during social activities, helping people feel more relaxed and content. Furthermore, it can help adults stay alert and increase their concentration.
What Coffee Alternatives are Available?
For those who do not wish to drink coffee, there are plenty of alternatives available. Tea, for example, is a popular non-caffeinated drink made from a variety of plants and herbs. It is loaded with antioxidants and has been linked to many health benefits, including improved cognitive performance and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Finally, there are coffee substitutes, including chicory coffee and dandelion coffee. These are coffee-like alternatives made from roasted root vegetables and plants, with a similar flavor to coffee but much lower caffeine content. They are also loaded with antioxidants and may provide potential benefits such as improved digestion, better sleep, and improved bone health.
Can Babies Drink Coffee?
Generally, the answer is no, as coffee is too stimulating for the body and can contribute to extreme fatigue and lack of appetite in young children. Therefore, parents are advised against giving their baby coffee or coffee-based drinks.
However, a small amount of coffee (no more than one cup) can be introduced to a child’s diet from around the age of two. It is important to note, however, that too much of this stimulant can be highly detrimental to a child’s growing body, so it is better to keep it to a minimum and serve diluted coffee with an added sweetener.
Are There any Health Benefits from Drinking Coffee?
The good news is that there are many potential health benefits associated with drinking coffee, although further research is needed in this area. This includes potential reductions in risk of developing diabetes and some types of cancer, as well as improved mental health, cognitive performance and physical performance.
Additionally, coffee can help boost the metabolism and aid in weight loss, as it helps to burn fat and increase energy levels. Consumption in moderation can also provide antioxidants to help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Are there any Negative Effects of Drinking Coffee?
There are also a few potential side-effects associated with drinking coffee. As mentioned previously, it can cause restlessness, nausea and elevated blood pressure when consumed on an empty stomach, and can make it difficult to sleep.
Coffee may also make it difficult for the body to absorb iron, as caffeine binds to iron in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents it from being properly absorbed. Excessive coffee consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, as well as anxiety, irritability, and headaches.
How to Enjoy Coffee Responsibly
All things considered, it is clear that coffee can have both positive and negative effects on health, so it is important to consume it responsibly. This means limiting your caffeine intake to around 200 milligrams per day, or around 100 milligrams for those aged 12-18. Choosing decaffeinated coffee or adding some milk or cream can also help reduce the stimulant effect.
At the same time, it is important to be aware of any potential health risks and to monitor your child’s caffeine intake. It’s also a good idea to make sure that they get plenty of exercise and adequate rest to help counteract any of the side effects of caffeine.
Effects of Coffee on Teeth
In addition to the potential health benefits and risks associated with coffee, it is also important to consider its effects on teeth. Coffee contains tannins, which can produce a yellow-ish discoloration of the teeth. It is also highly acidic, and this can lead to enamel erosion. Furthermore, coffee can dry out the mouth and reduce the amount of saliva, leading to an increase in bacteria and an unfavorable environment for the teeth.
Therefore, it is important to brush and floss regularly, as well as reduce and/or rinse the mouth after consuming coffee. Using a straw can also help to reduce the contact of coffee with the teeth, as well as the use of a whitening toothpaste to help prevent discoloration.
Alternatives to Coffee
Finally, there are many natural alternatives to coffee that can help people promote alertness and improve focus. This includes superfoods such as dark chocolate and green tea, both of which contain natural sources of stimulants, such as caffeine and theobromine. Additionally, there are many herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and guarana, which are known to improve cognitive performance.
These stimulants can be used to help boost alertness, focus and energy levels, without the need for a cup of coffee. Furthermore, these supplements are generally much lower in caffeine than coffee, meaning that people can still enjoy the benefits without the risks associated with excessive consumption.
