In today’s coffee-drinking culture, it seems you can’t be considered an adult until you’ve had your first cup of coffee. However, when it comes to the age when coffee is appropriate, the answer isn’t so simple. From experts who say drinking coffee from a young age is beneficial to those who disagree and even warn against consumption, the internet can lead you in circles when you’re looking for an answer about when to start drinking coffee. So, what are kids and teens supposed to do?
Naturally, parents may have concerns about their children and caffeine consumption. Caffeine can stay in the body for up to 10 hours, affecting the person’s mood and sleep. For those who may be particularly sensitive, caffeine can make them jittery and give them headaches. Additionally, those with certain medical conditions, such as anxiety or cardiac ailments, may find that caffeine exacerbates the symptoms.
However, there are experts who say that – used responsibly – caffeine can also be beneficial to young people. Coffee may help improve alertness and concentration, help reduce fatigue and pain after physical exercise, and contain important minerals such as potassium that can improve a young person’s diet. Its anti-inflammatory effects can boost a person’s immunity, while its antioxidant properties can protect against cell damage, lowering the risk of certain illnesses.
In terms of age and safe consumption, healthcare professionals recommend that children under the age of 15 should not drink coffee at all, as their bodies are still immature and are more susceptible to caffeine’s effects. Additionally, pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should abstain from caffeine, as its effects on the baby can be harmful.
If someone between 15 and 18 wants to drink coffee, then it is best not to have more than one cup a day, as an excess of it can lead to addiction. Approaching coffee in moderate amounts at an early age can help with developing healthy habits, and it can be especially helpful for those who have to focus, such as students.
As long as caffeine is consumed responsibly and within safe, recommended amounts, it can be beneficial to people of all ages, young or old. People who already drink coffee can monitor their intake to make sure they are within the recommended limit, while those who don’t can start out by trying decaffeinated coffee in order to overcome any potential side effects.
Health Risks
Despite the potential benefits of drinking coffee, especially in moderation, people should be aware of the health risks associated with it. The most common thing to be aware of is the high caffeine content in a cup of coffee. In comparison to tea, for example, where a cup of tea can contain between 60-90mg of caffeine, a cup of coffee can contain up to 200mg of caffeine. This can lead to anxiety in particular, along with dizziness, nausea, headaches and palpitations.
Too much caffeine can also have an adverse effect on a person’s blood sugar levels, raising them significantly. This could result in further health conditions for those who have pre-existing sugar problems, such as diabetes. Caffeine is also an appetite suppressant, which can reduce a person’s appetite and cause unhealthy weight loss, which could in turn worsen pre-existing medical conditions.
There is also the potential for addiction in heavy coffee drinkers, meaning they can feel unwell or suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they don’t consume coffee on their usual schedule. Withdrawal symptoms a person might experience include headaches, fatigue and low energy.
While it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects of drinking coffee, the reality is that it can be beneficial in moderation and when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Advantages and Benefits
Despite the potential risks, regular consumption of coffee has many advantages to offer. In terms of healthy habits, its antioxidant properties make it a great ally for the body. It can reduce the risk of chronic disease such as cancer and diabetes, help reduce inflammation and improve the immune system.
Coffee has benefits for your mental health, too. It can alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety and can boost mood and concentration levels.
Coffee drinkers can also increase their creativity, as it puts them in a better state of mind to solve problems and come up with new ideas. Studies show that it can improve a person’s short-term memory and reaction times, making it useful for those who have to stay alert, such as students and night workers.
Regular coffee consumption can also help protect the brain from degenerative diseases. This can happen thanks to the antioxidants which are present in coffee, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the brain from damage.
As an additional bonus, coffee can also help with weight loss. Studies show that when combined with a healthy diet, it can help boost metabolism and burn fat.
Coffee Alternatives
If people are not ready to try coffee yet, there is the option of trying different types of coffee-based drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas. These can contain less caffeine, as well as added flavors that can help cover up coffee’s bitterness.
Aside from coffee-based drinks, there are plenty of other alternatives with similar stimulating benefits. Tea, for example, provides a more gentle form of stimulation than coffee, with less caffeine per cup. Other alternatives include matcha, yerba mate and guayusa, all of which contain higher amounts of antioxidants and provide the same stimulating effects.
Supplements such as ginseng and green tea extract are also good alternatives to coffee, as they provide stimulative effects without the high caffeine content. Plus, there are also many Infusions such as ginger and turmeric, which can provide additional nutrients, as well as being very calming drinks.
Coffee Consumption Habits
Coffee consumption habits should be developed at an early age so that an individual can learn how to consume coffee responsibly. This means that they should learn when it is socially appropriate to drink coffee, and how to drink it in moderation. In addition, they should be aware of their own health, and whether any medical conditions they may have could be adversely affected by consuming too much caffeine.
It’s also important to stay informed to find out what is and isn’t good for you. The internet can provide a wealth of information, as can healthcare professionals and dieticians—talking about your health with a professional can help you make the right decisions for yourself.
Finally, it is important to consider the taste of your coffee. Not everyone is a fan of the bitter flavor of coffee and some people may need to search for alternatives that contain less caffeine but still offer enough stimulation. There is a wide variety of coffees and other beverages available, and the most important thing is to find something that appeals to you.
Coffee in The Morning
One of the most popular reasons that people drink coffee is to help them wake up in the morning and get ready for the day. There is scientific evidence that suggests that caffeine can help to improve alertness and concentration, and studies have shown that it can even help to reduce fatigue and pain after physical exercise. In other words, having a cup of coffee in the morning can give your body an energy boost – just make sure that you don’t have too much, as that can lead to adverse effects.
Studies have also found that, interestingly, people who drink coffee in the morning seem to have fewer cravings for sugary foods. By having a cup of coffee in the morning instead of a sugary snack, you can reduce your sugar intake and help maintain a healthy diet.
Most importantly, coffee can help people to start their day off in the right way. Drinking a cup of coffee can give them the energy and mental focus they need to tackle their tasks, while also providing a moment of self-care and a chance to take a break.
Conclusion
There is no simple answer to when you should start drinking coffee. Caffeine must be consumed in moderation and its effects should be taken into consideration before consumption. Those aged 15-18 have recently been given advice to consider a cup of coffee a day, so long as it is taken in moderation alongside a healthy lifestyle. If done responsibly, coffee consumption can have many positive benefits for young people, as well as adults. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and the individual’s ability to moderate their intake.
