Coffee holds a significant place in Australian culture, but new research reveals that high amounts of caffeine could have an adverse effect on the human body.
This year the role of caffeine in Australian culture is the focus during the Awareness Week from 1st to 7th October 2018.
Research suggests that more than a third of Australians are reliant on caffeine. An average Australian drinks three caffeinated drinks in a day and 47 per cent of people are opting for drinks containing large quantities of caffeine.
Caffeine has both positive and negative attributes - it can be effective for improving concentration and alertness but at the same time, high doses of caffeine can have negative effects on the body.
Female friends drinking coffee and using cell phone in cafe. Source: Getty Images/Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury
In the body caffeine peaks in the blood roughly 30 to 70 minutes after consumption, giving a boost of energy lasting between three and seven hours, according to the .
Medical guidelines suggest consuming no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day - roughly equivalent to three cups of brewed coffee or six cups of brewed black tea.
Dr Christ Hart told SBS Gujarati that caffeine can have adverse effects on the human body in the long run.
"High doses of caffeine lead to sleep disorders and in the long run it turns into depression, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases," he said.
"Two small glasses of cold drinks containing caffeine in children between 5 and 12 years of age can lead to increased anxiety and the equivalent of three cups of instant coffee can have the same effect on adults."
"Other than coffee and tea, there is also caffeine in chocolates and energy drinks. People are consuming it without knowing the adverse effects on their body," said Dr Hart.
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Caffeine’s effects on night sleep
Caffeine is one type of psychoactive drug which acts as a stimulant that increases focus and alertness, but research suggests that a staggering 93 per cent of people in Australia consume caffeine products. It also has a major impact on sleep.
"Caffeine contains chemicals that make the body alert and it has its peak effect after 30-70 minutes of consumption, and this can continue to have an effect on alertness for up to seven hours. It can remain in the body for up to 24 hours," says Dr Hart.
Due to the stimulant effect of caffeine, if it is consumed later in the day, it can prevent the onset of sleep and cause issues such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome."
Young Indian woman sleeping in a bed with an alarm clock in the foreground. Source: Getty Images/PaulMaguire
Good sleep keeps healthy and fit
An adult human body requires between seven to eight hours of sleep in a day that keeps their brain and human body fit to do any activity.
"People should start reducing the use of the products which contains caffeine, 1 or 2 cups of coffee per day are acceptable but caffeine should not be consumed after the lunch," says Dr Hart.
"Moreover, parents of the children under the age of 12 should keep caffeine products away from their use, following the regular sleep timetable and less use of mobile and computers before going to the bed will help to get good sleep at night."
