What Are the Dangers of Drinking Tea & Coffee?

In moderation, coffee and tea offer an adrenalin boost, stimulation and increase in alertness. The main dangers of coffee and tea come from the psychoactive drug known as caffeine.

Effects

Addiction to caffeine develops quickly and requires more caffeine to compensate for the body's built-up tolerance. This often leads to a constant state of alertness that includes anxiety, mood swings, irritability and depression.

Warning

Withdrawal symptoms can last 1 to 5 days and peaks after 48 hours of use. Side effects include fatigue, drowsiness, headache, migraines, nausea and stomach pains.

Considerations

The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology stated that consuming 200 mg or more of caffeine significantly increased the risks of miscarriages in pregnant women. Additionally, caffeinated coffee and tea are not recommended for children, elders and people with high blood pressure.

Features

The amount of caffeine is different in coffee and tea. One cup of coffee contains 115 mg of caffeine, whereas one cup of black tea has 40 mg. Decaffeinated coffee has a decreased amount of 4 mg, and herbal teas are caffeine-free.

Solutions

Stick with a moderate consumption of no more than 2 cups of coffee or tea a day. Try decreasing the intake slowly and consider drinking "healthier" caffeine options like green tea or yerba mate.

References

• Caffeine Content of Popular Drinks
• DHerbs
• American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Resources

• Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Dangers of America's #1 Drug