“Coffee, Caffeine, and Conflicted Studies”
Americans drink an average of 3.1 cups of caffeinated coffee/day and the average size of a cup is 9 ounces. The U.S. spends $40 billion on coffee each year. But, is it good or bad for us? Sales of caffeine-containing energy drinks are soaring. Energy drinks, such as Monster, 5-Hour Energy, Red Bull and Rockstar, rely on caffeine to produce stimulate the central nervous system. The current popularity and expansion of caffeine added to foods is “beyond anything FDA envisioned or recommended.” There have already been consumer reports of deaths from overuse of energy drinks or energy shots. The American Academy of Pediatrics says caffeine has been linked to harmful effects on young people’s developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems. However, millions of Americans consume caffeine responsibly and in moderation as part of their daily routines. People are bewildered by confusing medical reports related to coffee.
