The effects of caffeine are complex. I recall reading some studies that found that caffeine consumption associated with tea or coffee drinking was associated with lower rates of depression. But it is also true that heavy caffeine use can be tied to anxiety and insomnia, which could be connected to depression.
I think, like any substance, moderation is the key. Tea offers a good alternative for coffee drinkers who wish to reduce their caffeine intake, as the caffeine content of tea is significantly lower than coffee--and some teas are particularly low in caffeine. But people should steer away from espresso drinks with large serving sizes--these can have deceptively high amounts of caffeine.
Personally, drinking a lot of caffeine from these coffee drinks makes me feel pretty awful, whereas I drink tea every day and feel fine.
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The effects of caffeine are complex. I recall reading some studies that found that caffeine consumption associated with tea or coffee drinking was associated with lower rates of depression. But it is also true that heavy caffeine use can be tied to anxiety and insomnia, which could be connected to depression.
I think, like any substance, moderation is the key. Tea offers a good alternative for coffee drinkers who wish to reduce their caffeine intake, as the caffeine content of tea is significantly lower than coffee--and some teas are particularly low in caffeine. But people should steer away from espresso drinks with large serving sizes--these can have deceptively high amounts of caffeine.
Personally, drinking a lot of caffeine from these coffee drinks makes me feel pretty awful, whereas I drink tea every day and feel fine.
August 25, 2010 - 1:57pmThis Comment
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