Lookout Below: Coffee drinkers' guide

By Mallory Stiles
Associate Editor

College is back in full swing and one thing is absolutely certain: most of us are in dire need of coffee. Coffee is the secret to success, but what is it really doing to our bodies?

Is it a healthy alternative to energy drinks, or is it hurting us in the long run and giving us an unsustainable dependency to deal with later?

Coffee is the highest selling hot drink in the world, keeping adults just awake enough to get through each and every day. Thankfully, there is research to support, that with the correct limitations in place, there are more than a few benefits to having a few cups a day.

Hopkinsmedicine.org tells us that people who drink coffee are less likely to die from coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, which are some of the leading causes of death in women.

As a coffee drinker, you are less likely to get Type 2 Diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. Your liver will have a healthier enzyme level and your DNA strands will be more resistant to damage that could cause tumors, or lead to cancer.

Each cup of coffee is also helping to protect you from colon cancer and stroke, and can decrease your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. But like all things in life, moderation is key. Too much of any good thing is never good.

Sources recommend no more than 400 milligrams a day, for both men and women. This equals out to about two to five cups, depending on how strong you like your coffee and the size of your mug. Expresso drinkers, beware: the math looks different for us.

Too much caffeine can cause headaches, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, frequent urination or inability to control urination, fast heartbeat or muscle tremors. None of these symptoms will make it easier to cram for that math exam, and can create long-term complications if left untreated.

Long story short, have a cup of joe but also take a nap every once in a while. We are running a marathon here people, not a sprint.