Caffeine is famous for its stimulating qualities. It`s a morning pick-me-up in our cup of coffee to help us feel more awake and alert.
Caffeine is a plant compound found in many drinks and foods, not just coffee; tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate. This natural substance stimulates the central nervous system and can make us feel more alert. You may not know this but drinks that contain caffeine also contribute to our fluid intake. Caffeine only has a diuretic effect if consumed in extreme amounts, not the usual 2/3 cups a day. However it is important to understand how much we are consuming as too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, restlessness, palpitations and muscle tremors.
Pregnant women should limit their caffeine consumption to 200mg or less each day - that's about the equivalent of two cups of instant coffee or two cups of tea. This is because high caffeine intake is linked to low birth weights of babies. So look out for caffeine free coffee and tea as an alternative.
Know how much caffeine is in everyday drinks and food?
