Caffeine Nation Face it: We’re hooked. Whether it’s jump starting the day with a hot cup of java or hitting the soda machine for an afternoon jolt, we’re a country of caffeine lovers. But caffeine doesn’t always love us back. The same stimulant that boosts our energy
levels – and even our mood – also restricts blood flow, increases our heart rates and keeps us a wake at night. And while we may think we know how much caffeine we’re consuming, that’s not always the case. Coffee, soda and chocolate are the usual suspects, but caffeine is also an ingredient in more than 1,000 medications. So, is our favorite stimulant friend or foe? It’s both. Caffeine has
benefits and drawbacks, but in the end – as with most everything else – moderation is key. According to the American Dietetic Association, consuming 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day (the equivalent of about 2 - 3 cups of coffee) poses no health risks. Proceed with caution always when consuming any type of stimulant. | 
