Coffee, a beverage consumed by 83% of America’s population, may not be as beneficial as you think. According to www.fda.gov, the average American consumes 200 mg of caffeine, a psychoactive drug found in coffee, on a daily basis. Doctors usually mark the limit at 200 mg.

It also seems that coffee is prevalent among the younger generations of today. Research shows that middle schoolers and high schoolers consume about 50 mg or more of caffeine. However, due to the drawbacks of coffee, Starbucks needs to start requiring an age limit.

Although caffeine provides a quick alternative to energy, its long term effects can prove to be quite harmful. It can cause ongoing spikes in blood pressure, dehydration, insomnia, anxiety, yellowed teeth, depression, and more.

Livestrong.com stated, “Another long-term effect of caffeine use is addiction. Caffeine withdrawal is difficult and unpleasant. The body quickly becomes accustomed to a regular dose of caffeine intake.”

Not only can coffee cause a long list of symptoms, but using it from an early age can worsen these effects. “Parents used to warn kids that caffeine would stunt their growth,” www.today.com stated, “Caffeine slowed heart rates and increased blood pressure in all the children… caffeine has become one of the most popular drugs in the country.”

Caffeine has also replaced many of the important beverages that children should be consuming, such as milk and water. By consuming coffee, they are missing out on nutrients that are essential to their growth and well being.

Caffeine can be addictive, and it may be tasty, but it is detrimental to one’s health. There are alternatives that one can take that will have the same effects without the negatives. Although it may seem counterintuitive, more sleep can make you more awake later in the day. Studies showed that adolescents get 7 to 7 ½ hours of sleep when they actually need 9 to 9 ½ hours. Tea, although it contains caffeine, is not as harmful as coffee because of its subdued levels of caffeine. In addition, exercise is a great way to get energized and feel better, and it even allows for a better night’s sleep.

Coffee may not be the worst drink in the world, but it can harm you if used on a regular basis. Sure, drink coffee as a celebration once in awhile, but make sure to know the long term effects it has on your body.