Coffee and college students have a toxic relationship. Students consume coffee in abundance and are obsessed with it, while coffee does the bare minimum and helps them stay awake. The life of a college student is a blend of microwave dinners, pulling all-nighters, doing papers, attending rave parties, and, to knock it all off – drinking coffee. Although alcohol and coffee both facilitate a college student's life, the harmful effects of alcohol are broadcasted, while caffeine's side effects are often undermined.
Coffee helps students cope with procrastination and tiredness. Sometimes, they end up procrastinating to the point that they have no other option than to pull an all-nighter to complete their paper, prepare for the test, etc. At such crucial moments, coffee turns out to be the ultimate savior for college students to keep them awake.
But, the issue is that coffee, like anything else, can be harmful to the body if consumed in excess. While many people feel that they are dependent on it to perform their daily chores, they should be careful of their intake before they experience any adverse symptoms.
Side Effects of Caffeine and Coffee
According to WebMD, caffeine is a safe stimulant that excites the brain's nerve cells. People do experience pains and headaches if they get addicted to caffeine, also known as "withdrawal" symptoms. Some studies have found that caffeine can reduce the risk of gallstones, diabetes, Parkinson's, and liver disease. However, it can also be harmful for pregnant ladies as it can increase the risk of miscarriage and alter fetal growth.
Caffeine can also cause multiple stomach reactions – new consumers can experience gas and bowel movement, and those with regular intake can contract gastritis. Caffeine is also present in tea, sodas, and energy drinks. Like any other ingredient, coffee should be consumed in moderation to prevent harmful effects.
Leslie, the co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Surviving College, has shared his experience when he had to pull an all-nighter to complete a paper as a college student. With unmonitored and excessive consumption of coffee, he somehow managed to save himself from failing, but he couldn't escape the aftermath of being caffeinated. To learn about his encounter and understand why coffee isn't as harmless as you may perceive, get your hands on The Unofficial Guide to Surviving College today.
