Caffeine – hero or villain?

Much has been written & spoken about caffeine, often contradictory. E.g.:

• promotes wakefulness – I think we can all agree on that one
• helps athletic performance
• hinders athletic performance
• helps concentration
• hinders concentration

Chris Forbes-Ewan discusses caffeine with references to research. Briefly:

• OK in moderation
• not for children or pregnant women
• don't mix with alcohol
• no causal link with osteoporosis or arthritis
• no causal link with high blood pressure in the long term
• does help concentration & alertness
• helps athletic performance, even at very low levels
• extremely high levels can reduce athletic performance

Podcast & transcript in two parts at:

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/ockhamsrazor/the-effect-of-caffeine-on-human-health/3864424

&

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/ockhamsrazor/the-effect-of-caffeine-on-human-health/3874518

Podcast also available on iTunes.