Is caffeine good for health?

Andrew Huberman AI:

Caffeine has several well-studied pro-health effects, but it's important to note that these benefits can be undermined if your caffeine intake disrupts your regular high-quality sleep. Here are some of the health-promoting effects of caffeine:

  1. Neuroprotective Effects: Regular consumption of caffeine can help offset some of the probability of developing Parkinson's and Alzheimer's-related dementia. This is because caffeine increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine, which are known to be defective in these diseases.

  2. Relief from Headaches and Asthma: Caffeine has been shown to diminish headaches, particularly when taken in combination with aspirin. It can also provide brief but substantial relief from asthma, although it should not be relied upon as a primary treatment.

  3. Improved Focus and Alertness: Caffeine is known to improve focus and alertness, particularly in people who have symptoms of ADHD or other attention and focus issues. It does this by increasing dopamine transmission in the forebrain.

However, it's important to remember that everyone's tolerance to caffeine varies. Some people can drink caffeine late in the day and still sleep well, while others may find their sleep disrupted if they consume caffeine past a certain time. It's crucial to figure out what works best for you. Lastly, while there doesn't seem to be any major downside to most adults consuming caffeine, it's advisable for children younger than 14