Healthtopics: January 2013

Thursday, 10 January 2013

The Best Life Diet

What Is The Best Life Diet?

Exercise physiologist Bob Greene's The Best Life Diet is an easy-to-follow, no-gimmicks approach to a healthy diet and lifestyle. It's a dietitian's dream diet -- and one that apparently changed talk show host Oprah Winfrey's life. Winfrey describes in the foreword how, after years of struggling with diets, she found success with The Best Life Diet.
There is nothing groundbreaking about The Best Life Diet. Greene's "diet" is synonymous with the phrase "lifestyle change." There's no going on and off this diet, because it's not a "diet." It's a lifestyle of healthy eating with an emphasis on regular physical activity.
The Best Life Diet is a safe, effective way to lose weight and improve fitness. But it is not quick or temporary. You're encouraged to make gradual changes, one step at a time. The aim is to transform your old eating and exercise habits into healthier new ones that will last a lifetime.
Depending on your gender and activity level, The Best Life Diet guidelines suggest calorie levels ranging from 1,500-2,500 and a recommended number of servings from the various food groups. The basic premise is that the more active you are, the more calories you can eat.
Greene's fitness insights and easygoing style makes weight loss easy to understand. Lots of great tips, recipes, menus, and useful tools are included to help dieters get and stay motivated. The Best Life Diet is easily tailored to a wide array of personal lifestyles, activity levels, and food preferences. The program can be followed online for a fee, or by the book.

What You Can Eat on The Best Life Diet

There is no calorie-counting on The Best Life Diet, only a mindful approach to making wise food choices and monitoring portion sizes. Splurges are worked into the program during the third phase with an allotment of "anything goes" calories.
It appears very simple. You can enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods while slowly ridding your diet of unhealthier choices such as fried foods, foods containing trans fats, white bread, sugary soft drinks, regular pasta, and high-fat dairy. These foods are phased out and replaced with healthier foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and more. Weekly eating plans provide suggested meals.
Greene has placed his Best Life Diet seal of approval logo on a variety of food products he recommends as healthy. Dieters are asked to make their healthier choices from a recommended list of foods from companies involved in corporate sponsorship.

How The Best Life Diet Works

Greene's Best Life premise is to promote a non-dieting mind-set so you can focus on improving your life and gaining control over your struggles with eating and weight. While strict diet plans usually set you up for disappointment and ultimate failure, Greene sets dieters up for success, one small step at a time.
Some programs start with a very strict first phase with a long list of prohibited foods. Greene takes a different approach by starting with a more liberal first phase:

Phase One, a maximum of four weeks, focuses on slowly increasing activity levels and changing old eating habits. Recommendations include no eating two hours before bed, eating three meals and one snack daily, eliminating alcohol (temporarily), staying hydrated, and taking a daily multivitamin/mineral, omega-3 fatty acid, and calcium (if needed). The meal and snack suggestions make healthy eating sound delicious.
Phase Two, a minimum of four weeks, promotes a more aggressive approach to losing weight through healthier eating and increased physical activity. This phase builds upon the changes made in Phase One, with an emphasis on controlling physical and emotional hunger, removing six problem foods from your diet, weekly weigh-ins, and portion control.
Phase Three is maintenance, or the phase for the rest of your life. It focuses on eliminating more unhealthy foods and adding more wholesome foods, and introduces "anything goes" calories. Greene's "anything goes" calories are similar to the "discretionary calories" found in the U.S. government's 2005 Dietary Guidelines, which allow you to enjoy your favorite treats in small portions. Greene gives the green light for more "anything goes" calories when you are most active.

Greene also tackles issues that lead to overeating, such as hunger and emotional eating. Using his hunger tool helps dieters stop overeating by learning how to gauge real hunger. He tackles emotional eating head-on by asking dieters to answer some tough questions before beginning the program:

Why are you overweight?
Why do you want to lose weight?
Why have you been unable to lose weight in the past?

Answering these questions honestly can help dieters identify the things that need to be changed so they can start to address problem issues.

What the Experts Say About The Best Life Diet

The Best Life Diet is based on science -- it supports the U.S. government's 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines with very doable and easy suggestions. And most registered dietitians and fitness trainers agree that true weight loss success comes from making lifestyle changes.
Greene's flexible approach helps dieters stick with the plan. But obesity expert Cathy Nonas, RD, wonders if his realistic, gradual approach will appeal to overweight people who want the quick fix.
"Once a person decides to lose weight, they want it gone immediately," says Nonas, former spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association). "And unfortunately, they choose fad diets [and] lose weight quickly only to regain it back instead of choosing a program like Best Life Diet that tackles changing eating behaviors."
Nonas says she likes the slow and gradual first phase followed by the more intense second and third phases.
"Anyone who gets through the first phase, regardless [of] if they lose weight, will improve their dietary picture," says Nonas. If you're not successful at losing weight during the first or second phase, "stick with the phase longer before moving on to maintenance," suggests Nonas.
Counting calories is too difficult and inaccurate. But if you cut out the sodas, fried foods, and giant white bagels, the calorie savings will add up.
"For people like me who already avoid the six perilous foods, it won't make much of a difference," says Nonas. "But for anyone who eats or drinks the high-calorie foods, it should help them lose weight."
Nonas also points out that some "forbidden" foods can be enjoyed in moderate portions.
"There is nothing wrong with high-fat dairy if you make modifications elsewhere in your diet, and likewise if you enjoy white pasta or white bread as long as you get enough fiber in your diet," she says
The bottom line, Nonas says, is that Greene's recommendations are sound for the most part. She suggests that dieters buy the book but ignore the branded merchandising.
"What is really important is not the brand of yogurt, but reading labels to choose a low-fat yogurt," she says.

The Best Life Diet: Food for Thought

If you're tired of gimmicks and strict food lists and are looking for a program that can help you change your life once and for all, this book is for you.
The plan's goals are attainable, and, more important, sustainable. Tools, tips, recipes and a wealth of helpful resources, including the online Best Life Diet message board, provide great support.
source:medicinenet.com

Exercise and Fitness FAQs

:Muscle weighs more than fat. True or False?

A:False. A pound is a pound regardless of whether the pound is fat or muscle. The truth about muscle is that it's denser than fat and takes up a smaller amount of space in the body. In fact, scientists estimate that 1 pound of muscle occupies about 22% less space than 1 pound of fat!

Q:Maintaining physical fitness requires major lifestyle changes. True or False?

A:False. Fitness can be achieved through small changes in what you eat and your level of activity. It's really that simple. Remember that you can start out slowly; work your way up to a higher level of activity, and implement more dietary changes over time. Patience is essential. Don't try to do too much too soon, and don't quit before you have a chance to experience the rewards of improved fitness and a healthy diet!

Q:"No pain, no gain" is a workout myth. True or False?

A:True. "No pain, no gain" is a workout myth because while some muscle aches and pains are normal when beginning a new fitness routine, many types of pain are bad for you. According to Jeffrey Berg, an orthopedic surgeon and team physician for the Washington Redskins, "There are other aches and pains, such as joint pain, bone pain, muscle strains, and ligament or tendon strains, which are bad, and you should back off of because they'll get worse if you ignore them." He adds, "Always ease into an exercise plan to avoid injury. The recommendation is if you're healthy and you know it, you can start exercising, but err on the side of being too slow than too fast to avoid injury."

Q:Weight loss should be the most important goal of fitness and exercise. True or False?

A:False. It's a fact that weight loss is the main reason people exercise at all, but losing weight is certainly not the only benefit of exercising and should therefore not be the main goal. If you're starting a fitness program, don't make weight loss your only goal! Strive to feel better or to have more energy. You'll get more out of your program if you notice the small payoffs that exercise provides in a very short amount of time.

Q:You should warm up before exercising. True or False?

A:True. Each workout should begin with a warm-up. A warm-up should include 5 to 10 minutes of exercise such as walking, slow jogging, knee lifts, arm circles, and/or trunk rotations. Warming up is important to help prevent injury. It also helps to maximize benefits from exercise.

Q:The more you sweat during a workout, the more fat the body is burning. True or False?

A:False. "This is false," says Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. "The amount you sweat is indicative of your body's ability to maintain its normal body temperature. You sweat when your body starts to store heat so you can experience cooling via evaporation of that sweat. So it doesn't correlate to how much energy, or calories, is being expended."

Q:A desirable level of fitness can be achieved through as little as how many workouts per week?

A:3. Frequency, duration, intensity, and what kinds of exercises you do should be determined by what you are trying to accomplish. Your goals, your present fitness level, age, health, skills, interests, and convenience are among the factors you should consider. Still, you can reach your fitness goals in as little as three workouts per week!

Q:Older adults are least likely to benefit from physical activity. True or False?

A:False. The best thing about regular physical activity is that everyone can benefit from it. You are never too old to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity! Being physically active can prevent and help treat many of the most common chronic medical conditions associated with aging. Physical activity is one of the most important steps older adults can take to maintain physical and mental health and quality of life.

Q:Active people need extra protein or protein supplements to build muscles. True or False?

A:False. Muscles develop from training and exercise. Extra servings of protein in foods or protein supplements do not assist in muscle development. A certain amount of protein is needed to help build the muscles, but a nutritious, balanced diet that includes 6-7 ounces from the meat/bean/egg group and 2-3 servings of dairy every day will supply all of the protein that the muscles need.

Q:Even moderate exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. True or False?

A:True. Research shows that exercise is the silver bullet for a better quality of life. Not only does regular exercise aid in weight loss, it reduces your risk for several chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.

Q:Crunches and sit-ups are the best way to lose belly fat. True or False?

A:False. Forget doing hundreds of crunches and sit-ups in an effort to lose belly fat. The truth is that on their own, they are not likely to help the body lose that stubborn gut. Here is what works: a full-body exercise routine that builds lean muscle all over. The best plan for this is regular exercise, resistance training, and a healthy, calorie-controlled diet.

Q:Does muscle burn calories even when the body is at rest?

A:Yes. When you exercise, you use muscle. This helps build muscle mass, and muscle tissue burns more calories than body fat, even when the body at rest. According to Christopher Wharton, PhD, a certified personal trainer and researcher with the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University, 10 pounds of muscle would burn 50 calories in a day spent at rest, while 10 pounds of fat would burn 20 calories.

Q:Working out at a gym will provide the best results. True or False?

A:False. Believe it or not, you can skip the gym. There are plenty of exercises you can do at home or outdoors using your own body weight and gravity. Examples of some easy at-home exercises are push-ups, planks, jumping jacks, squats, and lunges.

Q:The workout term aerobic exercise is interchangeable with which term?

A:Cardio. The term aerobic exercise or aerobics is interchangeable with the term cardio. Cardio refers to cardiovascular fitness exercises. Both terms refer to brisk physical activity that requires the heart and lungs to work harder to meet the body's increased oxygen demand. Aerobic exercise (cardio) promotes the circulation of oxygen through the blood. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, swimming, and cycling.

Q:Strength training, such as lifting weights, will result in a bulky appearance. True or False?

A:False. It is not true that lifting weights will result in a bulky appearance. According to Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise, "This is a myth that deters a lot of women from strength training, when in fact, what determines the amount of muscle bulk a person has is largely dependent on genetic factors."
source:medicinenet.com

Belly (Abdominal) Fat FAQs

Q:Weight loss occurs in the belly before anywhere else. True or False?

A:True. Whether you're an "apple" shape with excess belly fat or a "pear" with wide hips and thighs, when you lose weight, you'll most likely lose proportionately more from the abdominal region than elsewhere. Belly fat is more metabolically active and easier to lose than subcutaneous fat under the skin, especially if you have plenty of it.

Q:What is the medical term for belly (abdominal) fat?

A:Visceral fat. Belly is fat is also called visceral fat, which is found deep in the belly and around internal organs. There is no disputing the fact that visceral fat is the most dangerous for our health. Visceral fat is easy to lose and can be lost without any changes to your diet.

Q:Crunches (sit-ups) will flatten your belly. True or False?

A:False. Hundreds of crunches each day won't flatten your belly if you need to lose weight. If your abdominal muscles aren't covered with excess fat, strengthening them can help you look tighter and thinner, but spot exercises won't banish belly fat.

Q:Women have too much belly fat if their waists are more than 35 inches around. True or False?

A:True. Women with waists that measure more than 35 inches have too much belly fat and may be at risk for heart disease and other conditions. In this situation, the best thing to do is to lose weight.

Q:Men have too much belly fat if their waists are more than 40 inches around. True or False?

A:True. Men with waists that measure more than 40 inches have too much belly fat and may be at risk for heart disease and other conditions. Men in this situation should lose weight.

Q:Eating a diet rich in what helps to reduce fat?

A:Whole grains. Eating a diet rich in whole grains (which also tend to be higher in fiber) helps improve insulin sensitivity. This, in turn, helps the body more efficiently use blood glucose, lowers blood glucose levels, and reduces fat deposition.

Q:Popcorn is considered a whole grain. True or False?

A:True. A whole grain is a grain that still has its outer covering, which is nutritionally rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Examples of whole grains include popcorn, whole grain corn, whole oats/oatmeal, brown rice, whole rye, whole grain barley, wild rice, buckwheat, triticale, bulgur (cracked wheat), millet, quinoa, sorghum, and 100% whole wheat flour. Please note that many commercially available microwave popcorns have additional ingredients which can add calories to these products.

Q:Belly fat acts like an organ in the body. True or False?

A:True. Belly fat doesn't just lay idle at your beltline. Researchers describe it as an active "organ" in your body -- one that churns out hormones and inflammatory substances. Abdominal fat is thought to break down easily into fatty acids, which flow directly into the liver and into muscle. Fats and clots get into the bloodstream, and that sets the stage for diabetes, heart disease, and more.

Q:Can skinny people have hidden belly fat?

A:Yes. Even skinny people can have unhealthy "hidden" belly fat. Research shows that fat may be folded deep inside the belly around the stomach organs, visible only by CT or MRI imaging. This fat puts skinny people at the same health risks as someone with more obvious big girth, researchers say.

Q:What is the "golden path" to belly fat loss?

A:Walking. Exercise such as walking is the golden path to help lose belly fat. Cutting calories is part of it, but physical activity is really the answer. Liposuction can't get rid of enough fat to eliminate the health risks. Bariatric (gastric bypass) surgery, though more effective, is not ideal.

Q:Large bellies have been linked to what condition in men?

A:Erectile dysfunction (impotence). Because belly fat can trigger cardiovascular problems, a large belly has also been linked to erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence) in men over 60 years of age.

Q:Who collects more belly fat: Men or Women?

A:Men. Men tend to collect more belly fat than women, and it starts early in life. In adolescence and post-adolescence, men start collecting abdominal fat. It's one of the reasons men have more coronary disease than women.
source:medicinenet.com

Drinks and Beverages FAQs

Q:How much of the water on Earth is available to drink?

A:1%. Only 1% of the water on Earth is available to drink!

Q:Americans drink 1 billion glasses of water every day. True or False?

A:True. It's true: Americans drink about 1 billion glasses of tap water every day!

Q:Choosing to drink water instead of regular soda can save you as much as what calories?

A:247 calories. Depending on the flavor, a 20-ounce soda ranges from 227-247 calories. Choosing to drink water instead will save you these calories, which can help with weight reduction.

Q:Which beverage has more calories: 20 ounces of orange juice or 20 ounces of flavored soda?

A:20 ounces of orange juice. Believe it or not, according to the CDC, a 20-ounce serving of 100% orange juice offers up a whopping 280 calories! The same amount of soda packs nearly 250 calories. With both drinks being so high in calories, you may just opt for water instead.

Q:Fruit juice concentrates contain added sugar and calories. True or False?

A:True. Sweeteners that add calories to a beverage have many different names and are not always obvious on the ingredients list. If any of these appear in the ingredients list of your favorite beverage, you are drinking a sugar-sweetened beverage: high-fructose corn syrup, fructose, fruit juice concentrates, honey, sugar, syrup, corn syrup, sucrose, and/or dextrose.

Q:Who drinks more soda per day? Teen boys or teen girls?

A:Teen boys. When it comes to soda, the average teenage boy drinks about 20 ounces (almost two cans) of the stuff every day.

Q:Which alcoholic beverage has the most calories per serving?

A:Wine cooler, 8 ounces. Surprised? Per ounce, wine coolers are light on alcohol, so many people assume they're light on calories. Not true! Your favorite 12-ounce wine cooler can have 190 calories and 22 grams of carbohydrates -- more than regular beer or wine!

Q:Which has more calories? Whole milk or soy milk?

A:Whole milk. For a 12-ounce serving, soy milk ranges between 147-191 calories, while whole milk, at 220 calories per 12-ounce serving, nearly tops the charts for basic beverages. Bear in mind, other options include the following: 2% low-fat milk (183 calories); 1% low-fat milk (154 calories); nonfat milk (125 calories).

Q:How many calories are in a 12-oz energy drink?

A:Energy drinks. Not all that surprisingly, some popular energy drinks pack a 160-calorie punch for a 12-ounce serving! Feel better about your dietary choices and opt for vegetable juice, which has exactly half the calories at 80 calories per 12-ounce serving.
source:medicinenet.com

Diet & Nutrition FAQs

Q:According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” True or False?

A:False. A “portion” is how much food you choose to eat at one time, whether in a restaurant, from a package, or in your own kitchen. Versus a portion, a “serving” size is the amount of food listed on a product's Nutrition Facts. Sometimes, the portion size and serving size match; sometimes they do not. Keep in mind that the serving size on the Nutrition Facts is not a recommended amount of food to eat. It is a quick way of letting you know the calories and nutrients in a certain amount of food.

Q:A serving of what kind of vegetables should be about the size of a baseball?

A:A Serving of Broccoli. A serving of broccoli should be about the size of a baseball, which is equivalent to about one cup.

As for ice cream, according to MyPyramid.gov, one serving of ice cream should be no larger than the approximate size of a light bulb, which evens out to about a one-half cup sweet treat.

Q:From which foods can we get carbohydrates?

A:Milk products and fruits, whole grain breads and cereals, table sugar, starchy vegetables, and legumes. Carbohydrates are called "simple" or "complex," depending on how fast your body digests and absorbs the sugar. You get simple carbohydrates from fruits, milk products, and table sugar. Complex carbohydrates include whole grain breads and cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes. Complex carbohydrates and some simple carbohydrates provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Products made with refined sugar provide little nutrition. It is wise to limit these products.

Q:Which has more calories: A plain bagel with cream cheese or a toaster waffle with syrup?

A:A Toaster Waffle with Syrup. A 4-inch regular toaster waffle with syrup has 129 calories.

A 4-ounce plain bagel with cream cheese has 91 calories.

Q:A good rule of thumb is to drink 10-12 glasses of water per day. True or False?

A:False. There is no evidence to show that drinking 10-12 glasses of water is necessary. Generally, nutritionists recommend we follow the “8x8” rule, which is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Drinking more water does indeed boost metabolism - especially if your glass is icy cold. Your body must work to warm the water up, burning a few extra calories in the process. As for other benefits of water, 85% of your brain tissue is water, which means that if you're dehydrated, both your body and your mind will be stressed.

Q:According to the USDA’s famous Food Pyramid, we need 2-3 servings of which food group every day?

A:Milk, cheese, and yogurt products. The USDA's famous Food Pyramid confirms that we need 2-3 daily servings from the milk, yogurt, and cheese group; 2-3 daily servings from the meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts group; 3-5 daily servings of vegetables; 2-4 servings from the fruit class; 6-11 daily servings from the bread, cereal, rice, and pasta category, and to use fats, oils, and sweets very sparingly.

Q:One serving of peanut butter is about the size of a ping pong ball. True or False?

A:A Ping Pong Ball. One serving of peanut butter is equivalent to two tablespoons, which, together are about the size of a ping pong ball.

Q:Diet is a major contributor to overweight and obesity. How many U.S. adults would you guess are overweight or obese?

A:Nearly 70% of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese!
More than two-thirds (68%) of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese.
This breaks down to 64.1% of U.S. women and 72.3% of U.S. men.

Q:A burrito should be the size of a checkbook. True or False?

A:A Burrito. While MyPyramid.gov states that a serving of chicken breast should be about the size of a deck of cards, ideally, a burrito should be no larger than the size of a checkbook.

Bear in mind: Of all the varieties of burritos, a simple beef burrito or a simple bean burrito has the least amount of guilt at 297 calories (beef burrito) and 295 (bean burrito).

Q:People with a body mass index (BMI) value of what or more are considered obese?

A:30. BMI values between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered to be a “normal” or “healthy” weight. BMI values between 25 and 29.9 are considered “overweight,” while BMI values of 30 and above are considered “obese.” BMIs above 25 are unhealthy and have been shown to increase the risk of certain chronic diseases. BMIs under 18.5 are considered “underweight.”

Q:According to the USDA, pasta falls into the “grain” category. True or False?

A:Pastas. Food made from wheat, rice, oats, corn, or another cereal is a grain product. Bread, pasta, oatmeal, cornflakes, and grits may not seem like it, but they are all grain products.

Beans, on the other hand, fall into the protein category, alongside meats.

Q:What food should be no larger than an ordinary computer mouse?

A:A Baked or Sweet Potato. When choosing baked or sweet potatoes, be sure to choose a medium–sized potato.

A potato that is medium in size should be about the same size as an ordinary computer mouse.

As for a serving of olives, or anything high in fat, think in terms of a golf ball.

Q:To keep your diet in check, a correct-sized portion of what food should be near the size of a package of dental floss: Chocolate or Butter?

A:Chocolate. According to MyPyramid.gov, an ounce of chocolate should be about the size as a package of dental floss.

To best keep your diet in check, always be sure to use butter, margarine, and other oils very sparingly, and be sure to keep in mind that one tablespoon of fats and oils is about the same size as a poker chip.

Q:A serving of what food should be about the size of a deck of playing cards? Beef or Bread?

A:A Deck of Playing Cards. Beef's bundle of nutrients is beneficial for growing, developing and maintaining overall health through all life's stages.

With only 154 calories, one 3-ounce serving of lean beef (about the size of a deck of playing cards) contributes less than 10 percent of the calories, in a 2,000-calorie diet.

Q:Most Americans consume the greatest amount of calcium from milk. True or False?

A:Cheese. While calcium is derived from various sources in the U.S. food supply, more than one-quarter (27%) of Americans get their calcium from cheese sources.
source:medicinenet.com

Caffeine FAQs

Q:Caffeine is addictive. True or False?

A:False. Caffeine is a stimulant that excites the brain. While some stimulants, such as nicotine, are considered addictive, you aren't likely to become addicted to caffeine if you consume it in moderation. However, some people can become dependent on caffeine.

Q:Moderate caffeine consumption may reduce your risk of which certain diseases. True or False?

A:True. Some studies have shown that moderate consumption of caffeine may reduce your risk of diabetes, gallstones, Parkinson's disease, and liver disease. Despite these studies, though, doctors aren't recommending caffeine consumption as a means to reduce your risks of disease.

Q:Women who consume a lot of caffeine should reduce their consumption when pregnant. True or False?

A:True. Experts say pregnant women would be wise to moderate their intake. Some studies have linked a high intake of caffeine to increased risk for miscarriage and decreased fetal growth, but a cause-and-effect relationship has not been established.

Q:Mothers can transmit caffeine to their babies in breast milk. True or False?

A:True. Babies can indeed get a dose of caffeine from their mothers' milk. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "A morning cup of coffee is not likely to harm your baby, but too much caffeine can cause problems such as poor sleeping, nervousness, irritability, and poor feeding."

Q:The caffeine content in a cup of coffee can vary even if you get it at the same place every day. True or False?

A:True. The caffeine content in coffee can vary depending on brewing method, the type of bean used, and the amount prepared. For example, researchers in Florida ordered the same beverage from the same coffee shop for six consecutive days and found that the caffeine content ranged from 259 mg to 564 mg.

Q:How long do the effects of caffeine last?

A:Longer than five hours. Caffeine's effects last long after you finish that cup of java. It takes five to six hours for your body to eliminate just half of the caffeine in a cup of coffee, which is why having a cup in the afternoon can affect your sleep. In people who are more sensitive to caffeine, the effects may last even longer

Q:Caffeine helps the body absorb headache drugs more quickly. True or False?

A:True. Caffeine helps the body absorb headache drugs more quickly, bringing faster relief. Adding caffeine requires less medication for the same effect, reducing the risk for potential side effects and possible drug addiction.

Q:Some skin-care products contain caffeine. True or False?

A:True. Anti-aging products containing caffeine have been shown to help make skin smoother and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Q:Women are more sensitive to caffeine than men. True or False?

A:False. A recent study found that men have a greater response to caffeine than women; however, another study suggested that this might not always be a good thing. Researchers found that caffeine tended to harm the performance of men in collaborative, stressful situations (such as an office environment), but it improved the performance of women.

Q:As you age, your sensitivity to caffeine declines. True or False?

A:False. Older adults can be more sensitive to caffeine because it takes their bodies longer to process it.

Q:Caffeine can aggravate symptoms of anxiety. True or False?

A:True. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anyone suffering from anxiety disorders should avoid caffeine because it can aggravate symptoms, which include exaggerated worry and tension.

Q:Caffeine can help you sober up when you're intoxicated. True or False?

A:False. Contrary to popular belief, caffeine has no sobering effects on intoxicated people.

Q:Caffeinated beverages are dehydrating. True or False?

A:False. Caffeinated beverages do not generally contribute to dehydration. In the short term, caffeine may have a mild diuretic effect in people who do not normally consume caffeine, but this is not the case for those who habitually drink caffeinated beverages. All beverages, including those that contain caffeine, help maintain hydration.

Q:An overdose of caffeine can kill you. True or False?

A:True. Deaths from caffeine overdose are rare, but do happen. The amount of caffeine considered to be an overdose varies by a person's size, age and gender. In general, doses of greater than 10 grams (about 85 cups of coffee) can be fatal in adults.

Q:There is a limit to caffeine content in "energy drinks." True or False?

A:False. The FDA limits the caffeine content in soft drinks to 71 mg per 12 oz serving, but there is no limit on the amount of caffeine energy drinks can contain. Several energy drinks have more than 100 mg of caffeine per serving, and some have more than 200 mg.
source:medicinenet.com

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