HEALTH

Coffee. Whether you love it or hate it, this caffiene boosted drink is everywhere. From Starbucks to Dunkin' Donuts and fast food chains, there's so many to choose from. And with all the delicious flavors and welcoming smells, who wouldn’t want to take a sip? But, don't jump on the coffee bandwagon just yet. Before you get hooked, get the 411 on this popular drink: 

So, what kind of coffee options are there?

Black coffee- Served straight up. No cream, no sugars, just coffee as is.  

Iced- Yup, it's as refreshing as it sounds. It's what you see people clinging to on the hottest day of the summer.

Cappuccino- This three part drink is made with a shot of espresso, steamed milk and a bit of foam on top.

Latte- A latte is similar to a cappuccino, but with steamed milk added in, making it much creamier. 

This list doesn’t even begin to cover the extras you can add to spice up each type. Whether it’s whipped cream, cinnamon, sugar, caramel, pumpkin, coconut, or blueberry flavoring, the options are endless.

Am I too young?

You’ve seen your parents drinking it, your older siblings, your teachers, and maybe even some of your friends… so are you old enough to do it too? There is no right or wrong answer to this, but the first thing you should do is ask your parents. Coffee is very different from water or juice, and you want to make sure they’re are okay with you fueling your body with extra caffeine. We suggest chatting with your parents and doc, then trying it to see how it affects your body first. 

How much is too much?

So your mom and dad gave you the go-ahead, but how many cups is the perfect amount? When it comes to the art of coffee chugging, the key is moderation. Some coffee drinks can taste like a dessert, which is good (obvi), but also can be unhealthy because they are packed with sugar and fat. These drinks are packed with sugar, fat and caffeine which is why you don’t want to have too much. Adults are advised not to have more than two cups a day, but just one cup a day is still too much for kids and teens.

This is a common rumor but, luckily, it is just a rumor. Drinking or not drinking coffee isn’t going to affect your height. However, there are other risks that come in every cup. Too much caffeine can cause hyperactivity (super hyper), insomnia (unable to fall asleep), nausea, headaches, anxiety, and heart problems. This is why you don’t want to drink it every day, and you definitely don’t want to drink it at nighttime.

Have your tried coffee? How does it affect your body? Did your parents give you the OK? Share in the comments below! 

by Cheyenne Dermody | 2/1/2016