The Honolulu Heart Programme of 1960’s, conducted on 8000 Japanese and Americans proved that coffee does not relate to any heart attack risk. Infact, those who take up to 6 cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. “Caffeine protects brain cells from damage that lead to Parkinson’s.” – says neurologist, Webster Ross.

Another cheerful news for the coffee lovers is that a daily intake of 4-5 cups of coffee can reduce the risk of Diabetes by 30%. Not only this researchers identified a component in coffee that protects against colon cancer. Coffee improves the function of the brain and alertness. A Greek study suggests that a cup of coffee a day protects against heart disease.

But, certainly the side effects of coffee cannot be ignored. Studies show that an intake of more coffee that a person is used to can give jitters. Another research conducted by John Hopkins University show that coffee drinkers have slightly high blood pressure, but they were not at risk of developing hypertension.

So, in a nutshell there is nothing to worry if you take a cup or two of coffee a day and you get some unexpected benefits as well.

The alarming fact is that healthy people tend to take vitamin pills when it’s actually not required, rather than those who actually require a specific dose. An elderly person, for example may require Vitamin B12 because he has lost the ability to absorb it from the food directly.

To understand the problem better, let’s analyze the two categories of Vitamins -

1) Fat-Soluble Vitamins 2) Water-Soluble Vitamins

Fat-Soluble Vitamins are Vitamin A, D, E and K. These Vitamins are soluble only in fat and hence there is no way they can be flushed out with urine. Hence, they accumulate in the body.
Nowadays, these Vitamins are added to health drinks and cereals etc. as supplements. It is not surprising that there is a thread line between the recommended dose and an overdose of Vitamin and the supplement shoots up the level to an overdose limit. High level of fat- soluble Vitamins has many side effects. Vitamin A, for example can increase the risk of Osteoporosis if an extra dose is taken. Similarly, Vitamin E can have toxic consequences like fatigue, double vision and gastrointestinal distress.

Water- Soluble Vitamins are Vitamin B and C. These Vitamins unlike the fat-soluble Vitamins are secreted out of the body with urine. But, it certainly has a limit dose as well. An extra dose of this Vitamin can cause nerve damage, diarrhoea and flatulence.

Scientists once had the opinion that the Vitamins can be a tool to fight ailments. But, a series of research proved that these Vitamins have no beneficial effect on any disease. Dr. Benjamin Caballero, a member of the Food and Nutrition Board at the US National Academy of Science says - “You cannot replace a healthy diet. We don’t know what ingredient is a healthy diet is responsible for which condition.”

So, if you are looking for a magic Vitamin pill that will compensate for a balanced diet or cure a disease, then it does not exist!

Psychologist Robert Thayer says that Serotonin is the mood regulating hormone and a drop n the hormone level may result in stress and loss of Energy. This can further lead to Season Affective Disorder.

The present working crowd if often under work pressure and fatigue. Some simple and easy ‘pick- me ups’ can help distress.

•Take a Walk – A 10 minutes brisk walk helps overcome exhaustion for at least 2 hrs.
•Sun Bath – Sun light promotes serotonin level and relaxes the mood. Sitting next to the open window also helps.
•Chocolates – Chocolates are rich in magnesium and helps to relax the body. They are excellent mood lifters.
•Color – Interestingly, colors help to cheer up. Wearing bright colors or even having a bright colored room helps.
•Whole grain diet – Whole grain bread, a cereal bar or pop corn helps to elevate the mood.
•Tea and Coffee – A cup of hot lime tea or black coffee often helps.
•A good laugh - Laughter lowers blood pressure and reduces hypertension. It Reduces stress hormones (studies shows, laughter induces reduction of at least four of neuroendocrine hormones—epinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and growth hormone, associated with stress response). Laughter triggers the release of endorphins—body’s natural painkillers.

And, of course there are some weird but interesting stress busters, like playing with a balloon, tearing papers,folding a poly bag and bouncing a ball. Sports are a good way of relieving stress.

Since, we spend most of the time at work under pressure; we should always take some time out of the busy schedule for ourselves. A healthy and stress free mind is always more productive.