Christine Matherne said the mere thought of making coffee lures her out of bed each morning before class.The English senior said she drinks at least a cup of coffee each morning — sometimes more.”I get a headache,” Matherne said of the prospect of skipping her morning intake.A recent Swedish study released in January indicates middle-aged coffee drinking can decrease the risk of dementia later in life. According to the study, moderate coffee drinkers at midlife had a 65 percent decreased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.Heli Roy, human ecology professor, said the antioxidants found in coffee have a “protective” effect on the body, while the caffeine found in it helps people’s mental activities, physical activities and reduces body weight.”[Coffee] actually helps to remove oxidated products in the body and actually prevents degeneration, aging [and] oxidated kind of effects,” Roy said. “In terms of heart disease, it does actually seem to have — because of the antioxidants — a protective effect.”According to Roy, moderate caffeine consumption has been found to cause many long-term positive effects.”It reduces body weight, particularly body fat because it reduces fat deposition,” Roy said. “[And] it actually reduces caloric intake in laboratory animals.”Caffeine can work to delay the development of diabetes, Roy said.The standard dosage for many studies and to achieve health benefits is about 350 milligrams per day, which Roy said translates to between two or three cups. And Roy said the effects of coffee are almost instantaneous.”Within a few minutes, individuals who are sensitive to caffeine can feel the difference,” Roy said. “You have increased heart rate, you have increased alertness [and] you have increased energy.”Heather McKay, animal sciences junior, said she generally drinks coffee about twice a month whenever her schedule gets hectic.”I got some today because I was falling asleep,” McKay said. “Generally when I get it, it’s just a meal between classes. It’s just something to fill me up.”According to Beth Reames, human ecology professor, research indicates coffee is safe for rehydrating.”It used to be said that you shouldn’t drink coffee or caffeinated beverages to rehydrate yourself,” Reames said. ‘If you’re hot and thirsty, you don’t have to drink water … The caffeinated beverage would be OK.”Caffeine is no longer thought to cause pregnancy complications, increase chances of developing osteoporosis or increase blood pressure, Reames said.Reames recommended students who experience test-taking anxiety avoid caffeinated beverages.”In very large amounts, it is a stimulant,” Reames said. “Anyone that’s already feeling high anxiety levels or jittery, [it’s] only going to increase those feelings.”While people can develop a tolerance to caffeine over time, Roy said those with caffeine sensitivity might experience negative short-term effects.”If you have too much caffeine in your system, it does interfere with your ability to have deep sleep,” Roy said. ‘If you need to be able to read or pay attention or read complex    problems, you’re not going to be able to do that.”Excessive caffeine could cause fatigue and diarrhea over time, Roy said. When coupled with sugar and cream, Roy cautioned the calories could negate the positive side effects of coffee. Still, she recommended exercising caution with sugar rather than substituting artificial sweetener.–Contact Lindsey Meaux at [email protected]