Many need the caffeine in a cup of coffee to get going in the morning. When their energy wanes in the mid-morning, it is used as a pick-me-up.

Caffeine is a stimulant. It perks you up and gets your blood flowing faster. Blood vessels are dilated so you get more oxygen flowing. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate and energy drinks. It is also an ingredient in many medications, including headache medications,

Caffeine can open blood vessels so that other medication can reach the site of pain more easily. For someone suffering from a migraine headache, drinking a caffeinated soda can provide quicker relief than a pill. It is not advised to drink a soda as your main remedy, but it can take the edge off while your medication is starting to work.

Energy drinks don’t just keep you awake, they give you more energy. This is desirable for someone who has a lot to do and wants to get it done.

As the blood vessels dilate, more blood can reach the brain and so can more oxygen. You can think more clearly from first thing in the morning.

That extra energy can assist with weight loss. Drinking energy drinks can help you get through a particularly tough workout. As the metabolism ramps up, your body burns more calories to help you lose weight.

With the good also comes a bit of a downside. While caffeine can do all of these things, using it too much can lead to some potential problems.

Caffeine is addictive. Some people must have several cups of coffee. They may have started with one, but end up drinking more as their bodies get used to the effects of one cup. Too much caffeine can lead to jitters that can cause a lack of focus as the day wears on.

When that much caffeine is going through your system, stopping it can make you a bit woozy. Caffeine withdrawal can lead to dizziness, blurry vision and headache. How ironic, since it can also stop a migraine.

High blood pressure is also a factor. Many medications that contain caffeine (such as cold medicine) are being changed to a different formulation for those who have a history of high blood pressure. Caffeine can raise normal blood pressure, which makes it even more dangerous for someone who has a diagnosis of hypertension.

If you are a caffeine drinker, remember that a little can be helpful, but too much can be harmful.