Caffeic acid – what it is, how it works and side effects!

Caffeic acid is a chemical found in many plants and foods for example coffee is the main source of this acid in the human diet. However, it can be found in other food sources such as apples , artichokes, berries and pears.

Wine also contains a significant amount of  caffeic acid as it is used in supplements to increase athletic performance, exercise-related fatigue, weight loss, cancer, HIV/AIDS, herpes, and other issues.

It is an organic compound and a potent antioxidant . It can be found naturally in a wide variety of plants. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with caffeine.

What is caffeic acid?

Caffeic acid is a type of polyphenol, a class of micronutrients known for their antioxidant properties . The nutrient is claimed to have many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-viral. This can help improve athletes’ performance.

However, it is not considered “essential” for human health. In other words, you don’t need it to survive. The most common source in the diet is drinking coffee. It is also found in certain vegetables, fruits and herbs. In addition, some examples of foods that contain this substance include:

• Café;
• Wine;
• saffron ;
• basil ;
• Thyme;
• Oregano;
• cabbage ;
• apples ;
• Strawberries ;
• Cauliflower ;
• radishes ;
• mushrooms;
• kale ;
• Pear;
• Olive oil.

How does caffeic acid work?

Caffeic acid is believed to have many effects on the body, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It can also affect the body’s immune system. Studies in show that it can slow the growth of cancer cells and viruses.

Additionally, animal studies show that it may have a mild stimulant effect and reduce exercise-related fatigue . However, the effects of caffeic acid when taken by people are not known from the skin .

Uses and effectiveness:

• Athletic performance;
• Exercise-related fatigue ;
• weight loss ;
• Cancer ;
• HIV / AIDS;
• Herpes.

Caffeic acid side effects:

Also, there is not enough information to know if it is safe when taken as a supplement as it is contained in many foods that we ingest and water .

Special precautions and warnings:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• There is not enough information on whether caffeic acid , when taken as a supplement, is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it must be avoided.

Insomnia:

• This substance may have a mild stimulant effect that can worsen insomnia . However, this effect is modest and substantially less than caffeine.

Interactions:

• We currently have no information about interactions.

Dosage:

The appropriate dose of caffeic acid depends on a number of factors such as the user’s age, health and various other issues. There is currently no scientific information that determines an appropriate range of doses.

So keep in mind that natural products are not always safe and dosages can be important. Also, follow relevant instructions on product labels and consult your pharmacist, physician or other healthcare professional before use.