Thursday, 20 July 2023

Caffeine Pills VS Coffee

 What are caffeine pills?

Caffeine is a stimulant drug that increases activity in the central nervous system. Coffee and tea are natural sources of caffeine, and manufacturers add caffeine to other products, such as sodas, energy drinks, and energy bars.

Caffeine pills may contain natural or synthetic forms of caffeine.

The amount of caffeine in these pills varies depending on the brand. In many cases, they contain 100 to 200 milligrams (mg) per tablet. This is more than in most cups of coffee but less than in some energy drinks.

For reference, the Food and Drug AdministrationTrusted Source (FDA) estimate that caffeine levels in common products are as follows:

  • An 8-ounce (oz) tea contains 30–50 milligrams (mg).
  • An 8-oz coffee contains 80–100 mg.
  • An 8-oz energy drink contains 40–250 mg.

According to the FDA, people can usually take 400 mgTrusted Source a day without negative side effects.

Caffeine pills are safe for most people in moderation, and if they limit their intake of additional sources of caffeine.

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others, however, and may experience adverse reactions to these supplements and other sources of caffeine.

Doctors may recommend that the following groups limit their caffeine intake:

  • those who are particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine
  • people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
  • people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • children and adolescents
  • people who experience regular migraine headaches

It is important to note that caffeine pills are not the same as pure caffeine powder. Pure caffeine powder is a potentially dangerous substance that may cause toxic effects, including seizures, upon consumption of even 0.15 tablespoonsTrusted Source, which contains around 1,200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine.

As a result, the FDA have taken actionTrusted Source to protect the public from pure caffeine by monitoring companies to ensure they are not manufacturing products that contain high levels of pure or concentrated caffeine. The FDA will enforce any violations by stopping the manufacture of the product or seizing it.


Caffeine pills vs. coffee

Some people prefer to take their caffeine in pill form, while others would rather consume it through coffee or tea.

Factors to consider when choosing between caffeine pills and coffee include:

Taste

For those that do not enjoy the taste of coffee, caffeine pills could provide some similar benefits.

Convenience

Caffeine pills may be more convenient for those who do not have access to a bathroom for long periods, including bus drivers and security personnel.

While caffeine in any form acts a diuretic and increases urine output, coffee may cause a more significant increase because it is liquid.

Also, caffeine pills make it easier to take in more caffeine faster. While this may be beneficial for some people, it also increases the risk of caffeine overdose, which causes anxiety, rapid heart rate, and other symptoms.

Acidity

Coffee is acidic and can cause heartburn and exacerbate the symptoms of GERD. Caffeine pills may be a better option for those prone to reflux, but caffeine can still cause heartburn in some people.

Other beneficial components

Aside from caffeine, coffee contains high levels of antioxidants that may be responsible for some of its health benefits. People taking caffeine pills instead of drinking coffee will miss out on this antioxidant boost.

On the other hand, coffee contains coffee oils, such as cafestol and kahweol. These oils may increase cholesterol levels in people who drink a lot of coffee. Caffeine pills are free from coffee oils and may not have these same effects.

Side effects and risks

Caffeine can cause adverse effects, especially if people consume it in large quantities, or if they have a caffeine sensitivity. These effects include:

  • anxiety and nervousness
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • dysphoria, a feeling of unhappiness
  • fast heart rate
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • high blood pressure
  • nausea
  • shaking
  • sleep problems
  • thirst

Extremely high quantities of caffeine can cause an overdose. Symptoms include:

  • a rapid and irregular heartbeat
  • feeling disorientated
  • seizures
  • vomiting

People can also experience caffeine dependency if they regularly consume caffeine — even 1 cup a day may lead to dependence. This dependency can also lead to withdrawal symptoms if the person suddenly avoids caffeine.

Not everyone who takes caffeine daily will experience dependency or withdrawal symptoms. Some researchTrusted Source indicates that genetic factors play a role in a person’s sensitivity to caffeine.

Caffeine may not be suitable for everyone. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendTrusted Source that children and adolescents avoid caffeine and other stimulants.

According to a 2016 studyTrusted Source, high intakes of caffeine during adolescence can cause permanent changes in the brain that may increase anxiety in adulthood.

The FDATrusted Source advise that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive talk to their doctor about their caffeine intake.



Wednesday, 19 July 2023

Pakistan's inflation

 

What is Food Inflation?

In economics, food inflation is termed as a persistent rise in prices of food items that negatively affects the purchasing power of people. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) both play an important role in determining the rate of inflation.

Food inflation has a multi-dimensional effect on everyone, and in developing countries, such as Pakistan, food inflation creates a big issue as the purchasing power of people is affected by it.

Food Inflation in Pakistan: A Rising Issue in 2023

Food price inflation has emerged as the main economic challenge for Pakistan. It harms growth and reduces the purchasing power of people. Pakistan, being a developing country, is facing a challenge with rising food prices. This problem needs to be addressed as it decreases the welfare of poor people. The food inflation crisis is pushing many into poverty. Moreover, no relief is being provided to the people by the government.

Nobody in Pakistan draws attention to problems like structural flaws, ineffective coordination between the federal and provincial governments, weak enforcement of laws prohibiting high market pricing, and unfair business activities like hoarding and disrupted supply chains, etc. In this scenario, the depreciation of the rupee is held responsible for all issues and is not addressed. There are a variety of causes and effects of this record food inflation in Pakistan. Some economists contend that it is due to global consequences and political instability in the country.

Food inflation is a widespread phenomenon in Pakistan as governments continue to increase prices, making the lives of common people unbearably difficult. The country’s food prices are being driven up mostly by the currency rate and oil prices. Inflation is further boosted by ongoing wheat flour and sugar crises brought on by false shortages, enabling people to sell them at higher prices.

The increase in inflation has created malnutrition problems and lowered the standards of living, both of which give rise to health-related issues. According to the Global Hunger Index, Pakistan ranked 92nd out of 116 countries which show a serious level of hunger in the country. Food inflation in Pakistan remains in double digits for the second straight year. It increased to a record of 28.80 percent in July, according to the Bureau of Statistics. It has eroded the purchasing power of people and with the same income level, they cannot purchase these goods.


Reasons for High Food Prices In Pakistan

While analyzing the effects of food inflation in Pakistan, it is imperative to address its causes as well. Some of the indicators that have directly impacted food inflation in Pakistan are as follows:

  • Currency Devaluation

The depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee is a significant factor in the rising food inflation in Pakistan. The political instability in the country over the past few months also impacted the currency devaluation. Pakistan is a net importer of food items so the depreciation of the rupee increased the prices of food commodities.

All imported goods, including crude oil, soybeans, poultry feed, fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides face price hikes as a result of devaluation. The cost of producing agricultural commodities is impacted by the rise in the pricing of these imported goods. Over the past year, the cost of imported DAP fertilizer has climbed by more than twice as much.

  • Cost of Production

The exchange rate devaluation and global increase in oil prices have badly affected the cost of production. The rise in prices of key inputs i.e. seed, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural machinery, and transportation directly impact the prices of finished products. On IMF’s demands, subsidies on seeds and fertilizers have been withdrawn, resulting in a rise in prices.

Due to less production of fertilizers in the country, the government has to import DAP fertilizer at high rates. The shortage of fertilizer affected crop production which has caused price hikes. In case of a shortage of canal water, tube wells are used that require diesel. Similarly, agricultural machinery requires fuel and due to high rates of fuel, the cost of production is directly affected. As the cost of production increases, so does food inflation.

  • Increase in Oil Prices

Oil prices have a crucial role in increasing food inflation. Transportation of food to great distances requires more fuel consumption. High oil prices raise shipping costs. It also has a great impact on the cost of production of crops as fuel is required in the agricultural sector.

An increase in crude oil prices has a direct effect on energy-related items such as electricity and household fuels. The expensive LNG (liquefied natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) agreements with Qatar in July also resulted in increased oil prices in the country. In July, inflation in Pakistan increased by 33% due to high petroleum prices.


  • Climate Change

The changing climate affected the average production of Pakistan’s staple food crop – wheat. Due to the early heat wave in March, there’s relatively less produce than in previous years. This led to an increase in inflation as there was less supply of wheat. The rate of inflation increased in Pakistan due to a 60% increase in the price of wheat.

Heavy rains and flooding in many parts of Pakistan have badly affected crop yields creating food insecurity in the country. Rains have damaged cotton, dates, chilies, and other vegetable production. About 70% of onion production in Sindh has been affected by floods. This will lead to a shortage and a rise in the price of commodities. Rains and floods create supply shocks which create inflation in the food sector.

  • Government Presence in Marketplaces

Ineffective cropping patterns are the result of government intervention in the market. Due to government support for the cultivation of sugarcane and wheat, other crops that compete with them produce less. The discrepancy between the supply and demand of crops is brought on by the farmers’ altered preferences.

The demand-supply gap increases dependence on imported products that are very expensive due to exchange rate depreciation. Many food items remain in demand despite the monetary tightening. As a result, importing food commodities pushes up the cost of those items and contributes to food inflation.

Recommendations to Improve the Inflation Rate in Pakistan

It is the responsibility of the government to keep food inflation within reasonable levels. The lack of coordination between federal and provincial governments creates room for an increasing rate of food inflation. Effective social protection plays an important role in controlling food inflation.


Tuesday, 18 July 2023

The Power of Social Media

  Leveraging its Potential for Professional Growth and Brand Success:


In today's interconnected world, social media has transformed from a mere platform for personal communication to a powerful tool for businesses, professionals, and brands. Its widespread influence has revolutionized marketing, networking, and customer engagement. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the multifaceted aspects of social media, exploring how businesses and individuals can harness its potential to achieve professional growth and brand success.

social media empowerment

1: Understanding the Social Media Landscape


The first step to leveraging the power of social media is understanding its diverse landscape. We'll explore the major platforms and their unique characteristics, helping you identify the ones most suitable for your goals. From Facebook's massive user base to Instagram's visually-driven content and LinkedIn's business-oriented focus, each platform offers distinct advantages that can align with your professional objectives.


2: Building a Strong Social Media Strategy


Developing a robust social media strategy is key to achieving success. In this chapter, we'll delve into the essential components of crafting a strategy that aligns with your brand identity, target audience, and overarching goals. We'll discuss the significance of defining measurable objectives, creating engaging content, establishing a consistent posting schedule, and incorporating analytics to track your performance and make data-driven decisions.


3: Content Creation and Curation


Compelling content is the heartbeat of any social media presence. Here, we'll explore the art of content creation, highlighting techniques for producing visually appealing graphics, engaging videos, and well-crafted written posts. Additionally, we'll delve into the art of content curation, enabling you to share valuable industry insights and relevant information from other thought leaders in your field.


4: Mastering Social Media Advertising


Social media advertising can be a game-changer for businesses looking to expand their reach and drive conversions. This section will provide an in-depth analysis of various advertising options on different platforms, discussing the importance of targeting, ad copywriting, budgeting, and A/B testing to optimize your campaigns for the best results.


5: Community Engagement and Customer Relations


Creating a loyal and engaged community on social media is crucial for long-term success. We'll explore the significance of fostering meaningful interactions with your followers, responding to customer inquiries and feedback promptly, and showcasing your brand's personality to build trust and rapport.


6: Influencer Marketing and Partnerships


Influencer marketing has emerged as a potent way to tap into established audiences and amplify your brand's message. In this chapter, we'll discuss the dynamics of influencer collaborations, including identifying the right influencers, negotiating partnerships, and measuring the impact of such campaigns.


7: Managing Social Media Crisis


With the fast-paced nature of social media, crises can arise unexpectedly. Here, we'll equip you with the tools and strategies to handle negative situations effectively, including establishing crisis communication protocols, remaining transparent, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.


8: Measuring ROI and Analytics


Measuring the return on investment (ROI) of your social media efforts is essential to assess the effectiveness of your strategies. We'll delve into the world of social media analytics, exploring key metrics to track, interpreting data insights, and adjusting your approach to achieve optimal results.


Conclusion:


Social media has become an integral part of the professional landscape, presenting unparalleled opportunities for growth and success. By understanding the diverse platforms, building a solid strategy, creating compelling content, and engaging with your audience effectively, you can unlock the full potential of social media for your brand or professional endeavors. Embrace this ever-evolving digital realm, and let the power of social media propel you towards unprecedented heights of success.

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