10 Things You Should Know About Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea leaf, kola nut, chocolate and other foods. It is odorless and has an extremely bitter taste It's also found in some medications. Caffeine is linked with problems such as anxiety, heartburn and insomnia. pregnant women should avoid caffeine because it can increase the risk of birth defects.

It is the most consumed psychoactive drug in the world. Caffeine blocks the action of adenosine, a chemical that promotes sleepiness. It also stimulates the central nervous system, heart rate, and blood pressure. Caffeine is generally safe when used in moderation. However, it can cause anxiety and insomnia in some people.

10 Things you need to know about caffeine

1. Caffeine resembles a brain chemical.

Caffeine has a similar molecular structure to adenosine, a neurotransmitter (a substance that transmits nerve impulses in the brain). Because of its chemical resemblance to adenosine, caffeine can bind to adenosine receptors in brain cells.

2. Death from too much caffeine is rare, but possible

In rare cases, 5 grams of caffeine in adults, the amount in about 15 to 30 cups of coffee, can be fatal in overdoses. Death has been attributed to ingesting powdered caffeine and caffeine pills, such as weight-loss aids.

3. It was involved in soda snafu

Although it contains less caffeine than a small cup of coffee, a 12-ounce can of Sunkist Orange soda has 41 milligrams of caffeine in it, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Other brands of orange soda are usually noncaffeinated, but Sunkist Orange has the most caffeine in it of a similar amount of Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

4. Caffeine withdrawal is a real condition

In the latest version of the psychology handbook "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5), caffeine withdrawal is listed as a mental health condition. The text describes the effects seen in some people who abruptly stop or dramatically cut back on their daily use of caffeine.

5. People aren't truly "addicted" to caffeine

People who consume caffeine every day are most likely dependent on the drug, and it does produce symptoms of dependence, Lane said. But addiction is not the best way to describe it, he said.

Caffeine use is socially acceptable, and because people who consume it in large amounts aren't thought of as acting like addicts, society doesn't put its overuse in the same category as that of other drugs, Lane said

6. Caffeine stays in the body for hours

Caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream and tissues after just about 45 minutes. But this process takes considerably longer than the 45 minutes it takes for the body to break it down and clear it from an individual's system.

7. Caffeine can be found in unusual places

These days, consumers might notice caffeine in some unexpected places. People can purchase caffeine-infused bottled water, jelly beans, breath mints, peanut butter and chewing gum.

There are even caffeinated bath soaps that supposedly help wake people up in the morning. Although caffeine can be absorbed through the skin, it's doubtful this soap will improve alertness during the day, Lane said.

8. Coffee beans come from a red fruit

The fragrant brown beans that people might toss into a grinder every morning actually come from a bright-red fruit.

Coffee comes from shrubs, known as coffee cherries, that produce a red berry when ripe, Lane told Live Science. The actual coffee beans, which are green, are found inside the coffee cherries

9. Caffeine can exaggerate the effects of stress

Lane's research has found that caffeine can amplify stress in people who consume it every day. In a small study of habitual coffee drinkers, he found that caffeine amplifies the stress response in the body, resulting in increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as increases in the production of stress hormones.

Caffeine directly affects not only the way a person's body responds to stress but also the mind by magnifying an individual's perception of stress.

An exaggerated stress response can make a difference to people with conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, Lane said.

10.Caffeine in plants acts as a natural pesticide and herbicide

Caffeine is a stimulant found in the leaves, fruits and seeds of some caffeine-producing plants. The most common source of caffeine is coffee, but it is also found in tea, cola drinks and chocolate. Caffeine is a natural pesticide that helps protect the plant from predators. It also helps the plant to grow and reproduce.

Caffeine in plants function as a natural pesticide to help ward off insects that may attack the plants, and it may be useful in pest control, suggested a study from researchers at Harvard Medical School that was published in 1984 in the journal Science. At high doses, caffeine can even be toxic to insects.


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How much caffeine is too much?

There is no definitive answer to how much caffeine is too much, as everyone responds differently to the stimulant. But consuming more than 500 milligrams per day (about five cups of coffee) can cause adverse effects like restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. exceeding 600 milligrams can also lead to stomach problems like diarrhea and nausea. pregnant women should consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, as it can increase the risk of miscarriage.

In conclusion, caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. It is a stimulant that can improve alertness, mood, and cognitive function. While caffeine is generally safe and has some benefits, it can also have negative effects. For most people, moderate caffeine consumption is not harmful. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and side effects associated with caffeine intake.

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