What is Caffeine?
For most people the word caffeine is synonymous with the word coffee, but chemically it is so much more. This article explores the world of caffeine, its uses and effects.
Caffeine is actually classified as a psychoactive drug
Perhaps the only legal, psychoactive stimulant drug in the world, caffeine is consumed by more than 85 percent of the adult population. Most popularly in energy drinks, soft drinks, and of course coffee and tea. But, caffeine is actually a naturally occurring crystalline alkaloid that is found in various plant leaves and seeds. This bitter, white substance is a natural insecticide and protects the shrubs. Caffeine can also be found in kola nuts, guarana berries, yerba mate, and most commonly the coffee plant which is grown and harvested especially for coffee drinkers.
Caffeine is considered to be generally safe
However, there are several exceptions to that safety claim, especially when taken in unusually high quantities of 10 grams or more, when toxicity happens. But, used normally caffeine can actually have some beneficial effects on Parkinson's disease and even cancer, according to medical experts. The most common side effect is sleep disruption which occurs when it's consumed too close to bedtime. People with coronary conditions may experience palpitations of the heart and involuntary muscle twitching. With normal use, caffeine seems to have no detrimental effects on users, even over a life span. Clinicians do not agree that caffeine creates a dependency problem in the user and the issue remains a very controversial one.
Historical caffeine use
In the early 1800's, the French writer Balzac chronicled his own excessive use of caffeine, taking the equivalent of over four dozen cups of coffee a day. But Balzac didn't drink coffee, he ground the beans to a fine dust and ingested them into his empty stomach. While proclaiming it as a rather brutal method, he was enamored by the effects, saying caffeine sent sparks shooting into his mind that made ideas gallop out of his head. The medical industry was harshly critical of that particular notion back then as to the creative effects of caffeine. That debate continues to this day among researchers and scientists.
Use the rule of moderation
It's obvious that caffeine may be the all-time favorite substance of human beings. Coffee and other drinks containing caffeine can be invigorating and refreshing, but not to the excessive. Clinicians found that when doctors used caffeine to stay awake on long shifts they reported that they felt more alert. However, it was found that they still made the same number of errors, meaning it did not improve concentration.
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Edward Rosenberg is a professional health and nutrition expert. He has studied and researched dozens of various products over the past 4 years. For complete in-depth research about caffeine and how it can help you Click Here
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