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The effect of caffeine on human health
Caffeine and brain function
The effect of caffeine on human health
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Caffeine, it is a word and matter that we consume daily, especially on a college campus. But, how many times do we think about the effect it is having, both on our mind and body? By the looks of infinite trashcans filled with emptied Starbucks latte cups probably not much. Many studies have been done on what the effects, pros, cons, etc. are on this oh so popular substance. My hope is to show some facts about what is going on in the world and studies of caffeine, as well as what I believe the word of God as well says on the topic. Before I get started with some facts, I want to include my story on the topic. It was freshman year, and I was admitted into the world of caffeine. Day after day I added an extra shot of espresso to my already concentrated coffee drink, my day was utterly ruined if I couldn’t get my hands on the …show more content…
Now, I’m not bashing caffeine, I still love having coffee with a girlfriend or the occasional glass of soda, but I don’t like being controlled by it. A study, by the University of Vermont, explores the similarities of caffeine addiction vs. similarities to actual drug addiction. The study found, “some coffee drinkers exhibit three signs of caffeine addiction: They seek out the drink for caffeine 's stimulating and pleasing effects; they experience withdrawal symptoms such as drowsiness, fatigue and headaches; and they report adverse effects of caffeine consumption such as stomachaches, earaches, trembling and profuse sweating.” Now coffee is not the equivalent to a hardcore drug, and the people they were testing drank on average three to seven cups of coffee a day. But when you allow something to go as far as taking over your body enough to give you withdrawal symptoms, I think precautions are worth
Caffeine is a mild stimulant that occurs naturally in at least 63 plant species. Caffeine can be found in the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots of these various plants. Caffeine is part of the methylxanthine family. It consists of a xanthine molecule with three methyl groups attached to it. Caffeine can be found in many products like sodas, tea, and coffee, but it also occurs in several other products such as prescription medications, diuretics, and pain relievers. Caffeine’s widespread use and popularity have caused many people to view the substance as an addictive drug. Thus making caffeine the most inexpensive and readily available drug known to man. Then on the other hand there are people who view caffeine as a helpful stimulant that increases the individual’s concentration and awareness as well as many other physical traits. The important thing to remember is that caffeine’s affects vary based on the person, the amount ingested, the frequency of consumption, and individual metabolism. (http://www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/kopykit/caffeine.html)
Although individuals try to stop using caffeine, some cannot because it has a strong hold on them and some people can stop. The people that doesn’t stop may fit the clinical definition of caffeine addiction. “In this study, 94% of participants experienced withdrawal when they attempted to stop using caffeine, and 94% continued to use caffeine even though they knew that they might be harming their health with their use.” Women stop taking in caffeine during their pregnancies. Studies suggest, caffeine can be harmful to a growing baby. Most individuals with mental illnesses might be asked to stop taking caffeine. (Caffeine Addiction). All races of women consume 200 milligrams of caffeine daily. They drink coffee, black tea, green tea, and soda. About 89 percent of United States women ages 18 to 34 consume two cups of coffee a day. Even though caffeine affects men more strongly than women, caffeine changes women's estrogen levels; it has different effects in Asian, white, and black women. Studies showed that the effect differ between men and women based on the caffeine intake they consume. Men consume 7 milligrams of caffeine a day. Other men consume 85 to 170 milligrams of caffeine a day. Thirtynine percent does not drink caffeine at all.
Scrutiny of caffeine and its effects has increased dramatically in the last 20 years, due in part to an increase in consumption of caffeine. In fact, coffee consumption among young adults rose to 3.2 cups per day in 2008 from 2.4 cups per day in 2005 (Rokerya 1). For instance, in a one hour period, on Richland College’s on-campus Starbucks, the author took note of how many customers arrived and purchased a cup of coffee. Between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, there were 51 customers, implying that – especially at college - many people are dependent on coffee in the mornings. However, the results from these studies are inconclusive and often somewhat contradictory – many studies (such as that by Tetsuya Ohara et al.) show that caffeine is a great boon to
One thing that has been the same for many years. Has always been society 's intake of caffeine even in the early eighteen hundreds caffeine played its role (Gladwell 235). In the American Revolution mainly remember it with the “symbolic rejection” of the people pouring tea into Boston Harbor (233). Boston Harbor is one of the most known conflicts that caffeine has brought into this society. In the Twenty-First Century over ninety percent of Americans have a cup of coffee in the morning (Collingwood). In many studies, caffeine, when it is consumed in the afternoon, will stimulate the brain which will have side effects that are similar to insomnia (@healthline). When anyone doesn’t get the rest that they need, their brain will not react properly to any situations. Caffeine is what drives, crashes, and tear apart this society. Will caffeine run this world or will the world run without the harmful embrace of a
By this definition, and after knowing the effects of caffeine upon the human body, I have come to the conclusion that drinking caffeine is a sign of a lack of respect for oneself, and of an unappreciative attitude toward the life that each of us has been blessed with. Furthermore, it shows of either our inability, or unwillingness to learn to think clearly.
Most people have moments in their life where they just want to enjoy an expensive Caribou drink without paying for it. The kind of drink that makes one gasp when they first see it, and when they take a sip of it their mouth craves for more. I would love this free drink. In order to get one, I must be able to find the right person and persuade them to buy it for me. I have three siblings: Kaylee, Kyle, and Kurt who would be strong contenders in getting a payed-for coffee. The question is: who would more likely buy me a drink?
Red Bull. 5 Hour Energy. Monster. These energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular not just for teenagers and college kids, but in the world of athletics as well. Athletes around the world are drinking these beverages for a boost in athletic performance and stamina to get an edge over their opponents. These drinks are even being promoted by professional athletes! This increasing popularity and consumption begs the question: are these drinks safe? I decided to dig into this question, and I have found some pretty startling answers. The drinks may bring enhanced performance and energy, but they also come with potential health risks. These health risks heavily outweigh the benefits the drinks could possibly bring.
The media fails to project the negative effects of excessive caffeine intake. This literature review will illustrate how excessive caffeine consumption can be detrimental to one’s life, and how problematic caffeine use derives from conditioning by the caffeine industry. Caffeine is the single most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the United States (Einöther & Giesbrecht, 2013). According to Einöther and Giesbrecht (2013), 80% of the world’s population consumes caffeinated products every day, with coffee and tea being the primary sources. In the recent years, the demand for coffee has increased, causing the caffeine industry to create an expansion of coffee shops, new caffeinated beverages (Bailey, Saldanha, Gahche, & Dwyer, 2014), and mass-media advertising.
Coffee is the first thing that people associate with instant energy on a groggy morning. “In the U.S., coffee is king of beverages” (Reinke) Research has been done that has named coffee as an addiction to the people who consume large quantities of it. Coffee was named the top source of antioxidants. This is partly because of the amount consumed each day. Some of the antioxidants that coffee has are quinines and chlorogenic acid. It also contains trigonelline, an antibacterial compound. This is where coffee acquires its delicious aroma. Now let’s step back for a minute and just think about how much caffeine people consume. In an 8oz cup of coffee it has about 85 milligrams of caffeine. This is about double the amount that tea contains. Studies have shown that caffeine stimulates the brain and nervous system. This is where you get that energized feeling. After about the third cup, knees start to bounce, pens are clicking and people start running laps around the office. Caffeine can become addicting if you drink too much. Coffee can become that addictive habit people are unable to shake.
Would you drink something that is associated with health problems and even death? Well energy drinks are highly caffeinated beverages that many people have become depended on to get through certain things that need done. They are used to give individuals a quick energy boost to get things done. Today many people question how safe energy drinks really are for the quick energy they supply. In fact, a sixteen year old girl died of cardiac arrest just after ingesting an energy drink, while on vacation with friends. Almost everyone who enjoys drinking energy drinks, knows that high levels of caffeine are in these beverages, and they continue to drink the ignoring the risks. But some people are fine with the high levels of caffeine and just drink them because it makes them feel energized. They seem to accept the shocking circumstances because it helps them gets things done when they need the most energy. On the other hand, some people disagree and think that it is not only bad for individuals
Preview: The potential effects are related to the main ingredient in coffee – caffeine. Caffeine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system that increases alertness and energy, but it is also very addictive.
Americans are obsessed with a lot of things: our smart phones, celebrities, and finding a good bargain. But perhaps the thing we’re most obsessed with is good ol’ coffee. For many of us, our mornings are perfectly diabolical without at least a cup or two or three of the stuff. And, come 2 o’clock, when we know in our heart and bones we’ll never make it ‘til five and we need that pick me up, many of us head to the nearest deli or barista to grab a cup of “second wind.”
It’s important to watch how much caffeine your body is receiving each day in the foods and drinks you consume. Caffeine is not a bad drug, but be careful to watch for symptoms of withdrawal and caffeine intoxication. It can be dangerous for your body if too much stress is put on it. Remember, there are always decaffeinated options and sometimes these are the best to keep your body healthy. Works Cited faculty.washington.edu/chudler/caff.html greenfacts.org/en/psychoactive-drugs wisegeek.com/what-is-caffeine.htm psych.umn.edu/courses/spring05/ / caffeine.
Do you know what the most commonly used drug around the world is? It’s not cocaine nor marijuana, but surprisingly caffeine.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It usually gives your body the essential nutrients it needs. It provides you with the energy you need to face the day. This is the reason why you should not skip breakfast. Breakfast does not only boost your body’s metabolism but can also jump-start your brain. When you take breakfast, you normally give your muscles glycogen. This means that you will have more energy and you won’t feel like a slug. This can make you to become more active and this will make you burn several calories. This can also help in weight loss and so on.