The Effects of Caffeine on the Body

Caffeine is naturally found in coffee beans, tealeaves and to lesser extent in Cocoa, Yerba mate and Guarana berries. Caffeine is also known by other names like Mateine and Guaranine. In these plants it acts as a pesticide against certain insects, killing or paralyzing them

Caffeine is a stimulant. It has the ability to penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) a membrane made up of endothelial cells. It defies the adenosine receptors in the brain and reduces their activity; this in turn increases the neurotransmitter dopamine activity. It thus wards off sleep and makes us more alert. That is why people all over the world drink coffee first thing in the morning! As a diuretic, it increases the urine excretion. In many countries, it is sold as a drug for these properties and added to other medications to strengthen and complement their effect.

Caffeine reaction varies in individuals and depends on the size of the person, tolerance to Caffeine and the amount consumed. If moderately consumed, its reaction begins after an hour. The effects last for around 2-3 hours. What it does is make you feel fresh and less tired, but temporarily. It does not reduce our need to sleep, only delays this need. If Caffeine is taken in large amounts, it could result in a condition called Caffeinism, which manifests itself through one of more of the following-restlessness, anxiety, rapid, and irregular heartbeat, ulcers, headaches, and increased and frequent urination.

Research is being conducted to study the effects of Caffeine on memory and learning ability. Some researchers believe that Caffeine has beneficial effects on short-term memory -that people were able to recall events that took place short time before. Researchers also believe that it slows down long-term memory. For those aged below 65years and not suffering from hypertension, Caffeine in coffee protected against heart disease. Doctors advice pregnant women to restrict their Caffeine intake to 300mg (which means that they may safely take around 4 cups of coffee) as higher amounts may cause miscarriage. Caffeine use may help sports people to boost their energy levels and reduce the reaction time, but it also gets in the way of the body's capacity to process sugar and thus may cause Type 2 Diabetes. Caffeine intake by children in the form of cola must be restricted as it makes them restless and high-strung. It interferes with their sleeping pattern too.

Worldwide, the consumption of Caffeine is around 120,000 tons yearly. Caffeine has both beneficial and harmful effects. We love our coffee, tea, and cola and it is unthinkable to stop taking them altogether. Rather, it will be wiser for us to limit our daily intake and enjoy their positives and keep away its negative.

See http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/caffeine.html for further reading.