2. What is Caffeine? Caffeine is a plant-based alkaloid which stimulates the central nervous system of anyone who consumes it. People have been consuming caffeine long before Pepsi or Coke was ever around. Since the stone-age people have been creating a tea like drink which increased energy and mental alertness. It was derived from boiling certain leaves, bark and seeds in hot water. Today people consume on average 120,000 tons of caffeine a year. A safe amount of caffeine per day would be 200mg – 300mg. I believe people consume much more than this since we have many products that contain caffeine, for example:
3. 8 oz Cup of Coffee -Brewed (70 – 180mg) -1 tsp Instant (approx. 57mg) 8oz Cup of Tea (20 – 35mg) Can of Pop -Diet (41 – 61mg) -Regular (23 – 41mg) Energy Drinks (per ounce) (10 – 140mg) Chocolate (Avg. 5oz Bar) (30mg)
4. Addictiveness of Caffeine Why do people become addicted to caffeine? A person who drinks 1 cup of coffee a day over seven days will build a tolerance to this amount of caffeine. This person will have to consume 2 cups of coffee to feel the same effects as before but again will build a tolerance to that amount of caffeine. Over time this cycle will lead to an addiction to caffeine and will have negative side effects on the body.
5. Side Effects of Caffeine Exceeding 500 – 600mg of caffeine per day can produce the following side effects: -Increased blood pressure and heart rate (Continued over time can lead to Heart Disease) -Ulcers -Problems with your esophagus -Anxiety -Insomnia -Tension -Dehydration -Emotional Fatigue -For every 100mg of caffeine you consume, you lose 6mg of calcium from your bone density, which weaken your bones over time.
