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Articles: Health
- Caffeine
and You
By Nick A.
James
What exactly is
caffeine? It is a colorless, somewhat bitter substance that is found
in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola. It is also in many over-
the-counter medicines and in many diet/weight loss supplements. It
is a stimulant and it is considered a psychoactive drug. It is the
most widely consumed drug in this country. Drugmakers are required
by law to list the amount of caffeine in their product, however,
food and beverage companies do not have to. The caffeine that is
taken out of coffee beans to produce decaffeinated coffee is then
sold to drug companies and soft drink
manufacturers.
It can be a
welcome waker-upper in the morning taken in that morning cup of
coffee. It also helps give some a boost to stay awake late in the
day. However, the boost isn't necessarily instant as it takes about
an hour for the effects of caffeine to make it's way through the
bloodstream and into the system. It has benefits and it has side
effects. It helps keep us alert. It stimulates the central nervous
system. Some say it improves physical and mental performance. It has
diuretic activity. Some studies list is as a mood elevator, and a
pain reliever. Because of the increased alertness levels of those
who consume caffeine, there has been improved performance in
activities such as test-taking, driving, flying and problem
solving.
There are side
effects of caffeine though. Those are insomnia, nervousness,
increased tension and anxiety-panic attacks, just from drinking the
amount of 300 mg. The amount that causes these side effects vary
from individual to individual, however, children seem to have a
lower tolerance of it because of their lower body weight. The Food
and Drug Administration advises pregnant women to avoid it
altogether. The FDA does list it as a "safe food additive", even
though pregnant women should avoid it. For those that take it
regularly every day, going without it a day can cause withdrawal
symptoms such as, headaches, irritability, a lack of energy and of
course, sleepiness. These withdrawal symptoms are short lived
though.
The following is a
chart and the amount of caffeine in products you use and consume
daily.
6 ounce cup of
coffee - 64mg to 150mg 5 ounce cup of tea- 40mg 12 ounce can
of cola- 40mg hot cocoa - 1 cup 4mg 6 ounce chocolate bar
25mg 2 Excedrin tablets 130mg
Besides weight
loss products and stay awake products and energy drinks, caffeine is
being tested for pesticide use and it has been laced in women's
panty hose for it's constrictive effects that are supposed to shrink
thighs. Love it or hate it, caffeine is and always has been a big
part of American culture and probably is here to
stay.
Nick A. James
offers informative tips and information on nutrition, health and
working from home. Get the Exclusive Free Report! -6 Steps to Simplify Your Life, Improve Your Health
& Give You Dynamic Energy! His many years of Internet Marketing
expertise puts him in unique position to help others starting a
home business . For free newsletter, health blog
, and cutting edge info contact him at: http://www.health-goji-juice.com
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