Caffeine – sources, properties, effect on the body. Is caffeine addictive?

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Many of us cannot imagine starting a day without a cup of coffee. One of the reasons why we drink coffee every day may be because it provides us with an injection of caffeine, a mild central nervous system stimulant that quickly increases our alertness and energy levels. Of course, coffee is not the only drink that contains caffeine. Read about the properties of caffeine and the dangers of excess caffeine in the body.

Caffeine – how do we know it?

It’s worth starting with the story. Already in the Stone Age, it was noticed that chewing the leaves or seeds of some plants reduced fatigue and improved well-being. Only after a long time was it possible to improve the effects of the ingredients by boiling them in hot water. In a similar way, a drink that is popular all over the world was created – coffee – and today it has a lot of ways to prepare it.

The first known source of caffeine was coffee seeds, then tea and cocoa. Pure caffeine was first obtained in 1819 by the German chemist Friedrich Ferdinand Runge. The obtained substance showed psychoactive effects. The conducted research proved that caffeine stimulates the activity of the central nervous system and also increases metabolism. That is why it is worth supplementing it. We recommend, for example, OstroVit CAFFEINE caffeine powder, which you can buy at a favorable price on Medonet Market.

Caffeine – what is it?

Caffeine is the main pharmacologically active ingredient of coffee and is a mild stimulant of the central nervous system. Caffeine is found in around 60 plant species, the most famous of which are cocoa beans, kola nuts, tea leaves, and coffee beans. In addition, caffeine is added to many popular sodas and is also found in many pharmacological formulations and over-the-counter medications.

A typical cup of coffee provides around 75-100 mg of caffeine. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stated in its “Scientific Opinion on the Safety of Caffeine” that “Simple consumption of caffeine up to 400 mg per day does not raise concerns for the safety of non-pregnant adults“. They also reported that an intake of up to 200 mg per day is of no concern for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Extensive research has shown that there are several beneficial effects of using caffeine in the diet, such as improving attention and focus, and even physical performance. However, some people may experience adverse effects such as sleep disturbance.

Caffeine – sources

For many people at first thought, caffeine is only associated with coffee. Yes, there is caffeine in coffee, but other foods also contain some caffeine. Below you will find the amount of caffeine in each product (approximately):

1. filtered coffee 125 ml – 85 mg,
2. espresso 30 ml — 60 mg,
3. instant coffee 125 ml – 65 mg,
4. decaffeinated coffee 125 ml – 3 mg,
5. tea (leaves or bags) 150 ml – 32 mg,
6. Iced tea 330 ml – 20 mg,
7. hot chocolate 150 ml – 4 mg,
8. soft drinks with caffeine 330 ml – 39 mg,
9. energy drinks 330 ml – 80 mg,
10. chocolate bar 30 g – 20 mg,
11. milk chocolate 30 g – 6 mg,
12. dark chocolate 30 g – 60 mg.

Natural caffeine supplements are available on Medonet Market. The offered products affect the energy level, are vegan and of the highest quality. You can also find natural caffeine in Organic Ground Guarana, which you can add to your meals. 1-2 teaspoons a day is enough.

We recommend special shots with caffeine, which will give you energy, improve concentration and body efficiency. Try it out:

1. Red Shock Shot with caffeine,
2. Energy Shock Shot with caffeine and taurine,
3. Power Shot with caffeine.

Caffeine is also used in the production of cosmetics. It helps the skin in case of puffiness and discoloration, e.g. visible around the eyes. Try, for example, the FLOSLEK eye and eyelid serum with firefly and caffeine. We also recommend the Richevon Holistic Care anti-wrinkle cream set, i.e. the Richevon multifunctional anti-wrinkle cream for all ages and the Richevon Eye anti-wrinkle cream with caffeine in the composition.

Caffeine – absorption and metabolism

Caffeine is absorbed approximately 45 minutes after ingestion, with a peak in the blood that ranges from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Caffeine in beverages such as coffee, tea and sodas is quickly absorbed in the intestines and dissolved in both water and fat molecules. It is able to get to the brain. Food or nutrients such as dietary fiber, which is found in the gut, can delay the rise in blood caffeine levels.

Caffeine is mainly broken down in the liver. It can stay in the blood for 1,5 to 9,5 hours, depending on various factors. Smoking accelerates the breakdown of caffeine, while pregnancy and oral contraceptives can slow the breakdown. During the third trimester of pregnancy, caffeine may remain in the body for up to 15 hours.

If you are not sure if your body can tolerate caffeine, do a test that combines different food intolerances, such as a genetic test for food intolerance to gluten, caffeine and alcohol.

Caffeine – antioxidant effect

The antioxidant effects of caffeine contribute to the health benefits of coffee and tea by enhancing the effects of their antioxidant polyphenols. The study found that those who drank two or more cups of coffee a day were, on average, 14 percent less likely to die from any cause during the study follow-up periods than those who drank little or no coffee.

Similar benefits were found with tea. People who consumed three cups of tea a day were 24 percent less likely to die from any medical cause during the study period, compared with those who did not drink tea.

You can now buy a set of caffeine dietary supplements on Medonet Market. If you are a physically active person, choose a set of dietary supplements for athletes with caffeine, which improves the body’s efficiency and adds energy, and other valuable ingredients that have a positive effect on the joints and support fat burning.

Read: Green tea protects against dementia

Caffeine – effects on the nervous system

Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. When it reaches the brain, alertness is the most noticeable effect. After consuming caffeine, we feel more energized, less tired, so it’s a common ingredient in medications used to treat sleepiness, headaches, and migraines.

Studies have also found that people who drink coffee regularly have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and also reduce the risk of suicide by 45 percent. These benefits are limited to high octane coffee drinkers, not decaf coffee drinkers. Some people think coffee is a health drink, but like most foods, overusing coffee can cause side effects.

Read: Who Was Alzheimer’s? Few people know that he died in Wrocław

Caffeine – effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems

Caffeine may raise your blood pressure. This effect is believed to be attributed to either an increase in adrenaline or a temporary blocking of hormones that naturally widen the arteries. Caffeine does not have long-term effects on blood pressure in most people. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension) or heart problems, ask your doctor if caffeine is safe to consume.

An overdose of caffeine can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat and breathing problems. In rare cases, caffeine overdose can cause death due to seizures or irregular heartbeat.

Caffeine increases the amount of acid in your stomach and can cause heartburn. Caffeine is stored in the liver and excreted in the urine. This is why you may notice increased urine output shortly after consuming caffeine.

If you have stomach problems such as acid reflux or ulcers, ask your doctor if you can consume caffeine.

Caffeine – pregnancy and breastfeeding

Caffeine travels through the bloodstream and enters the placenta. Since it is a stimulant, it can increase your baby’s heart rate and metabolism. Too much caffeine can also slow fetal growth and increase the risk of miscarriage. In most cases, a small amount of caffeine is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The recommended maximum dose of caffeine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is 200 mg.

See: Scientists: COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility or miscarriage

Caffeine – effects on other body systems

Caffeine in large amounts may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of calcium. As a consequence, osteoporosis may develop. If you consume too much caffeine, you may experience muscle cramps and tremors. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal may include muscle aches.

Caffeine – is it addictive?

Have you ever said that you can’t function without a cup of coffee in the morning? Do you ever reach for coffee, tea, or caffeinated sodas when you feel lethargic? Is it possible that you are addicted to caffeine? It all depends on who you ask. Whether we consume caffeine for pleasure or for a specific purpose is quite a controversial topic. Opponents of caffeine addiction say we consume it for the pleasure of the product, while those who find it addictive say we consume it to satisfy our cravings.

Psychiatric diagnoses are classified in a textbook published by the American Psychiatric Association under the name Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disordersissue 4 ( DSM- IV). This manual covers all mental health disorders, both for children and adults. DSM -IV establishes criteria for substance dependence, including caffeine, such as:

1. tolerance,
2. substance-specific withdrawal syndrome (caffeine),
3. the substance is often taken in larger amounts or for a longer time than expected
4. persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control the use of substances (caffeine),
5. spending a lot of time on activities necessary to obtain, use or recover the effects of a substance,
6. omission or restriction of important social, professional or recreational activities due to the substance; and / or,
7. use of a substance (caffeine) despite knowledge of a persistent or recurring physical or psychological problem possibly caused or exacerbated by the substance.

In order to be considered addicted to caffeine, the test person must meet at least three of the above criteria. If this is the case, we can talk about caffeine addiction.

People who disagree with the notion that you can be addicted to caffeine point out that research doesn’t show that 100% of caffeine consumers experience withdrawal symptoms or addiction. They also argue that, rather than being addictive, the reason for consuming coffee is the pleasant aroma, taste and social aspects of the coffee.

Nevertheless, it is worth knowing the advantages and disadvantages of consuming caffeine and being aware of how our body reacts to the consumption of too much caffeine and its withdrawal. There is no doubt that you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include:

1. headaches,
2. fatigue and weariness,
3. reduced energy, activity,
4. reduced vigilance, mindfulness,
5. somnolence,
6. reduced satisfaction and well-being,
7. depressed mood,
8. difficulty concentrating
9. irritability, anxiety
10. feeling of a hazy mind.

Onset of withdrawal symptoms usually begin 12-24 hours after abstinence and peak at 20-51 hours. Withdrawal symptoms last for two to nine days. This is a considerable amount of time and it makes it easy to understand why people would have a hard time giving up caffeine.

There is no doubt that “addiction” to caffeine is not as intense and dangerous as drug addiction. You can feel “addicted” or dependent on it and it can be dangerous to overdose on it.

For those experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it’s best to slowly reduce your caffeine intake. Just like, the body has become accustomed to the amount you eat, it will get used to a smaller amount and then to eliminate caffeine completely from your body. All this information is based on studies conducted in adults. We can’t say for sure that caffeine will have the same effect on children and adolescents without proper research.