We wake up each morning and inevitably grab a mug of coffee before heading out the door. It’s become our de facto fuel. These days it’s become the norm to make a stop at the local java shop for a grande triple shot latte with sugar free vanilla flavoring. Coffee has become a staple for the morning. The reason for this is simple-caffeine. The stuff is loaded with it. Caffeine is a stimulant. It wakes us up.
More than 80% of the entire world population consumes caffeine, whether it be in coffee, tea, sodas, or candies, each and every day. Around 90% of all Americans consume the stuff on a daily basis. More than half of them consume more than 300 milligrams each day. That’s a lot of caffeine.
The question becomes then, why is caffeine so necessary and what is it that makes it so appealing? In scientific terms caffeine is known as trimethylxanthine and its molecular formula is C8H10N4O2. As a pure substance, caffeine is odorless and white in appearance and acidic in taste.
It was discovered in 1819 by a German chemist by the name of Friedrich Ferdinand Runger. He named it kafein after the German word for coffee-kaffee.
Caffeine is found in beans, leaves and fruits of various plant species which use it to ward off and even kill certain types of insects.
Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant and a diuretic, meaning it makes one feel awake and less drowsy and it also increases the production of urine. Caffeine is processed by the body within 30-45 minutes of ingestion; the effect wears off in about three hours depending on the amount consumed.
The benefits as well as potential dangers of consuming caffeine have been the subject of many studies. It is known that consuming too much caffeine, thus more than 6,000 mg per day (most people consume around 300 mg a day on average) can lead to various sleep problems. Caffeine is also quite addictive.
People tend to build tolerances to caffeine, much like other drugs. This means they need to ingest more caffeine to feel the effect. Caffeine tolerance is known to develop quite rapidly. Those who consume large amounts of caffeine may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue, stomach pain and irritability when they’ve not had any caffeine.
Caffeine, when taken in moderate amounts, has been proven to stimulate mental and physical prowess. Scientific trials have proven that it can enhance athletic endurance.
Your typical drip-brewed coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. A cup of black tea (8 oz) contains 50 mg of caffeine. Sodas such as Coke and Pepsi contain 40-50 mg per 12 ounce can, while chocolate contains 6 mg per ounce.
Studies have shown that caffeine, may, potentially have adverse effects on pregnant women. There seems to be some correlation between miscarriages and increased caffeine intake, although there is no direct evidence to prove this.
Some religious followers don’t consume caffeine-Christian Scientists, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, among others.
Learn more about one cup coffee makers. Stop by Damian Papworth’s site where you can find out all about one cup coffee makers and the type of coffee they can make for you.
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