Caffeine is a drug. It serves as a stimulant, heightening the activity of your brain and
nervous system. Coffee enthusiasts span the globe, with 83.2% of adolescents consuming
caffeinated drinks regularly. You guessed it- coffee is the main culprit behind the
overconsumption of caffeine. Nevertheless, not many people realise that other beverages
like tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate also contain caffeine.
You might start your mornings with a mug of coffee, a shared experience for many
coffeeholics around you. Except for its aroma and rich flavour, our hands tend to reach out
for caffeine due to its stimulating effect that boosts energy levels. This is because caffeine
blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that induces sleepiness. Adenosine binds
with specific receptors, slowing down neural activity (the firing of neurons) and eventually
making you to feel tired and drowsy. With a cup of coffee, caffeine will inhibit the sleep
promoting adenosine receptors. Neurons in the brain will, therefore, continue firing, making
you feel alert; this is how caffeine boosts brain function.
In addition to blocking adenosine, caffeine also actuates neurobehavioral effects in the
central nervous system by promoting the release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine
(increases the sense of pleasure), serotonin (helps improve mood), and noradrenaline
(raises motivation). Overall, the consumption of caffeine increases alertness, strengthens
memory, raises your mood, and helps you stay awake throughout the day. Some studies
also suggest that coffee lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
These are just some of the countless health benefits in caffeine.
However, as the short-term effects of better focus and energy boosts wear off, people tend
to refill their mug for more coffee. Although small doses of caffeine may be beneficial,
overconsumption may start to create harmful adverse effects all around your body. For
example, too much caffeine can cause headaches. After caffeine narrows the blood vessels
around the brain, when the stimulant stops, the vessels will swell and trigger pain. Insomnia
and anxiety are also common symptoms, as nocturnal use of caffeine disturbs the natural
sleep-wake cycle, preventing people from having a deep sleep. A range of symptoms from
blurred vision and indigestion to faster heartbeats, will unexpectedly occur in different
people with high caffeine intake.
Ultimately, as long as you regulate the number of caffeinated beverages you consume, you
will be able to enjoy your coffee while feeling more awake and refreshed. A maximum
intake of 400mg of caffeine a day, equivalent to 2-3 cups of coffee, is recommended. Excess intake of this drug may pose danger in mental and physical health, so be cautious!
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