Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive drug. Unlike many other psychoactive substances, it is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world. It is commonly found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants. It works by stimulating the brain and central nervous system, helping you stay alert and prevent the onset of tiredness.
How does it work?
Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), heart, muscles, and the centers that control blood pressure. It can raise blood pressure, but might not have this effect on people who use it all the time. Also, drinking caffeine during moderate exercise is not likely to cause dehydration.
Side Effects of Caffeine
However, ingesting caffeine in high doses may lead to more harmful effects on health. Several unwanted side effects of consuming more than 400 mg of it per day include:
- A fast heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Sleeping problems
- Tremors
These effects can also present when people experience caffeine withdrawal.
Precautions while Caffeine Intake.
Moderate amounts of caffeine appear not to be harmful, and a moderate intake of it may bring health benefits. However, the impact will vary according to the amount consumed, the individual’s size, sex, and sensitivity to the effects, and any medications or supplements they may be taking.
Caffeine is also possibly safe when used by children and adolescents in amounts commonly found in foods. In pregnant or breastfeeding women it is used in daily amounts of less than 300 mg. This is about the amount in about 3 cups of coffee. Therefore, taking it in a limited amount can be beneficial.
FAQs
Ques. How does caffeine affect the body?
Ans. Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant. It helps to treat headaches and migraines.
Ques. How hard is it to quit caffeine?
Ans. It only takes about nine days to get over a caffeine addiction and reset your tolerance, and the worst of the withdrawal symptoms will usually be behind you after two to three days.
Ques. Which has more caffeine green tea or coffee?
Ans. Green tea contains less caffeine than other caffeinated beverages.
Ques. How long does your body take to become independent of caffeine?
Ans. It can take up to 10 hours to completely clear caffeine from your bloodstream.
Ques. Does cutting out caffeine help you lose weight?
Ans. Alternatively, cutting out your favorite sugar-packed caffeine drink completely could trim hundreds of calories from your diet in a single day.
Ques. How long does 200mg of caffeine last?
Ans. If you consume 200 mg of caffeine, after 5 hours, you’ll still have 100 mg left in your body.