Caffeine, chemically known as trimethylxanthine, is a natural stimulant that has similar traits with drugs such as heroin, amphetamines and cocaine. It is a white and bitter tasting crystalline powder in its true form. This is medically used to stimulate the heart and brain's function, and it also increases urine production. Consuming foods or drinks that contain caffeine will surely give you an energy boost or a feeling of alertness.

Caffeine History

Although caffeine has been recently used for energy drinks and some beverages, it has been a part of the human culture for a very long time. It dated back to 800 A.D. when African folklore discovered the energy boosting power of coffee, which contains caffeine. Asians and Europeans have been using tea and coffee as early as the 1400s while some other countries that are not abundant in growing coffee are using other caffeine containing plants to produce foods and drinks. Today, many people can't kick start their day without their daily dose of caffeine.

Too much Caffeine and its side effects

As with other drugs and chemicals that we intake, too much of it is not advisable. Studies show that taking more than 500 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day may cause restlessness, headaches and anxiety. This amount is not hard to reach for people who are always on the go and need to boost their energy and brain function once in a while. People that have stressful jobs are prone to getting more than the advisable amount of caffeine daily. With the advent of different energy drinks, sodas, and other foods that contain caffeine, it is not hard for people to reach this FDA recommended limit. This limit is only advisable for adults since adolescents and younger children have a different body mass. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents not to let their younger children drink caffeinated beverages regularly while adolescent should take not more than 100 milligrams (mg).

Caffeine will always be a part of life for many people, especially those who have a habit of taking or drinking something to make them feel good or energized. However, most food and beverage we take will always have certain ingredients that if taken without limits may cause sickness. The best thing to do is to keep consumption moderately.