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Nutrition and HealthImprove Your Lifestyle |
Caffeine - I Bet You Didn't Know This!
by Nick A. James
What exactly is caffeine? It is a colorless, somewhat bitter substance found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola. Although it is found in many foods, it adds no nutritional value. It is also found in many over-the-counter medicines and many diet/weight loss supplements. Caffeine is a stimulant, and is considered a psychoactive drug. It is the most widely consumed drug in this country. Drug manufacturers are required by law to list the amount of caffeine in their product, however, food and beverage companies are exempted from including caffeine on nutrition labels. Ironically, caffeine extracted from coffee beans to produce decaffeinated coffee, however, is sold to drug companies and soft drink manufacturers.
Caffeine can be a welcome energy boost in that morning cup of coffee, or an aid to stay awake late in the day. That boost, however, isn't necessarily instant, as it takes about an hour for caffeine's effects of caffeine to circulate through the bloodstream. Caffeine does provide some benefits. Among these are :
There are side effects of caffeine though. Those include insomnia, nervousness, increased tension and anxiety-panic attacks, just from drinking 300 mg. The amount that causes these side effects vary from individual to individual, however. Children have a lower tolerance because of lower body weight. Of note, is that caffeine's stimulant properties act as an appetite suppressant, even if one is not taking a weight loss supplement. Over time, this can decrease the nutritional value of one's diet. The Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant women avoid it altogether, although the FDA list caffeine as a "safe food additive". For those who consume it regularly, reducing or eliminating caffeine can cause short-lived withdrawal symptoms such as, headaches, irritability, a lack of energy and of course, sleepiness.
The following chart details the amount of caffeine in commonly used products :
- 6 ounce cup of coffee - 64mg to 150mg
- 5 ounce cup of tea- 40mg
- 12 ounce can of cola- 40mg
- hot cocoa - 1 cup 4mg
- 6 ounce chocolate bar 25mg
- 2 Excedrin tablets 130mg
Besides weight loss supplements, stay awake products and energy drinks, caffeine is being tested for pesticide use. It has been even laced in women's panty hose, as it's constrictive properties provide the material with a slimming effect. Love it or hate it, caffeine is a big part of the American diet and culture.
Darlene Zagata is a freelance writer and poet. Her work has appeared in several electronic and print publications. She is a columnist for Child Care Magazine and a staff writer for Ritro.com. She is also the editor of Thought Fragments, a poetry ezine for the new and emerging poet and The Write Way Ezine, a general interest publication. © 2001
Email Darlene.
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