Disclaimer!

This post is created with the help of Google AI “Gemini” and is written for documentation and entertainment purposes only. Always do your own research and be skeptical about everything you see and read on the internet.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a natural stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, making you feel more alert and energetic. It is found in the leaves, seeds, and fruits of several plants, most notably the coffee bean and tea leaves.

How it Works

Caffeine’s primary mechanism is blocking the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that builds up in your brain throughout the day and causes you to feel tired. Caffeine molecules are structurally similar to adenosine and binds to its receptors, preventing the “sleepiness” signal from being sent. This also boosts other chemicals like adrenaline and dopamine, which further increases alertness and mood.

Common Sources

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances in the world. Common sources include:

Coffee

(brewed coffee contains roughly 95-165mg per 8 oz cup)

Tea

(black or green tea contains around 25-48mg per 8 oz cup)

Energy drinks and soft drinks

Chocolate

(contains small amounts of caffeine from cocoa beans)

Certain medications

(such as some non-prescription pain relievers or cough syrups)

Effects and Safety

In moderate doses (generally up to 400 mg per day for healthy adults, according to the FDA) , caffeine is considered safe.

Positive effects

Can include increased alertness, attention, physical energy, and improved focus.

Negative effects

of caffeine in high doses can include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Regular use can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms (like headaches and irritability) if consumption is abruptly stopped.