Effects of Caffeine

Introduction

In terms of the actual definition; “Caffeine is the a vegetable alkaloid crystallizing in white silky needles, found in the leaves and seeds of coffee and tea plants, the leaves of mate, guarana, etc ” (Daniel et al, pp. 315-328).

It is the most widespread drug around the world, which even beats alcohol and nicotine. It is the only psychoactive additive substance which is widely available throughout the world, overcoming disapproval and resistance. Selling caffeine do not require any license and can be purchased as an over the counter drug. On an average, more than 85 percent of the people of United States take large quantities of caffeine in their everyday lives. In the year 2000, the National Coffee Association of the United States identified that amongst the adult population of the country, 54 percent drink coffee on a daily basis. However, only a handful of people know the effects of caffeine on the health and fitness. This paper aims to address the effects of caffeine on exercise and sports performance (Turley and Gerst, pp. 59-64).

Discussion

Caffeine is the basic ingredient of coffee which stimulates our central nervous system. A noteworthy fact is that caffeine is also found in chocolates and is also a famous ingredient used in carbonated soft drinks. 75 percent of caffeine intake is from coffee in the United States.

Physiological Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine works as a stimulator of the central nervous system. It does so by blocking the flow of adenosine, one of the most important neurotransmitter in creating a calming effect for the human body. As a result, of this blockage, adrenaline is released (a hormone also referred to as flight or fight hormone), as the consequent neural transmission caused by the blockage stimulates the adrenaline glands. In turn, the heart rate increases, the pupils dilate, the body muscles constricts and the level of glucose increases in the blood stream boosting up the energy level. The process does not end here; caffeine also increases the level of dopamine, a hormone which contributes in activating pleasure in the brain. According to various studies, this is the prime reason why people become addicted to it.

For the time being, caffeine makes the human brain more alert, and increase the level of adrenaline which in turn increases the energy level of the body and converts production of dopamine leading to a feeling of pleasure (Klosterman, pp. 54-58).

Effects of Caffeine on ...