Caffeine's Magical Effects & Wondrous Benefits
Caffeine from Coffee, Teas, Cocoa: Benefits & Effects on Physiology
Nov 15, 2009
Caffeine is produced exclusively in plant leaves, nuts and fruits. Caffeine is found in over 60 plants and is most commonly obtained by humans from: leaves of tea (Camellia sinensis), beans of coffee (Coffea arabica) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao), and nuts of kola (Cola acuminata) and assorted berries. Caffeine can be produced synthetically, and is a common additive in colas, sodas (pop), foods and diet products. Caffeine has significant biochemical and physiological effects. Many of caffeine's effects are beneficial, magical and wonderful, and some are potentially harmful.
Caffeine's Effects and Benefits: Chemistry and Physiology
Caffeine is an alkaloid molecule that is quite simple and has a low molecular weight. It is a double-ringed molecule with three methyl groups and two carbonyl groups attached to a double-ringed xanthine. (photo below). Plants produce caffeine by a series of simple biochemical steps. Caffeine protects plants from chewing insects by causing insect paralysis and death.
Caffeine has important properties, including the following:
- odorless and tasteless in purified form
- quick absorption and circulation in the body
- rapid infiltration of blood and brain tissues
- not stored in the body
- progressive removal of free caffeine from the body occurs over several hours as the kidneys continuously filter the blood and excrete it in the urine
- stimulatory to brain tissue for brief periods and overcomes fatigue, drowsiness
- relieves headaches — regular and migraine
- suppresses appetite
Caffeine is found in selected over-the-counter cold medicines, pain relievers, and appetite suppressants.
Caffeine's Effects and Benefits are Not Always Good
Caffine can raise blood pressure,and pregnant women are advised to limit their intake of caffeine. Too much caffeine intake may cause:
- tachycardia, rapid heart beats
- frequent and much urination
- dizziness, nausea, vomiting
- restlessness
- sleeplessness
- anxiety, depression, tremors
Caffeine's Effects and Benefits Possibly for Alzheimer's Disease
Recent studies with Alzheimer's Disease are interesting and exciting, especially for those who consume caffeine in one form or another. Caffeine:
- may be useful as a "treatment" for active Alzheimer’s disease
- suppresses, it seems, inflammatory brain changes that produce excessive beta amyloid
- may limit amyloid protein synthesis and accumulation
- is inexpensive, safe, ingestible and okay for most people; exceptions include patients with high blood pressure, or who are pregnant
- enters the digestive tract easily and reaches the brain quickly
- soon controlled, human experiments will compare human results with promising mouse studies
Preliminary studies in humans without dementia, shows reductions in amyloid protein. 500 mg/day should work in humans; this is equivalent to about five cups of coffee a day based upon standard beverage amounts and strengths. This caffeine intake poses no adverse health effects with the caveat that according to both the National Research Council and the National Academy of Sciences those individuals with high blood pressure, or who are pregnant, should limit caffeine intake.
Click caffeine Alzheimer's mouse experiments to read more about potential caffeine benefits for Alzheimer's disease.
Caffeine: Consumption Ideas and Recommendations
Here are some important points to remember:
- Caffeine intake should be moderated. Coffee, tea, cocoa or chocolate intake done in moderation is acceptable and not harmful for normal, healthy individuals (AMA Scientific Affairs Section).
- Cessation of caffeination of the body may cause drowsiness, irritability, headaches, anxiety, nausea and vomiting during caffeine withdrawal. Slow and progressive withdrawal always is recommended to avoid these effects.
- Three, eight ounce cups (24 ounces) of coffee a day (250 milligrams caffeine total, or 12-15/mg/oz..) is an average to moderate caffeine intake. Ten cups, or 80 oz, of coffee/day has about 1000 mg of total caffeine — this is excessive.
- Caffeine in limited amounts for children usually is acceptable and safe. Controlled monitoring is recommended to avoid suppression of appetite by the caffeine and sugar. Whole milk is recommended as more suitable beverage for growing children. Neither children nor adults have a nutritional requirement for caffeine — it can be completely restricted from a child's diet. Because caffeine is a strong stimulant, hyperactive children should be severely limited or restricted in their caffeine consumption.
- Caffeine limitation or restriction is recommended during pregnancy, and for persons with peptic ulcerative disease, or hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Prescription drugs may interact with caffeine, and consultation with a pharmacist or M.D. is recommended whenever medicine and medications are involved.
Sources:
Medline Plus online reference page for "Caffeine"
Hagen, P. T. ed., 1999. Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-care. Mayo Clinic Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Rochester, MN., distributed by Kensington Publishing Corp., New York, N. Y.
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