Caffeine Research Papers

An estimated 83 percent of adults in the United States drink coffee everyday. That’s about three cups a day per person, or 587 million cups total. Why are all these people so addicted to this sweet, richly scented drink? The answer is caffeine. Yes, some people choose to drink decaf for various reasons, but the majority drink coffee as a way to start their day and/or a way to stay productive throughout the day. Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound that is found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao seeds, and kola nuts. It acts as a stimulant by actuating the central nervous system. Caffeine can also reduce tiredness and boost focus and concentration. However, the negative effects weigh out the positives drastically. Consuming caffeine can result in insomnia, irritability, an upset stomach, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, and even muscle tremors. People often go on drinking coffee and having these symptoms, while not even
realizing that the true cause is their beloved coffee. Insomnia, one of the results of drinking too much caffeine, can begin a vicious cycle of becoming physically addicted to the drink. You have a sleepless night, become tired, and then need more coffee to stay awake. No sleep, tiredness, coffee. No sleep, tiredness coffee. Coffee, coffee, coffee… You get the point? Caffeine activates “many of the same behavioral and neuropharmacological mechanisms that are activated by by other reinforcers, including other drugs of abuse.” stated Meredith from Medical News Today. Thus, in reality, caffeine is no better than many drugs out there that are illegal and immoral. It is just accepted by society because no one speaks up about the harmful effects of caffeine.
With addiction, comes withdrawal; that is what several citizens are unknowingly suffering from. It’s socially acceptable to have your caffeine fix, your everyday hot cup of joe,.. your drug. When a person goes through caffeine withdrawals, they will most likely experience headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, concentration difficulties, nausea and vomiting, and even the possibility of depression. This of course, makes the cycle of addiction even worse with harsher effects. In extreme cases, dependence can become so severe that some are unable to reduce their caffeine consumption even if they are aware of recurrent physical and psychological issues. Even worse, the age of coffee drinkers is getting younger and younger.
This is partially because of the variations of coffee that we see today; they aren’t just plain cups of coffee anymore. Kids are drawn to the coffees with added sugars. They’ll go to Starbucks and order a caramel frappuccino; a 16 fluid ounce cup contains nearly 64 grams of sugar compared to a hot chocolate at 43 grams. Andy Bellatti, MS, RD, told Healthline, “The research I’ve seen points to negative cardiovascular and neurologic effects, namely anxiety and insomnia, in children who consume caffeine.” Therefore, even a child can become addicted to the brutal drug that is caffeine.
Of course, like many good things, caffeine is acceptable in moderation. Some coffee here and there, a coffee date, or a treat to Starbucks is all perfectly okay. It’s when it’s an everyday occurrence and something you depend on that it becomes a problem. So my advice is to eat naturally energizing foods (like blueberries or dark chocolate) and get some sleep. Your body and mind will thank
you.