The benefits of caffeine have been seen throughout the years. From truckers looking to stay awake during a long haul to students pulling an “all nighter” while studying for an exam to people looking for a pick me up in the mornings on the way to work. Caffeine has been an all natural stimulant used by millions of people every day.
Caffeine is a stimulant that was discovered by a German Chemist named Friedrich Ferdinand Runge in 1819. He originally called it kaffein in German, which in English translated to caffeine.
Over time caffeine was found to be in a variety of foods and drink such as beans, leaves and in some fruits. Its affect was that of a stimulant, and caffeine was found naturally or as an additive to various items such as coffee, tea, energy drinks and soft drinks. The addition of caffeine in these drinks gave users an added boost of energy. However, over time manufacturers of these products began producing drinks without caffeine so that users can enjoy the drinks without the effects of caffeine.
While caffeine has its benefits as a stimulant, and is effective in providing an energy boost, it’s not without its disadvantages. Taken in moderate amounts, caffeine is fine. However, if it is taken in heavier does, it has an addictive quality. Sudden stoppages of caffeine can result in the user experiencing headache, irritability, an inability to concentrate, drowsiness, insomnia and pain in the stomach, upper body, and joints, which can last up to five days.
As with any other additive to a person’s system, caffeine can have different effects on different people. Some people can ingest caffeine and it can keep them awake for hours. Others can take caffeine in the evening and still fall asleep a short time later.
Caffeine has proven to be a useful, natural stimulant for millions of people. Taken in moderation, it can provide drivers with a boost to keep them awake while driving, it can give students the energy they need to stay up all night and study or finish a term paper for class and gives morning commuters the energy to face the early morning traffic. However, research has proven that if overused, it can cause health issues. For more information on the benefits and health concerns of caffeine, we have gathered several online resources:
- Caffeine History
- The History of Caffeine
- Caffeine and the Athlete
- What is Caffeine
- Health Information on Caffeine
- The Drug Caffeine
- Caffeine Effects on Health
- Caffeine Effects on the Brain
- Safe and Effective Stimulant
- Caffeine as a Mild Stimulant
- Caffeine Information
- USDA Information on Caffeine
- FDA Information on Caffeinated Beverages
- Definition of Caffeine
- Caffeine in Energy Drinks
- Caffeine Effect on Memory
- Effects of Caffeine on Human Behavior
- Caffeine and Health