Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate, and some medications. It is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive substance. In small amounts, caffeine can be quite beneficial to our health.
This food ingredient has been shown to improve mental alertness and physical performance. It can make you feel more awake and less tired. Caffeine can also help you focus and concentrate on tasks. For these reasons, it is unsurprising that caffeine is often used as a studying aid or as a pick-me-up before an important meeting or presentation.
In addition to its cognitive benefits, caffeine has been shown to affect physical performance positively. Studies have found that caffeine can improve aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and reaction time. Caffeine may also help prevent weight gain by increasing thermogenesis (the process by which your body burns calories to generate heat). However, while moderate amounts of caffeine can be beneficial, too much caffeine can negatively affect your health.
More Awake or Alert
Caffeine works by binding to adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter promoting sleepiness by slowing down nerve cell activity. When caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, it may prevent adenosine from affecting them, resulting in increased alertness. Moreover, it increases the release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which can further enhance alertness and concentration.
Caffeine also causes the body to release dopamine and adrenaline. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps with focus and attention. Adrenaline is a hormone that gives the body a burst of energy. When combined, dopamine and adrenaline make an individual feel more alert for short periods.
The amount of caffeine that’s right for an individual depends on a few factors, including weight, age, and sensitivity to caffeine. A good rule of thumb is to limit intake to 400 mg of caffeine daily. This is about four cups of coffee. However, pregnant women may need to reduce their caffeine intake altogether. Individuals must consult a doctor to determine how much caffeine is right for them.
