As anyone can probably tell you, caffeine is in a lot of our favorite foods and beverages. If you are wondering which ones, then you should know that products such as coffee, colas, and chocolate are all culprits when it comes to feeding our caffeine habits. You might have some questions about this substance, however. What is it? More importantly, you might be wondering if it is dangerous. If you are like many people, the last thing you want to hear is that you should quit caffeine for good. In this article, you will get the basics.
First, caffeine is a drug. This might come as a surprise to you, but it is the truth. It actually is a mind-altering drug, meaning that it changes the way we feel, think, and act when it is ingested. It increases dopamine and adrenaline level, acting almost like a mild amphetamine that can give us more energy and a higher sense of durability. This is a great thing, right? Who doesn’t want to experience high energy levels? Of course, there is a downside to this. When you start to come down off the caffeine after about four or five hours, you then begin to feel low. You might even become lethargic or depressed. If you have been wondering why you want to take a nap after you drink four or five cups of coffee, this is probably the reason. This drug also is addictive, and can even lead to weight gain and heart disease.
Before you get nervous and decide that you are never going to have another drink of coffee or any caffeine beverage ever again, you should know that the truth is not as simple as all that. This drug actually can have some marvelous effects on your body as well. By taking small amounts, you can benefit from high levels of energy that can really allow you to work out and burn fat. So, the moral of the story is that you should only take caffeine before you are about to be active. Instead of drinking coffee before you sit to watch television, you should do so before you engage in an activity.
Finally, caffeine can disturb your sleep by keeping you up at night. You can benefit from stopping your coffee intake about six or more hours before you go to bed. For many people, one or two in the afternoon is a great time to have that last cup of coffee. As long as you use this drug in moderation, you can actually reap great benefits.