Caffeine is a powerful stimulant and the effects of caffeine are many.
Caffeine blocks adenosine, a brain chemical that impedes the release of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit messages from one nerve cell to another.
The caffeine molecule has a similar molecular structure to adenosine. It can bind itself to the similar receptor sites, blocking the action of adenosine.
Adenosine has a calming effect. Without adenosine, nerve cells fire rapidly and brain activity increases so you have difficulty sleeping.
Caffeine is also a diuretic, which increases urine output. Too much caffeine can cause dehydration. This will have an obvious effect of causing the skin to be dry.
EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE
The effects of caffeine are:
Increased heart rate palpitations
Muscle tremors
Irritability and jitteriness
Insomnia
Anxiety
Depression
Headaches
Diuresis (increased urine output) leading to dehydration and dry skin
Increased gastric acid secretion
Dependency and addiction
In the case of heavy drinkers, there is a higher risk of osteoporosis because minerals are lost during diuresis.
Ground unfiltered coffee has been linked to higher risk of cholesterol levels and, consequently coronary heart disease.
It is all right to have a small pick-me-up cup of coffee or tea to begin the day but too much may be harmful. Avoid taking more than 250 mg of caffeine a day.
Be careful about what you are eating. It is not just coffee or tea. Other food items such as cola, chocolate bars and some sports drinks also contain caffeine too.
1 cup (150 ml) of tea contains 30 mg caffeine
1 cup (150 ml) of coffee contains 60 mg caffeine
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