Caffeine: (Let’s Be Honest, We All Need It)
Every Miracle Demands An Explanation.
E. X. Tan
AS A SOCIETY, WE HAVE BECOME DEPENDENT ON CAFFEINE. In Australia, 75% of people drink coffee daily. Twenty-seven percent of Australians feel they need it to get through the day. We all use the substance to varying degrees, and most of the time, it is perfectly safe.
After watching our parents and teachers consume multiple coffees each day it really makes you wonder what this miracle maker we call caffeine truly is, and what kind of effect does this stuff really have on our bodies.
The origin of humanity’s use of caffeine is highly contested. Different historians claim various populations as the first to consume caffeinated beverages, from ancestral coffee substitutes in Ethiopia to guarana consumption among Amazonian tribes. However, it is widely agreed that caffeine became integrated into cultural practices in Ancient China with the development of tea. From there, it spread rapidly across civilizations as a valuable trading commodity during Western colonisation. In 1819, German chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge isolated caffeine from coffee beans, and research into its properties and effects continued into the 20th and 21st centuries.
In 2023, approximately 90% of adults consume caffeine in some form every day, a figure driven primarily by the 2.25 billion individuals that consume coffee on a daily basis.
How Does Caffeine Work?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant. The stimulate works within the the central nervous system by blocking adenosine receptors. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness and relaxation. By blocking these receptors, caffeine disrupts the normal signals that induce sleep, resulting in increased wakefulness.
Caffeine has three main effects:
- Inhibition of Sleep-Promoting Signals: Blocking adenosine receptors interferes with the transmission of signals that promote sleep, keeping us more awake.
- Increased Neural Activity: By blocking adenosine, caffeine allows other neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate to exert more stimulating effects, enhancing mood and cognitive function.
- Increased Blood Flow: Caffeine causes vasodilation, widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to the brain and body. This enhances physical and cognitive performance.
Caffeine offers more than just increased alertness and improved performance. When consumed in moderation, it can boost metabolism, aid weight loss, suppress appetite, and potentially reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s and chronic diseases such as cancer and heart issues. However, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can have negative effects, including dehydration, gastrointestinal issues, and compounding existing cardiovascular conditions.
The recommended maximum daily intake for caffeine is around 400 mg (equivalent to four to five regular coffees). It’s important to note that the body can develop tolerance to caffeine over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Prolonged use can also lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and irritability.
So what’s the verdict? Let’s be honest here, no matter what I tell you, there is absolutely no chance that anyone reading this article is going to quit caffeine.
As I’ve found out for myself, caffeine is an absolute lifesaver. When used correctly, it’s a tremendous tool to improve your physical and mental performance. Still, it’s important to always remember to check your dosage and not to become overly reliant on its effects to get you through the day. Remember, fellow HSC students and overworked Shore parents/staff, sleep is still the best solution.