CAFFEINE IS a naturally
occurring substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruits of over 63 plant species worldwide and is part of a group of compounds known as methylxanthines.
The most commonly known sources of caffeine are coffee and cocoa beans, cola nuts and tea leaves.
WHAT IS CAFFEINE?
Caffeine is known medi-cally as trimethylxanthine. When isolated in pure form,
caffeine is a white crystalline powder that tastes very bitter. The chief source of pure caffeine is the process of decaffeinating coffee and tea.
Medically, caffeine is
useful as a cardiac stimulant
and also as a mild diuretic
(it increases urine production). Recreationally, it is used to
provide a "boost of energy" or a feeling of heightened alertness.
Caffeine is an addictive drug. Among its many actions, it operates using the same mechanisms that amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin use to stimulate the brain although its effects are milder.
COMMON SOURCES
OF CAFFEINE
Typical drip-brewed coffee contains 100 mg per 6-ounce cup.
Typical brewed tea contains 70 mg per 6-ounce cup.
Typical colas (Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, etc.) contain 50 mg per 12-ounce can.
Typical milk chocolate contains 6 mg per ounce.
Anacin contains 32 mg per tablet. Vivarin and Dexatrim contain 200 mg per tablet.
EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. In moderate doses, caffeine can:
Increase alertness, reduce fine motor co-ordination, cause insomnia, cause headaches, nervousness and dizziness.
In massive doses, caffeine is lethal. A fatal dose of caffeine has been calculated to be more than 10 grams (about 170 mg/kg body weight) -- this is the same as drinking 80 to 100 cups of coffee in rapid succession -- not an easy thing to do.
