Who could deny that a tasty coffee is always good after a meal, or as an inevitable companion to chat with friends, who is not tempted with a very cold gas when the heat and thirst strike looms, or who did not enjoy an exquisite tea and cookies one afternoon? All these drinks, although seemingly different, have something in common: caffeine.
This active ingredient in coffee is present in many foods and beverages, and is the most popular stimulant drug central nervous system. It is found in more than 60 plant species distributed worldwide.
It has been discovered that caffeine is present in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate and soft drinks, such as cola and guarana.
It was discovered in the seeds of coffee in 1820 and some years later showed that the protein, an alkaloid present in tea leaves was actually caffeine. Moreover, tea, weight, contains more caffeine than coffee. Stimulant drug is more socially acceptable and, in turn, the least harmful.What is it and how does caffeine
According to experts, caffeine, which belongs to the group of chemicals called xanthines, it stimulates the brain by interfering with the action of adenosine, a nerve transmitter that produces peace and quiet, and produces a feeling of euphoria and strength for some hours. It also provides intellectual activity and creativity, to keep awake and alert to its consumer. All this occurs along with increased levels of adrenaline and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters which are activators.
The maximum blood concentration is reached between 30 and 45 minutes of having eaten. At three hours and was removed half of what was absorbed.
According to the book of Pharmacology, Dr. Manuel Litter, this substance acts at different levels throughout the body. A standard dose of two to four cups a day -150 to 250 milligrams, stimulates mental functions, which is apparently not followed by depression, and it becomes easier to intellectual effort, the association of ideas and attention. At the level of the cardiovascular system works by stimulating the heart, increase heart rate and force of contraction, and also increases blood pressure temporarily.
Both caffeine and theophylline decreased blood flow caused by cerebral vasoconstriction, thus relieving the headache.
Another important effect is that it increases the secretion of juices, such as hydrochloric acid and pepsin, in the stomach. This action makes a drug irritating the gastric mucosa, but, in turn, has antispasmodic action in the gallbladder.
Caffeine also has a mild diuretic effect, increases the working capacity of muscle contraction increases, delays and relieves fatigue. Finally, it produces a very small effect on the lungs by dilating the bronchi.
What You Should Know
There in the general population myths about caffeine, some of which are true, but many others, fortunately, are not:
“A cup of coffee after a meal aids digestion”
Caffeine stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juices and helps digestion, but there is something more interesting: coffee consumption reduces the appearance of gallstones, according to a study issued in June 1999 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. According to researchers at Harvard University, adults who drink two to three cups of caffeinated coffee had a 40 percent lower chance of getting this disease. It appears that caffeine can prevent crystallization of cholesterol, the main constituent of gallstones. However, specialists have refused to recommend increasing coffee consumption because of the negative consequences that may have on other aspects of health.
“Caffeine interferes with the activity of drugs”
Some compounds, such as contraceptives and drugs for the heart or ulcers, reduce the body’s ability to remove the caffeine by the kidneys, this can cause insomnia, irritability and palpitations. Caffeine reduces the sedative effect of some tranquilizers and, if taken with certain antidepressants, can cause a crisis of severe hypertension and heart rhythm disturbances.
“Parents should stop their children to drink coffee”
According to the statement by Dr. Judith Rapoport, chief of child psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health (National Institute of Mental Health) in the United States, almost no child reacts adversely with lots of caffeine consumed so typical. She advises parents to “apply common sense to give their children normal servings of caffeinated foods and beverages, including soft drinks and tea,” and adds: “I remain skeptical about any claims to the effect that caffeine causes hyperactivity in children, based on our own research and the weight of scientific evidence. ”
“Pregnant women can not consume caffeine”
Research indicates that moderate consumption does not cause adverse health effects for pregnant women, and does not affect fertility. Dr. James Mills, chief of pediatric epidemiology section at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) U.S., says: “We have a large database on caffeine in pregnancy from different studies. Overall, the data reinforce the safety of moderate consumption of this substance during pregnancy. ” In the case of pregnant women who wish to consume foods and beverages that contain them, Mills recommends 300 milligrams per day as safe level of caffeine, the amount in three to five cups of coffee or more cans of soda.
“Caffeine causes disease in the breast”
Both the Council on Scientific Affairs American Medical Association (American Medical Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs) and the NCI (National Cancer Institute) found that there is no link between caffeine intake and fibrocystic disease of the breast “benign disease presenting as lumps, so says Dr. Laurie Green, OB / GYN Medical Center California Pacific.
“Caffeine is dangerous as drugs become addicted”
While cocaine and heroin are highly addictive drugs and cause serious effects on health, social and psychological level there is no evidence to suggest that caffeine leads to similar results, says Dr. Charles O’Brien, chief of psychiatry at the Center Veterans Administration Medical and professor of psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. In the strict medical sense, the “addiction” to caffeine would consume in an abusive way. Once people reach their normal daily level of caffeine consumption, usually do not want to eat more, and almost nobody has problems when it reduces its consumption in the course of several days rather than all at once, says O ‘ Brien.
“Caffeine raises blood pressure and damages the heart”
It has been shown that a moderate intake causes an increase in tension, but for a short period, and that does not increase the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. But according to a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, caffeine, along with stress raise blood pressure and those with hypertension experience greater risk. Like any stimulating substance, which must not be abused, resulting in the body a state of hyperactivity at all levels, including cardiovascular, by the secretion of catecholamines.
Adverse effects of caffeine
Excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to dependence, although withdrawal symptoms much milder than in other cases, headache, irritability and pathological sleepiness. At higher doses produce excitement, anxiety and insomnia, tremor, a general increase in sensitivity and diminished reflexes. It can also cause gastritis by stimulation of gastric secretion.
In the sport is considered a restricted substance, ie its use is permitted provided that failure to reach a concentration in the urine of 12 micrograms per milliliter. As this data can say little, it should be taken to know that two coffees at a time or almost straight cause this level of caffeine in the urine up to two or three hours after ingestion. Exceeding these values is considered doping, because it improves physical performance.
Caffeine is found in many flu preparations in combination with other drugs. It can be used in the treatment of migraine because it produces vasoconstriction in pericranial vessels dilated.
Given the varied and extremely powerful effects of caffeine, and their extensive use in all levels of society, perhaps one day be considered the more general restriction of its use as a start to preventive health care. Indeed, increasing public education to aid recognition of substances frequently consumed and socially accepted as tea, coffee, alcohol and illicit drugs snuff contain important to help the public distinguish between the types and patterns of consumption.
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