Negative Effects Of Caffeine example essay topic

Most of us don't know, but caffeine is present in almost every drink sold in supermarkets. Most people consume caffeine because of the positive effects it has, however, most of us would be shocked at the negative effects it imposes. Caffeine, for years, has been regarded as a mild stimulant whose usage throughout the world has increased greatly because of the effects it has on the central nervous system. However, if you knew that caffeine causes physical and psychological dependence just after 1-3 cups, would you take it? Among teens and adults, caffeine is considered an important aspect of life probably because it greatly improves mood, mental performance, and physical performance. The affects of caffeine on mood are indescribable because it increases one's confidence and makes one more energetic.

Psychologically, caffeine combats mental fatigue and lethargic behavior. In studies, it was shown that caffeine helps people pay attention to a repeating series of noises and images. It is clear that caffeine can help you focus during prolonged activities and help one improve complex mental skills. In addition, caffeine gives one the energy and strength to complete difficult physical tasks by fighting muscular fatigue.

For these reasons, caffeine is taken consistently by adults and teens, and that is why it is considered very important in daily life. Although caffeine has many positive effects, it also poses many negative effects. After about 3 cups of coffee, your body becomes dependent on caffeine. To demonstrate this, a study was done on a group of volunteers who drank 1-3 cups of coffee who soon developed the main symptom of caffeine withdrawal or headaches. Depression, anxiousness, feelings of fatigue, and even flu like symptoms were present in ten percent of the volunteers. Not only does caffeine cause trembling hands and insomnia, but too much can lead to diarrhea and excessive urination.

Caffeine, above all, should not be mixed with other drugs because caffeine can increase the stimulant effects of other drugs such as appetite suppressants and tranquilizers. Interaction of caffeine with birth control pills or Verapamil can limit the body's ability to eliminate caffeine causing insomnia and palpitations or rapid heart beats. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be another dangerous effect caused by caffeine when consumed at great amounts. Caffeine can also pose a risk to women because it decreases their chances of getting pregnant and increases the chance of miscarriage.

Increased amounts of caffeine consumption can over stimulate the fetus causing abnormal heart beats before and after birth. Caffeine, in as little as 2 cups of coffee in postmenopausal women, can cause a great amount of bone loss. Ulcers are also a side effect of caffeine intake because caffeine stimulates secretion of gastric acid causing irritated stomach ulcers and heartburn. Because of the harmful effects of caffeine, it is essential that it be taken in moderation.

It is clear from the information above that caffeine taken consistently can have very dangerous effects. So why is caffeine taken so often? For one, food and drug manufacturers aren't required to list the amounts of caffeine on their products, so parents nor adults know what they " re consuming. Caffeine is present in many medications such as cold combinations, analgesics, and stimulants. Kolephrin, a type of cold combination, has twice the amount of caffeine and is almost equal to the amount of caffeine in instant coffee.

In beverages, large amounts of caffeine are present in Black tea, Green tea, Mountain dew, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Java Water, etc. It is important to note, that some of the caffeine from the drinks above is natural such as that from Coca-Cola. However, some beverage companies such as Mountain Dew add caffeine so that it becomes slightly addictive. Children who consume soda on a daily basis often suffer from withdrawal effects because of the lack of caffeine. For these reasons, it is essential the food and drug manufacturers list the amounts of caffeine in their products. As one can see, the negative effects of caffeine greatly outweigh the positive effects.

So why is caffeine so appealing to people? Nutritionists believe that caffeine does not pose a risk to kids and teens when taken in moderation. Adults desire the caffeine because it improves mood, mental performance, and physical performance. However, if caffeine is consumed in great amounts over short periods of time, it can cause withdrawal effects such as headaches and lead to caffeine dependency, hypertension, ulcers, etc.

Because of this, it is necessary for food and drug companies to label the amounts of caffeine. One can conclude that caffeine when taken in moderation can have pleasing effects on the central nervous system which most people clearly desire.