The stimulant: How caffeine affects our body and mind
Caffeine is a naturally occurring chemical compound and is found in parts of plants such as coffee and cocoa beans, tea leaves, guarana berries and kola nuts.
Caffeine plays a central role in many people's lives. For centuries, people have used caffeine to stay awake and increase alertness. This article explains how caffeine works in the body and what amounts are safe.
Caffeine: The keeper in everyday life
Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, helping people stay awake and reducing fatigue. It is not only found in coffee, but also in many foods and drinks such as ice cream, confectionery, cola drinks and so-called energy drinks, where it is often combined with other ingredients such as taurine and glucuronolactone. The effects of caffeine begin quickly as it is quickly absorbed by the body and can last for several hours depending on dosage and individual sensitivity.
How caffeine works in the body
After ingestion, caffeine is quickly absorbed by the human body. The stimulating effect on the central nervous system can begin after just 15 to 30 minutes. The duration of effects and how quickly the body breaks down caffeine depends on various factors, including age, body weight and health status. On average, the body needs around four hours to process half of the caffeine it consumes, although there are clear individual differences.
Safe amounts of caffeine
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set guidelines for caffeine intake to help people adjust their consumption habits accordingly. For adults, a single dose of up to 200 mg of caffeine is considered safe, and up to 400 mg per day can be consumed without raising health concerns. Pregnant women should limit their daily caffeine consumption to a maximum of 200 mg to avoid risks to the fetus. For children and adolescents, a daily consumption of 3 mg per kilogram of body weight is considered safe.
Conclusion
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that, when consumed responsibly, can help people stay awake and alert. By following recommended limits and paying attention to your body's signals, you can reap the benefits of caffeine without harming your health
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