What is it about Coffee?

Are we making excuses for caffeine because we love it so much?
Studies are commissioned to prove it does us no harm…nay that it’s actually good for us! Perhaps it’s the choice of the new generation and it’s less damaging than alcohol but aren’t we just fooling ourselves? It’s addictive – it causes withdrawal symptoms, and these days it’s also damned expensive!

Some people just can’t seem to function until after having their first cup of coffee in the morning. The National Coffee Association suggests that over half (54%) of American adults are regular coffee drinkers (1). That doesn’t take into account tea drinkers, or people who consume other caffeinated beverages, such as colas.
That is a lot of caffeine, so it is worth taking some time to learn about what caffeine is, and how it affects you in the short and in the long term. While caffeine is known to have proven benefits with moderate consumption, over-consumption could cause many health issues in the long run.

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a chemical stimulant called trimethylxanthine, and when it is in its pure form, it is a white crystalline powder (2). It is produced naturally in certain plants, but it can also be made synthetically.
Pure caffeine is a bitter substance naturally found in coffee beans, tea, sodas, cocoa, chocolate, and energy drinks. It is also an additive in some prescription and non-prescription drugs.
Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world. It is referred to as a drug since it has the capacity to cause addiction. Of course, the effects of caffeine are much milder than other drugs, but for those who are addicted, the habit is very hard to get over.

How Does Caffeine Work?

After you drink coffee, tea, or another food or drink with caffeine, it is absorbed in the stomach completely after 45 minutes. Caffeine concentration in the blood can reach its peak anywhere between 15-120 minutes after consumption (3).

 http://www.gnet.org/caffeine-content-addiction-overdose-and-benefits/