Ten fun facts about Caffeine

1. Caffeine withdrawal: New mental disorder

Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant, but it can also be a source of distress for those who become dependent on it. According to the DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, caffeine withdrawal is now officially classified as a mental disorder. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal can include headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. It is important to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person, and can range from mild to severe.

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2. The Deadly Drug You Probably Didn't Know Could Kill You

Consuming too much caffeine can be fatal, with it taking an estimated 100 cups of coffee consumed all at once to cause death. However, even before reaching this point, caffeine can cause a range of psychological effects, such as mania, delusions, hallucinations and psychosis. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of consuming too much caffeine and to ensure that you are not exceeding the recommended daily intake.

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3. Coffee Roasts: Which Ones Contain the Most Caffeine?

Surprisingly, dark roast coffee contains less caffeine than lighter roasts. This is because the roasting process slightly reduces the amount of caffeine in the bean. The longer the bean is roasted, the more caffeine is lost. This means that if you're looking for a caffeine boost, you should opt for a lighter roast.

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4. The Drug That's Banned in Most Drinks, But Still Popular

The FDA has strict regulations on the amount of caffeine used in beverages, limiting it to no more than 0.02%. Caffeine is one of the most popular psychoactive drugs in the world, consumed by millions of people every day. It is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and some medications, and is known to increase alertness, improve concentration, and reduce fatigue. Caffeine is also known to have some negative side effects, such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia. Despite this, it remains a popular choice for those looking for a quick energy boost.

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5. Caffeine in products: What you need to know

Despite the fact that many products contain caffeine, labels are not required to list the amount of caffeine present. This means that consumers are unable to accurately determine how much caffeine they are consuming, making it difficult to monitor their intake. Furthermore, the amount of caffeine in a product can vary significantly, depending on the type and amount of ingredients used. As such, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of caffeine in products, and to be mindful of the amount of caffeine consumed.

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6. History, Laws, and Consumption

In the 16th century, Muslim authorities attempted to prohibit the consumption of caffeinated beverages due to Islamic dietary laws, labeling them as 'intoxicating'. Despite this, caffeinated drinks have become a popular beverage around the world, with people from all walks of life enjoying them on a daily basis.

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7. Caffeine is a highly toxic substance to animals

Caffeine is a highly toxic substance to animals such as dogs and birds, as their bodies are unable to effectively metabolize it. Ingesting even small amounts of caffeine can cause serious health issues, including seizures, heart palpitations, and even death. Therefore, it is important to keep all caffeinated products away from animals, as even the smallest amount can be extremely dangerous.

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8. Don't drink caffeine to quench your thirst - it's a diuretic

If you're feeling parched, it's best to avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose more water than it takes in, so it won't actually help to quench your thirst. Instead, reach for a glass of water or a hydrating beverage like coconut water to satisfy your thirst.

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9. Coffee: The Active Ingredient That Gives You Energy

Coffee has a long and interesting history, beginning in Ethiopia where locals noticed that their animals and themselves had increased energy levels after consuming the fruit from the coffee trees. This discovery led to the cultivation of the coffee plant, which has since become a staple in many cultures around the world. Caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, is responsible for the energy boost that people experience when they drink it.

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10. How your body naturally produces it to help you wake up

Starting your day with a cup of coffee isn't necessary, as your body naturally produces cortisol in the morning to help you wake up. However, if you do choose to have coffee, the best times to do so are between 9:30AM and 11:30AM, and again between 1:30PM and 5:00PM. This is because cortisol levels naturally dip during these times, making it easier for caffeine to have an effect.

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