Caffeine Research Paper

Words: 1863
Pages: 8

It is the most used drug in the world, naturally occurring in many plants such as coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts, and cacao. It’s widespread effects are known to millions worldwide, as nine out of ten Americans consume some form of caffeine each day (Solan). Caffeine has many effects on the body, some beneficial while others are detrimental.

Caffeine is a trimethylxanthine, meaning it has three methanes. It is also part of the methylxanthine family, a type of plant that contains a methyl group and is a stimulant (“Caffeine.” Drugs). With these factors, it takes longer for caffeine to be completely removed from the blood stream. Each time a molecule of caffeine passes through the kidneys, only one of the methanes can be removed. This is why the effects of caffeine can last up to twelve hours (Newton). The molecular formula for caffeine is C8H10N4O2 (“Caffeine.” World of Scientific). It is a stimulant that targets the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout the body (Newwark).

Most people intake caffeine
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I was never able to find anything about serious diseases linked with caffeine. Does caffeine have any links to diseases such as heart disease or high blood pressure? Caffeine increases adrenaline, which in turn increases heart rate. Is it possible that people with high consumption levels of caffeine can have an increased heart rate more often than those who do not consume caffeine regularly? I find this very compelling because with so many people regularly consuming caffeine, there could be large correlations. If there are correlations between caffeine consumption and heart disease or blood pressure, would people decrease their consumption? Caffeine is considered a drug, and it can have addictive properties. Is the threat of heart disease or high blood pressure enough to encourage people to stop consuming