Caffeine is a chemical compound found in many beverages such as coffee, tea, and artificially added to soda and many energy drinks. Caffeine is best known as a stimulant that helps people feel more awake and more focused. Caffeine has many health risks along with its addictive nature and should be avoided. According to Betty Kovacs in Medicinenet.com, 90% of Americans consume caffeine on a daily basis. Caffeine is part of a class of chemicals known as xanthine, which can stimulate the nervous system. It acts quickly, moving rapidly to the brain, and blocks a chemical known as adenosine. Adenosine makes the body send the brain a message saying it is tired and needs to sleep. Journalist Rome Neal explains from CBS news, "Caffeine intercepts the adenosine, turning the 'I'm Tired', message into 'I'm wide awake."'.
Supporters of caffeine argue that caffeine is mostly harmless and the withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild, and pass in a short period of time. They argue that it helps people focus, and be more productive. Science writer, Bennett Weinberg says, "We really want something that'll help us work harder, sharpen our minds, increase our sense of well-being, and improve our performanceCaffeine is just that substance that can unlock our potential." Although it may seem that caffeine is making you more focused and awake, there are better alternatives. Healthier ways to gain energy are sleeping more, exercising, and drinking more water. .
Supporters of caffeine also argue that tests suggest that caffeine may be useful in treating or preventing a variety of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and certain types of cancer. They believe the antioxidants found in coffee and tea minimizes the risk of cancer. Caffeine raises blood pressure, which could result in a heart attack. It also can produce stress and anxiety, or make stress and anxiety disorders worse.
