What is Caffeine?

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is an organic molecule most often observed in a lot of beverages such as energy drinks, cola, coffee and tea. It stimulates the central nervous system. It will be harmful for a person if he uses the amount of caffeine less than 300 mg daily. However during the period of pregnancy, stress and anxiety, a person should be consumed less than 200 mg per day. The food products with their caffeine content not required regulatory requirements to control or label the amount of caffeine, there are numerous investigations have been carried out on the determination of the caffeine concentration of commonly devoured drinks.

Caffeine History 

Chinese used the tea leaves to made tea (2737 B.C.)

Africa introduced coffee (575 A.D.)

Consumption of coffee beverages by Arabians (11th century)

Chocolate introduced to Spanish explorers by Aztecs (1519)

Caffeine used in soft drinks (1880)

Caffeine gives the basic energizing “boost”. Firstly it is observed in 1960s in Asia and Europe as dietary supplement on the demand of consumer, caffeine would result to enhance energy. The prominence of the energy drinks containing caffeine and functional beverages have been increased in recent years. Functional beverages actually refer nutraceutical products, which are substances assumed as foodstuff or part of a foodstuff that might give some health benefits. However, the energy drinks containing caffeine have important health impact that cannot be ignored[1]. 
Caffeine is a white crystalline xanthine alkaloid with an unpleasant taste that goes about as a mellow psychoactive stimulant medication. It likewise has a low diuretic activity. It is determined in differing amounts in the leaves, seeds, or products of numerous types of plants The regular wellsprings of caffeine are espresso, cola nuts, tea leaves and cocoa beans. The central nervous system in humans stimulates by caffeine intake, thus during the unusual weakness it is used to eliminate physical fatigue and restore mental health. In liver, caffeine is metabolized into three different metabolites, theobromine (12%), theophylline (4%) and paraxanthine (84%) (Figure 1.1). Caffeine is additionally a typical element of soda pops, for example, caffeinated and cola beverages where it is purposely included as flavor enhancing and to make the beverages addictive. Concentration of caffeine in sodas differs with mark between 10 mg - 50 mg of caffeine for every cane; anyway the FDA restrains the most extreme sum in soft and caffeinated drinks to 6 mg per oz. Accordingly concentration of caffeine permitted in soda pops might be in the range of 30-72 mg per 355 mL or 8.4520.28 mg per 100 mL[1]. 

Also read this link: 

Effect of caffeine on adolescents and children

                    Hazardous effects of caffeinated energy drinks on children