Caffeine: effects and risks

Koffein: Wirkungen und Risiken Koffein ist eine der am häufigsten konsumierten psychoaktiven Substanzen weltweit. Es findet sich in verschiedenen Lebensmitteln und Getränken wie Kaffee, Tee, Schokolade und Energy-Drinks. Die meisten Menschen konsumieren Koffein, um wach und konzentriert zu bleiben, aber es gibt auch zahlreiche Wirkungen und Risiken, die mit seinem Gebrauch verbunden sind. In diesem Artikel werden wir uns ausführlich mit den verschiedenen Wirkungen und Risiken von Koffein beschäftigen. Was ist Koffein? Koffein ist eine natürliche Substanz, die in den Samen, Blättern und Früchten bestimmter Pflanzen vorkommt. Es gehört zur Gruppe der Xanthine und ist als Alkaloid klassifiziert. Die am …
Caffeine: effects and risks (Symbolbild/natur.wiki)

Caffeine: effects and risks

caffeine: effects and risks

Caffeine is one of the most frequently consumed psychoactive substances worldwide. It can be found in various foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks. Most people consume caffeine to stay awake and concentrated, but there are also numerous effects and risks associated with its use. In this article we will deal in detail with the various effects and risks of caffeine.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a natural substance that occurs in the seeds, leaves and fruits of certain plants. It belongs to the group of Xanthine and is classified as an alkaloid. The most frequently consumed form of caffeine comes from the seeds of coffee shrub (coffee).

The chemical structure of the caffeine is similar to that of adenosine, a substance in the body that is responsible for regulating the sleep-wax rhythm. However, caffeine acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of adenosine and stimulates the body.

effects of caffeine

stimulating effect

The most important and best known effect of caffeine is its stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Caffeine acts as a psychoactive substance and can improve alertness, attention and concentration. It can also raise the mood and increase the feeling of the energy level.

caffeine promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are involved in regulating the mood and the energy level. By blocking adenosine receptors, caffeine increases the neural activity and increases the excitability of the nervous system.

improved cognitive function

Caffeine has also proven to be improving cognitive functions. It can improve attention, concentration, memory and response time. Numerous studies have shown that caffeine can increase mental performance, especially for tired or exhausted people.

This is mainly attributed to the stimulating effect of caffeine onto the central nervous system. It can increase brain activity and improve blood flow to the brain. In addition, Kaffein can increase the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the transfer of information in the brain.

increase in metabolism

Another effect of caffeine is its ability to increase the metabolism. Caffeine can increase thermogenesis, which means that more calories are burned. It can also suppress the appetite and promote fat loss.

This is mainly attributed to the stimulating effect of caffeine onto the sympathetic nervous system. Caffeine can increase the release of catecholamines such as noradrenaline, which can boost the metabolism and fat metabolism.

physical increase in performance

Caffeine can also improve physical performance. It can increase endurance, strength and speed. Numerous studies have shown that caffeine can improve sporting performance, especially in endurance sports such as running, cycling and swimming.

The increase in performance through caffeine is attributed to various mechanisms. Caffeine can increase the release of catecholamines that improve muscle metabolism and delay fatigue. It can also influence the calcium metabolism in the muscle cells and support the contraction of the muscles.

risks of caffeine

Although caffeine can have many positive effects, it also carries different risks and side effects.

sleep disorders

Caffeine has a half-life of around 3-5 hours. This means that it can take several hours for the concentration of caffeine to be halved in the body. In sensitive people, the consumption of caffeine can lead to sleep disorders in the afternoon or evening. Caffeine can affect sleep quality, extend the sleep time and reduce REM sleep.

dependency

Caffeine can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to tolerance, which means that higher doses of caffeine are required to achieve the same effect. In the event of sudden caffeine withdrawal, withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability and tiredness can occur.

cardiovascular effects

Caffeine can also have different effects on the cardiovascular system. It can temporarily increase blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. In people with high blood pressure or heart problems, consumption of caffeine can lead to unwanted effects.

gastrointestinal problems

Caffeine can also lead to gastrointestinal problems. It can irritate the stomach and lead to heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea or nausea. People with gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome should possibly limit the consumption of caffeine.

pregnancy

The consumption of caffeine should be limited during pregnancy. Caffeine can overcome the placenta barrier and get to the fetus. Excessive caffeine consumption during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth and growth disorders in the child. It is recommended that pregnant women limit the consumption of caffeine to less than 200 mg per day.

FAZIT

Caffeine is a widespread psychoactive substance that can have both positive and negative effects. The stimulating effect of caffeine can improve alert, attention and concentration. It can also promote cognitive function and physical performance. However, consumption of caffeine also harbors risks such as sleep disorders, dependence, cardiovascular effects, gastrointestinal problems and risks during pregnancy. It is important to keep the consumption of caffeine to an appropriate degree and to take individual sensitivities into account. If you are unsure, it is best to talk to a doctor or nutritionist about your specific situation.


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