What does caffeine do to your body?

A common stimulant, many of us get a daily dose of caffeine one way or another. Whether you like waking up in the morning with your favorite coffee, or prefer energy drinks and sodas, millions of people use caffeine to make them feel more alert and focused. However, the jury is still out as to whether caffeine is good or bad for us, with some research suggesting that caffeine may have both benefits and risks, even in moderation. In this article, we plan to take a closer look at caffeine’s effects on the body, no matter how you're consuming it.

Quick facts on caffeine

Caffeine - as a stimulant - can naturally occur in a range of foods
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend no more than 400mg of caffeine each day - or 2 to 3 cups of coffee
Moderate caffeine intake has the potential to aid weight loss, alertness and cognitive function
Caffeine has potential negative effects, impacting pregnancy, glucose control, fertility and other areas of health
Caffeine powder can result in a fatal overdose and should be avoided

How caffeine is used

The FDA consider caffeine as both a drug and a good additive, since we can become somewhat addicted to its effects. With a maximum of 400mg recommended each day, many of us consume caffeine in different ways - even through medications. In over-the-counter drugs, caffeine is commonly used to combat tiredness and feeling drowsy, as well as featuring in pain medication. It belongs to a group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. However, plenty of foods contain caffeine, as well energy drinks and sodas. In the US alone, more than 90% of adults use caffeine regularly - crazy, huh?

Where does caffeine come from?

Naturally occurring in more than 60 plant species, caffeine is typically found in:

Coffee beans
Dola nuts
Yerba mate leaf
Tea leaves and buds
Cacao beans
Guarana seeds

Bu why plants? Although we enjoy caffeine in a variety of drinks, it actually acts as a natural pesticide in plants.

What about caffeine in food?

Although caffeine is naturally found in a lot of plants, how do we end up consuming it? Probably the most common place we seek caffeine is coffee, tea and chocolate, however, it is frequently added to foods such as waffles, marshmallows, gum, jelly beans, syrups and plenty of other snacks. With a recommended maximum of 400mg per day, this cap hasn’t been associated with negative effects. Of course, when we talk about these daily limits, we’re referring to an adult’s intake. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages children and adolescents from consuming caffeine and other stimulants.

When you take a closer look at where caffeine is found, you’ll be pretty surprised how often it naturally occurs or is added to a range of food and drink. Here are some average caffeine quantities found in common food and drinks: