It is a powerful and socially acceptable drug, as well as being tasty; is Caffeine really harmless? It has the property of keeping a person connected for more than three hours, without major risks and without side effects: myth or truth?
Caffeine is a chemical compound, scientifically known as formula C trimethylxanthine8H10N4O2, is the main component of our famous coffee. According to studies, this drink stimulates the nervous system and causes effects such as: increased concentration, attention and memory.
The effects of caffeine on the body vary from person to person. Some factors influence the result such as age, weight and the liver's ability to digest this substance. On average, a cup of coffee is enough to keep an adult alert for 3 to 6 hours.
The physiological explanation for this context comes from the neurotransmitter Adenosine, this substance produced in the brain, it is responsible for the sensation of sleep, it prepares our body for rest at the end of the morning. What caffeine does is prevent the action of Adenosine and as a result the symptoms of alertness and loss of sleep appear. In short: in the brain caffeine is confused with adenosine. Caffeine then takes the place of Adenosine and reverses the entire process.
Since the reaction runs in the brain, can caffeine then be addictive? It acts like a drug, despite being mild, but studies have shown that people who regularly drink coffee become anxious, irritable or have a headache if they don't take their daily dose. But it is good not to drink too much, an amount greater than 500 milligrams of caffeine (the equivalent of 3 cups of strong espresso) can lead to a process of intoxication.
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Brazil School Team
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Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/a-base-cafeina.htm