Who could deny that a tasty coffee is always good after a meal, or as an inevitable companion to chat with friends, who do not be tempted with a very cold gas when the heat and thirst strike looms, or who did not enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and cookies anyone? All of these beverages, while seemingly different, have something in common: caffeine.

The active ingredient in coffee is present in many foods and beverages and is the most popular stimulant drug central nervous system. It is found in more than 60 plant species distributed worldwide.

It has been discovered that caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate and soft drinks, like cola. It was discovered in coffee seeds in 1820 and some years later showed that the protein, an alkaloid present in tea leaves was actually caffeine. Moreover, tea, weight, contains more caffeine than coffee. Stimulant drugs is more socially acceptable and, in turn, the least harmful.

CaffeineWhat is it and how does caffeine

According to experts, caffeine, which belongs to the group of substances called xanthines, it stimulates the brain by interfering with the action of adenosine-producing nerve transmitter calm and quiet, and produces a feeling of euphoria and strength for some hours. It also facilitates intellectual activity and creativity, to keep awake and alert to its consumer. All this occurs along with increased levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline are neurotransmitters that activators.

The maximum blood concentration is reached between 30 and 45 minutes of having eaten. After three hours already removed half of what was absorbed.

According to the book of Pharmacology, Dr. Manuel Litter, this substance acts at different levels throughout the body. A standard dose of two to four cups a day -150 to 250 milligrams-stimulate the psychic functions, which apparently is not followed by depression, and it becomes easier to intellectual effort, the association of ideas and attention. In the cardiovascular system works by stimulating the heart increases heart rate and force of contraction and also increases blood pressure transiently.

Both caffeine and theophylline decreased blood flow caused by cerebral vasoconstriction, thus relieving the headache.

Another important effect is that it increases the secretion of juices, such as hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach “. This action makes it one drug irritant to the gastric mucosa, but, in turn, has antispasmodic action on the gallbladder.

Caffeine also has a mild diuretic effect, increases the working capacity of muscle contraction increases, delays and relieves fatigue. Finally, it produces a very small effect on the lungs, bronchial dilation.

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