| Caffeine Facts: |
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Caffeine is known medically as trimethylxanthine. The chemical formula is C8H10N4O2. When isolated in pure form, caffeine is a white crystalline powder. |
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The chief source of pure caffeine is the process of decaffeinating coffee and tea. |
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Caffeine blocks adenosine reception. Drowsiness is caused by the binding of andenosine to andenosine receptors in the brain which in turn slows down nerve cell activity and causes the brains blood vessels to dilate. Caffeine binds to the adenosine receptor, however, it doesn't slow down the cell's activity like adenosine. |
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Caffeine causes the brain's blood vessels to constrict, because it blocks adenosine's ability to dialate them. |
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Caffeine also increases dopamine levels in the same way that amphetamines do. |
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Around 90% of Americans consume caffeine in one form or another daily. Over half of American adults consume over 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine each day, which makes caffeine America's most popular drug. |
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Researchers have found that women who drank four or more cups of caffeinated coffee a day were seven times less likely to be diagnosed with depression women that drank one cup a week or less. |
