15 Random Facts About Caffeine

6. Caffeine is not just found in coffee.

That’s right. You think you’re safe by opting for the decaffeinated choices out there. Unfortunately, these too may still have a slight amount of caffeine in them. That chocolate bar you’re chomping down on, contains caffeine. Diet pills and other medications yep you guessed it! They too can contain amounts of caffeine. Ice cream if you’re opting for the chocolate flavour, will contain a certain amount of caffeine. This is due to the cocoa bean used in the chocolate production being a source of caffeine. Other sources include tea which although generally contains about half the amount of caffeine as coffee is still a popular choice in society. Guarana & Yerba Mate plants whose seeds and leaves are used in energy drinks and as a tea both contain caffeine.

7. Caffeine is the master of disguise.

Caffeine is a similar shape to the important molecule ‘adenosine’ that regulates brain function and lets the body know that ‘Hey buddy, getting a little tired here. Time to rest up’. Caffeine mimics the adenosine and binds to the same targets in the brain, blocking the adenosine from attaching and delivering its message to the brain.

8. Caffeine can take up to 14 hours to be eliminated from your body.

While half of the caffeine consumed may be eliminated from the body within three to five hours, you may still be feeling the effects long after you’ve had that coffee, tea or energy drink. Those that don’t regulary consume caffeine can be more sensitive to the effects than others.

9. Energy drinks actually contain less caffeine than a strong cup of coffee.

This does NOT mean you get out there and start swigging on that energy drink. It may be less caffeine per serving but the amount of sugar in each drink really is not an option that is good for your health.

10. Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive drug.

In its pure state, caffeine is actually a chrystaline white powder. Now you’re really starting to look at it more seriously like drug now aren’t you? A psychoactive drug is a chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations of mood, perception or consciousness.

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