C
affeine is a stimulant
and, because it affects
the central nervous
system, it’s considered to be
a drug. Found in coffee, tea,
chocolate and many soft drinks,
it’s consumed by millions of
people every day.
Studies have shown it can
be both harmful and helpful for
our health. Here’s a rundown
of how it affects our bodies.
BRAIN
Caffeine’s main effect is on
our brains. One of the main
things it does is block a
neurotransmitter called
adenosine. Levels of
adenosine build up during
the day, relaxing the brain
and making you feel
tired so you’re sleepy at
night. When you have
caffeine, adenosine
doesn’t work the
way it should,THE GOOD AND
BAD OF THAT
DA ILY CUPPA
(OR FOUR!)DID YOU
KNOW?
Caffeine won’t sober
you up if you’ve had too
much alcohol. Though it can
make you more alert, it doesn’t
alter other effects of excess
alcohol, such as poor judgement.
So don’t think you’re safe to
drive if you have a coffee
after overdoing
the booze.Donna Fleming
HEALTH EDITORThink before you drink!
health& FA M I LY
It’s the most commonly
consumed drug in the
world and many of us
have it every single day.
But what does caffeine
actually do to our bodies?ALL THINGS
bean equal