Coffee - a brewed drink prepared from roasted seeds of

the coffee plant.

The third most popular drink in the world, behind

water and tea.

Coffee is addictive because of a chemical Caffeine

present in it.
A bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that is a
psychoactive stimulant drug.

Found in varying quantities in the beans, leaves,

and fruit of some plants, where it acts as a natural
pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects
feeding on the plants.

In humans, caffeine acts as a central nervous system

stimulant, temporarily warding off drowsiness and
restoring alertness.
Some commonly observed effects of caffeine are:

Stimulates heart, respiratory system, and central nervous system

causing messages to be passed along your nervous system
more quickly.

Stimulates blood circulation and raises blood pressure.

Stimulates the cortex of your brain heightening the intensity

of mental activity.
Overuse :

Large amounts, and over extended periods of time can

lead to a condition known as caffeinism.

Caffeinism usually combines caffeine dependency with a

wide range of unpleasant physical and mental conditions
including nervousness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia,
headaches etc.
Caffeine increases the production of stomach acid, high
usage over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis,
and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Caffeine increases the toxicity of certain other drugs, such as

paracetamol.
Caffeine intoxication:

An acute overdose of caffeine usually in excess of about 300 mgs,

can result in a state of central nervous system over-stimulation called
caffeine intoxication.

Symptoms include restlessness, fidgetiness, nervousness, insomnia,

gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitching, irritability,
irregular or rapid heart beat, and psychomotor agitation.
Caffeine withdrawal a case study

A study was conducted on 4 people who were asked to

drink 2 cups of coffee a day, i.e., one in morning and one
in evening, for a month.

They were then asked to stop drinking coffee.

Some withdrawal symptoms were observed.

The following symptoms were observed in common after 12-18
hours of withdrawal.

- Restlessness

- Muscle Stiffness

- Difficulty in concentration

- Moderate to severe Headache

- Chills &/or hot spells

- Irritation

- Lack of Sleep
What do experts suggest?

To avoid uncomfortable withdrawal effects it is wise to ease off

caffeine over a period of 7-14 days to reduce the discomfort.

Reduce and then stop the richest sources (especially coffee)

first. It is unwise, particularly if someone is a heavy user, to
suddenly stop caffeine altogether
When caffeine intake is stopped we allow the body to catch up on its
lost rest. This takes some time. Using caffeine to force yourself into
activity is like flogging an exhausted horse.

For the first few weeks after stopping caffeine it is observed that
people sleep deeper and for longer.

If feeling drowsy during the day use breathing exercises preferably

out of doors, to alert yourself.
Conclusion:

Though the effect of coffee or caffeine on our body is

debated many agree for it being positive while many
agree for it being negative. The most accurate statement
at such a debate will be using it in a controlled way can
be useful rather harmful.