| Caffeine's Biological Effects - The Side Effects 2007 Caffeine, a alkaloid found in numerous plant species, acts as a pesticide to paralyzes and kills certain insects. [1] Caffeine is a stimulant in humans. Dr. Roland Griffiths from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine pointed out that caffeine as low as 10 milligrams can cause behavioral effects in sensitive individuals. Moderate levels of caffeie can increase heart rate, blood pressure, agitation and anxiety in some individuals. A can of Coca-Cola and some popular espresso drinks can deliver as much as 31 milligrams of caffeine. [1] While, Dr. Bruce Goldberger from University of Florida found that some decaffeinated coffee sold in coffee shops may still contain caffeine. People with high blood pressure, kidney disease or anxiety disorders should avoid drinking coffee. [1] In a study, nine female college students who took a caffeine supplement before being subjected to eccentric stimulation caused delayed muscle pain. Delayed muscle pain would occur one or two days after one does some exercise to such a degree that it triggers so called eccentric contraction of the muscles. [2] ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2007 [1] Caffeine, Wikipedia, October, 2006. Study: Decaf coffee has some caffeine Associated Press, October 11, 2006. [2] Ben Wasserman Caffeine may ease post-exercise pain - foodconsumer.org Jan 11, 2007 |