The Science Behind Caffeine
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Science Behind Caffeine

There's a lot more to java than just its taste!

41
The Science Behind Caffeine

According to the National Coffee Association and the Special Coffee Association of America, over 50% of Americans over 18 drink coffee every day. The sale of caffeine is so profitable that specialty coffee sales are increasing by 20% per year and account for more than $1.4 billion in the coffee market here in the United States. Clearly, many people like coffee (myself included). We primarily drink coffee because it helps us stay energized and alert, but how exactly does coffee work to help us do the things we need to do?


Photo Credit: Lifehacker

The primary ingredient in coffee that contributes to the stimulation of the body's nervous system is caffeine. Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world and, unlike many other psychoactive drugs, caffeine is not illegal. Also, it's usually not regulated in most parts of the world. To understand how caffeine works, we will need to understand the function of another chemical compound, adenosine.


Photo Credit: Khan Academy

Adenosine is a compound that helps the transfer of cellular energy in the body. If you've heard of the term "ATP" (adenosine triphosphate) before, it was likely in a high school biology class. ATP is one of the molecules that can be formed by adenosine in order to produce energy that is used by the entire body. In the brain, adenosine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. That is, adenosine is a chemical that suppresses the activity of the central nervous system. This is why we feel drowsy near bedtime, adenosine is partly responsible for promoting sleep and suppressing the feeling of arousal.

This is where caffeine comes in to play, and this is how it works: caffeine blocks adenosine from entering nerve cells (neurons). To a nerve cell, the structure of caffeine looks very similar to adenosine. Because of this, caffeine binds to the receptors on the neurons that is mainly occupied by adenosine. As caffeine blocks these adenosine receptors, adenosine cannot get into these neurons, which means that these chemicals cannot work to depress the central nervous system. This is why you feel more alert when you drink caffeine. Caffeine also contributes to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as pupil dilation.

When the caffeine finally wears off, however, caffeine detaches from these adenosine receptors and adenosine can continue to reoccupy these receptors, making you crash and feel sleepy once again.

And there you have it! A brief intro into the fascinating science of caffeine–knowledge that you can share with your fellow coffee-holics over the breakfast table.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51473
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33040
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956035
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180984
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments