How does caffeine affect the body?
Caffeine consumption stimulates the central nervous system and increases
the rate and force of the heart's contractions. Blood pressure rises,
delivering more oxygen to the brain and other tissues. In moderate does,
caffeine enhances alertness, energy, and concentration. However,
caffeine is also a mild diuretic and excessive levels can lead to
dehydration. Caffeine can also cause people to feel more relaxed and
cause certain types of blood vessels to open. But habitual use, in some
people, can result in irritability, restlessness, and insomnia
Is caffeine addictive?
Addiction is a strong dependence on a drug characterized by severe
withdrawal symptoms, tolerance to a given dose (or the need for more and
more of the drug), and the loss of control (the need to consume the
substance at all costs). Addicts may exhibit antisocial behavior or even
commit crimes to perpetuate the abuse. According to the Coffee Science
Source, an organization created by the National Coffee Association to
disseminate the most up-to-date information on coffee, caffeine and
health, coffee drinkers do not exhibit these signs of addiction. (Maybe
that's because coffee is so readily available? Who knows what we coffee
drinkers would do if we couldn't get our morning fix?) The Coffee
Science Source DOES acknowledge that caffeine withdrawal can cause
temporary headaches, fatigue, and drowsiness.
Prefer Tea?
Save leftover tea to water houseplants. It will add extra nutrients to
the soil and help invigorate your plants.
Tea makes an excellent natural dye. Give a vintage look to old whites by
soaking the garments or linens in hot strongly brewed tea until they
reach the desired shade. Then rinse thoroughly in cold water and dry.
Use cold tea to clean any kind of unpainted woodwork. Not only will it
clean, but it will refresh the natural color of the wood.
Use tea to tenderize tough cuts of meat. Just mix equal parts of
strongly brewed tea and double strength beef stock.
Cool moist tea bags are a perfect beauty product. Just apply them to
your eyes to reduce puffiness.
When transplanting a potted plant, add a used tea bag or two to the soil
before you put the plant inside. The bag will hold the moisture and add
nutrients to the soil.
Make your own air freshener from tea. Freshen the air with tea by mixing
one quart of brewed tea and four tablespoons of lemon juice. Strain
through a coffee filter and then store in spray bottles and then use to
freshen things up.
And to sooth a painful sunburn add a cup or two of tepid tea to a
lukewarm bath. The tannin in the tea is the magic ingredient.
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