The topic concerning the usage of caffeine in sport has become very popular for the last 2-3 years. Many researches have been made in order to examine its use. The results were published in 2003 By Dr Briony Thomas and the article was titled Caffeine and Health: A Review. Despite this review there is also a commission by PG Tips tea (a tea producing subsidiary of Unliver Bestfoods Ltd in the UK). They both are objective and informative.
Caffeine as a Drug
In fact caffeine is known as a “drug” but due to the fact that it is present in most of the food that is consumed by the people it is also considered as a “nutrient”. However the caffeine intake can lead to the high blood pressure, increased heat rate, arrhythmias, dehydration, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, heartburn, osteoporosis, birth defects, digestive ulcers, miscarriage, infertility, cancer, cardiovascular disease and many other negative effects.
To positive effects of caffeine can belong relief of fatigue, better alertness and mental efficiency, creativity and greater athletic performance.
Sources of Caffeine
The chemical formula of Caffeine is 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. It is present in most plants especially in the leaves of tea and mate, in the beans of coffee and cocoa, cola nuts and guarana seeds. Despite of the presence of caffeine in natural beverages and foods it can be also added to other products for flavouring or as a stimulant.
Western diet includes coffee, tea, colas and other soft drinks. It also contains cocoa, stimulant or energy drinks, chocolate and the desserts flavoured with coffee/chocolate. It is also used in pharmacy and can exist in prescription and over- the -counter medicines directly or in order to lower the indolent effects of the other pills like in case of cold and flu remedies, pain killers, anti-histamines, diuretics and weight loss aids.
Caffeine is widely used in bodybuilding and sports in order to increase the performance. The normal dosage is 50-200mg each, and also they can take as much as 300-400mg.
Caffeine Contents
 Look through the list of the most widely consumed products and their caffeine content.
Product Caffeine Content
Cup of tea (150ml) 35mg
Mug of tea (250ml) 50mg
Cup of instant coffee (150ml) 75mg
Mug of instant coffee (250ml) 100mg
Cup of brewed coffee (150ml) 100mg
Mug of green tea (250ml) 20mg
Can of cola (330ml) 30mg
Can of stimulant drink 80mg
Portion of coffee/chocolate dessert 30mg
Chocolate bar 15mg
Hot chocolate/cocoa 4mg
However these numbers can vary especially in tea and coffee that can be taken “weak” or “strong” and also there are different blends. You may not possibly drink the whole cup of tea.
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