Reading to be informed is better than sitting to be told. Adequate Information is better than partial knowledge. Health is the business of all but not only doctors'. We are our own doctors so it is better for us all to be involved in diagnosis and treatment of our diseases. Prevention is better than cure so we need not to go through the pains these diseases bring our way. Patients who read lots on their health and that of others are the best friends of good medical doctors because they help speed up the processes of treatment. We have to be reading ourselves to be informed.
Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties.
There are more than thousand known phytochemicals. It is well-known that plant produce these chemicals to protect itself but recent research demonstrate that they can protect humans against diseases. Some of the well-known phytochemicals are lycopene in tomatoes, isoflavones in soy and flavanoids in fruits.
Chemical characteristics of Caffeine are listed below:
Molecular Weight: 194.19
Formula: C8H10N4O2
Synonyms: 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthin
Description: Caffeine is a water-soluble alkaloid. Pure caffeine is a white odorless crystalline powder with a very bitter taste. Caffeine is closely related to other alkaloids such as theophylline (mainly found in tea) and theobromine (mainly found in cacao beans). The difference between these three molecules is the position of the methyl groups.
Distribution: Caffeine is found in many products, including tea, cola nuts, coffee, chocolate, mate and guarana. It is also found in some soft drinks (mainly colas and energy drinks) where it is artificially added.
Action of Caffeine: Caffeine acts on the nervous system by blocking adenosine receptor thereby slowing down nerve cell activity. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, respiration and blood circulation. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic. Caffeine increases the circulation and oxidation of fatty acids. This is why caffeine is used by sportsmen to increase fatty acid metabolism. Caffeine is often used in combination with aspirin to treat headaches. Caffeine can also have negative impact on health, especially if overdosed. There is evidence that too much caffeine can reduce bone density and caffeine is not recommended for pregnant women. Moderation is the key to caffeine consumption.
Facts about Caffeine: Caffeine containing plants have been used by different cultures over centuries. Tea from caffeine containing plants was used to treat headaches, coughs and even plague. Only recently caffeine is used to stay awake and relieve fatigue. Caffeine is now one of the most widely used phytochemical.
Caffeine is not addictive but it can be habit forming. Although caffeine is not toxic to humans in normal levels, it is very toxic to animals, such as dogs and horses.
- We must all try to use Caffeine wisely for the betterment of our health.
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