Coffee Break Essay Example

cups, I have never come close to reaching 80 cups. It made me realize that what I have been consuming all this time is actually a substance with drug-like properties.

How peculiar this substance is

Caffeine shares similarities with other drugs like tobacco and marijuana. Like these substances, it naturally grows and uses its effects as a defense mechanism against predators. When animals consume its leaves, it acts as a poisonous substance.

Many plants have evolved to produce caffeine, which is why it is considered great by us. Over a hundred plants have been identified as caffeine producers in their seeds, leaves, or bark (Braun 107). Coffee and tea are the familiar examples. However, contrary to popular belief, coffee contains more caffeine than tea—it's actually almost half the quantity.

Despite other beverages being consumed by people around the world, tea remains the most popular (Braun 109). The discovery of caffeine's potency is a significant one that has been celebrated for ages. Throughout history, different civilizations have found various purposes and customs related to caffeine.

Ancient Chinese legends recount...

According to these stories, Emperor Shen Nung inadvertently brewed tea when he left leaves from a shrub in his boiling pot of water. After tasting the fragrant mixture, the emperor was delighted with its effects.

According to legend, the first discovery of caffeine occurred around 2737 B.C. It was later introduced to Japan through Buddhist monks, who found the effects of caffeine beneficial for their meditation practice. Caffeine prevented the monks from falling asleep during deep meditation sessions. The credit for bringing caffeine into Japanese culture goes to Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk.

Braun (112) shared a disturbing incident in which he fell asleep during

deep meditation and, in distress, removed his eyelids and threw them onto the ground where tea plants were growing.

• Have you ever experienced that uneasy feeling after drinking your second cup of coffee?
• What are the effects of caffeine on the body?

Surprisingly, it is primarily not just the caffeine that causes alertness. When consumed, caffeine undergoes enzymatic breakdown in the stomach. Like other substances, caffeine goes through multiple steps to decompose. Following an initial step, two chemicals may remain - either theophylline or paraxanthine. Theophylline has a similar potency to caffeine.

Paraxanthine, which is stronger, is responsible for causing the jitters. Approximately 70% of paraxanthine is produced per cup. This conversion process is comparable to the breakdown of alcohol. However, coffee breaks down at a much slower rate than alcohol. The effects of a cup of coffee can last for 5 to 6 hours (Smart Basics Intelliscope 1).

Understanding the effects of caffeine on the brain and body requires knowledge in chemistry. Informative books have revealed that this process is highly complex. To aid comprehension, visual symbols can be useful. The brain contains a molecule that controls the speed of its functions, with multiple sets of gas and brake pedals dedicated to specific tasks. When caffeine enters the brain, it disturbs this delicate balance to a certain extent.

The molecule conveniently fits in the brake pedal, preventing depression when it is not pushed. While the brain can speed up, it cannot slow down. Therefore, caffeine possesses its power.

Caffeine, a drug, is often overlooked and disregarded by those who consume it regularly. Coffee lovers and avid java drinkers are essentially no different from drug addicts. However,

the affordability of caffeine allows for indulgence. It is hypocritical to condemn nicotine and alcohol while failing to acknowledge that caffeine is also a drug.

Currently, there are no advertisements featuring individuals discussing their coffee addiction. Although the consequences are less severe compared to losing a lung, a particular group in Seattle specifically has initiated a "Caffeine Anonymous" support group. This establishment provides a platform for individuals to openly communicate about their dependence on caffeine.

Despite the general consensus that caffeine is non-addictive, a specific survey found that out of 99 individuals claiming dependency on caffeine, six were clinically determined to be indeed dependent on it. The remarkable aspect of caffeine lies in its ubiquitous presence. Caffeine can be easily obtained practically anywhere you go. Coffee shops are popping up everywhere, meeting the increasing demand from coffee drinkers.

In every direction, Dunkin Donuts, Coffee Shops, and gas stations selling caffeine are ubiquitous. It's interesting how they share a common factor. Similar to the need for fuel to drive your car, coffee or tea is essential for sustaining oneself. I have yet to encounter a gas station that doesn't offer No-Doz. This implies that society now views caffeine as an indispensable requirement.

Caffeine has transformed into more than just a basic necessity; it has now become a popular trend and social phenomenon, creating a community of caffeine enthusiasts. Individuals take pleasure in consuming caffeine through different means like espresso, cappuccino, teas of various flavors and colors, Arabic and Robusta coffees, as well as specialty drinks topped with whipped cream. The variety of options available is extensive. What's intriguing is that there are no age limitations – one does not have

to be 18 or 21 years old. This highlights how deeply ingrained caffeine has become in our society.

Being completely engrossed in the coffee culture, I found myself going there regularly before school or during the summer to savor a refreshing iced coffee. I even went to the extent of commuting from Exeter to Portsmouth every day, solely for the purpose of having coffee. This made me wonder about my assimilation into this peculiar community of caffeine enthusiasts. By simply frequenting the coffee shop, I became a member of this unusual tribe of individuals who are addicted to caffeine. This led me to contemplate the peculiarities of caffeine as a drug, which shares similarities with other legal substances like tobacco and alcohol.

The lack of warning advertisements about the effects of caffeine consumption raises a question. In our society, where productivity is highly valued and sleep is cherished, more people consume caffeine than any other substance. It is important to recognize that soda machines are a significant source of caffeine for the general public as they are readily available and offer different caffeinated choices. Both children and elderly individuals consume it, with older adults tending to prefer stronger beverages.

On average, a caffeinated soda contains about half the caffeine content as a cup of coffee. The younger generation is increasingly realizing the remarkable effects and abilities of caffeine at an early age, making them rely on it in their daily lives as they grow older.

• What can we expect in terms of future advancements related to caffeine?
• Is there a possibility that it will soon be available intravenously?

Currently, for most people who enjoy its undeniable allure, caffeine does not pose a significant risk.

Caffeine is considered to be a means of simplifying one's day and is a delightful beverage that provides comfort and relaxation. It also supplies the essential energy needed to remain productive and accomplish tasks, such as writing papers. It is crucial to acknowledge that caffeine is widely embraced and an integral aspect of daily life, much like the habitual act of waking up every morning. In reality, there are certain days when functioning without caffeine would be unimaginable. Undoubtedly, caffeine holds a powerful sway over a few individuals, while the majority are captivated by its enchanting qualities.

Caffeine has become deeply ingrained in society and shows no signs of disappearing.