Caffeine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. I know that I’m addicted to it – and many of my fellow food and health/fitness bloggers are as well. We’ve all been there – late night, early morning, and the quest for coffee or any caffeinated beverage. And, just like our parents’ generation, we need our caffeine to wake up, to stay alert, or just to give us that boost of energy throughout the day.
Well, wouldn’t you know that this idea that caffeine makes us more alert or more awake is all in our heads! Yes, that’s right. New research shows that caffeine addicts actually develop a tolerance to caffeine, and therefore, don’t really experience its true stimulating effects. The caffeine merely brings an addict back to the baseline levels of alertness, which was originally decreased due to caffeine withdrawal. Now that’s scary!! No wonder we need more and more caffeine each day to feel its effects!
Here’s a thought, next time you need your coffee, try making it a decaf and see how you feel.
I don’t think its the caffeine/wake-up effect that people need as much as warming effect of coffee….there is something comforting about a nice hot cup of coffee after having to pull yourself out of your cozy bed. For me its one of life’s daily pleasures but like alcohol I enjoy it in moderation…