7 Unbelievable Facts About What Caffeine Does to Your Body

Caffeine is a legal and non-regulated psychoactive drug that is consumed across the world and most commonly in coffee, cola-like beverages, chocolate, and energy drinks. The stimulating effect of caffeine gives an individual a boost of energy as well as fighting drowsiness which is why the body will sometimes crave an afternoon coffee or energy drink after a long morning. While many have a daily dose of caffeine across the world, in coffee or otherwise, these same people may not be aware of the various effects caffeine has on the human body. These seven incredible ways in which caffeine affects the body are sure to shock and surprise.

Increased Alertness

Caffeine can get into the bloodstream very quickly making its presence within the body felt almost instantly. Many who are reading this would have experienced a morning in which tiredness has seemingly overtaken the body, leaving an individual in a zombie-like state. After a morning cup of coffee, the 'zombie' awakens and can pump out morning emails and tasks and become a productive human once again. Adenosine, a neurotransmitter in the body, can play a role in making a human sleepy and caffeine will 'block' this type of activity within the nervous system. An increased feel of alertness after a coffee or energy drink will be most noticeable for those who experience an afternoon dip in energy, those who work at night and in dangerous jobs, and those suffering from a cold or flu. Habitual coffee drinkers may need 2 or 3 cups of coffee to experience the same alertness as someone who does not consume coffee or caffeine as regularly.

Increased Metabolism

Caffeine consumption can boost the body's metabolic rate, increasing the rate in which food in processing. This process can help to burn fat; however, an individual will become used to the effects of caffeine and over time, this will not be a sustainable way to lose weight. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system of the body, sending messages that tell fat cells to break down stored fat as well as increasing the resting metabolic rate (RMR) by up to 11%. The positive effects on metabolism that caffeine creates are best felt by people who are not obese. This theory was given credence by a study by the American Journal of Physiology that found fat-burning rates could increase as much as 29% in lean or athletic individuals after consuming caffeine and as little as a 10% increase for those considered obese after consuming the same amount. These types of effects are also felt more by younger people, and the effects will not be as pronounced in older individuals. Many pre-workout supplements will also contain caffeine which can help to increase performance and endurance in the gym and improve results.