The Definition of Caffeinated
Many of us drink coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks every day. We know these drinks are often caffeinated, but what exactly does this mean? The simple answer: Caffeinated foods and beverages contain the stimulant caffeine.
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Definition
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A caffeinated product either contains caffeine naturally or contains added caffeine, according to The Free Dictionary website. A person or project fueled by caffeine may also be called "caffeinated." For example, "The caffeinated college student worked through the night on her term paper."
Characteristics
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Caffeine is a bitter, white alkaloid, according to Dictionary.com. Caffeine is proven to stimulate the nervous system. Caffeine increases alertness and temporarily improves energy in most individuals, according to the Teen Health website.
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Occurrence
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Caffeine occurs naturally in cocoa beans used to make chocolate, coffee, tea and kola nuts used to make cola, according to Medicine Net. Many foods, medicines and drinks also contain added caffeine.
Considerations
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Caffeine, considered a drug due to its stimulant effects, is broken down by the liver and excreted by the kidney. Although caffeinated products can increase alertness, consuming too much caffeine (250 to 750 mg/day) can cause nervousness, high blood pressure, anxiety and insomnia, according to Medicine Net.
Fun Fact
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The word "caffeine" has two origins. The French word "café" and the German word "Kaffee," both meaning "coffee," provide the root for "caffeine," according to the Merriam-Webster website.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit cup of coffee in coffee beans image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
