5 Things: About Caffeine

I love, need, am addicted to my cup of morning coffee. I follow it with a slow and steady stream of green tea through the rest of my day. Recently I became curious about this substance, stimulant, and drug and here are a few things I learned.

1. It is believed that caffeine blocks the brains uptake of the chemical adenosine that causes drowsiness by slowing down nerve cell activity. That is how it gives you so much pep.
2. Dark chocolate has about 3 times as much caffeine as milk chocolate.
3. The body absorbs caffeine through the stomach and intestine, and peak blood levels occur about 45 - 60 minutes after ingestion.
4. Only 50 percent of regular caffeine users experience withdrawal symptoms like headache or drowsiness. No one knows why.
5. Caffeine can enhance performance in endurance sports, especially for activities lasting longer than an hour.