A Drug

Caffeine is a drug, a stimulant, found in “food” such as coffee, tea and chocolate products. A cup of coffee contains between 100 and 150 milligrams of caffeine, a cup of tea 90 milligrams, a bottle of cola drink 40 to 72 milligrams, a cup of cocoa 50 milligrams and a bar (85 grams; 3 ounces) of bittersweet chocolate about 75 milligrams.

With most persons caffeine stimulates the heart and kidneys, quickens reaction time and promotes alertness. Caffeine, though, seems to aid some older persons to relax. Also, caffeine is sometimes used to treat headaches, because it affects the blood vessels of the brain. Yes, the drug caffeine produces effects on the human body.

‘But,’ some may object, ‘don’t coffee and tea drinkers get addicted to caffeine?’ In Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior, Professor R. S. Oakley comments:

“Dependence on caffeine is real, and one withdrawal symptom that has been well substantiated is the headache, which generally develops in habitual users . . . after about 18 hours of abstinence. Some reports suggest that nausea and lethargy may precede the actual headache.”

On the other hand, in an article on coffee Science Digest (June 1975) quotes Dr. M. Seevers of the University of Michigan as saying: “No physical dependence occurs with any of the psychomotor stimulants,” such as coffee.

Caffeine and Your Health

Many persons have reconsidered their drinking of coffee and tea after reading reports that these beverages can damage their health. But, to be fair, there have also been reports contesting these dangers, indicating that moderate use of tea or coffee poses no substantial risk for most persons. Dr. Jean Mayer, former professor of nutrition at Harvard University, reviewed both sides in a June 1976 article. Summarizing some of his comments:

Heart disease: A study by a drug surveillance program “found that persons who drink one to five cups [of coffee] a day have a 60% greater risk of a heart attack.” Yet another long-term and highly regarded study “found no statistical relationship between coffee and any form of heart disease.”

Cancer: “Two studies at the Harvard School of Public Health showed a statistical relationship between coffee and a higher incidence of cancer of the bladder and lower urinary tract.” However, ‘a Canadian study found no such relationship.’

Ulcers: Coffee stimulates secretion of gastric acids. “A study of college students revealed that men who drink one or two cups a day have a 150% greater risk of later developing ulcers. . . . In contrast to these findings, a large, long-term study done by [a medical-care program] could detect no association between drinking coffee and developing peptic ulcers.”

Various other health aspects related to use of caffeine might be considered, but note the conclusion of the Science Digest article cited earlier:

“Most medical experts today admit there is no firm proof that coffee by itself can precipitate fatal diseases.”