Stimulating Beverages

Stimulant is a substance that acts on the nervous system to increase its activity. It is found in the leaves, seeds and fruits of many plants including tealeaves, cocoabeans, coffeebeans, kolanuts. 

Beverage that contain high levels of a stimulant ingredients, usually caffeine, as well as sugar and often supplement such as vitamins.

There is a sufficient amount of caffeine in tea and coffee to affect most people, although coffee is the more stimulating of the two. 

Caffeine is also present in cocoa and most of the popular cola drinks contain approximately one-third the amount of caffeine found in tea and coffee.

Coffee and tea are pleasant drinks which in moderation stimulate the appetite and temporarily reduce fatigue. Coffee and tea contain no food value. Caffeine in small amounts is a mild stimulant. That is, it speeds up bodily activities. It may make a tired person temporarily forget he is tired, caffeine causes a moderate increase in the pulse rate. It increases the amount of urine secreted by the kidneys and may increase peristalsis (Waves of muscle contraction that occur in the digestive tract). Some persons use caffeine without ill effect.

Coffee and tea, at times make other people nervous and dizzy, interfere with sleep or cause headaches and indigestion. 

Large amount of coffee or tea can demage the kidneys or cause circulatory ailments.

Drinking too much coffee, if it includes cream and sugar, increases the calories consumption at the rate of about 100calories per cup. When consumed during the "coffee break" with a sweet roll or two, it is easy to see how it might contribute to overweight problems. On an empty stomach, it may also contribute to irritability or it may cause insomnia. 

Coffee is not recommended for certain gastrointestinal conditions, and an excess may produce palpitations (irregular heartbeat) in a normal heart.

Children are usually more susceptible than adults to stimulation by coffee and tea, they need milk which contains the calcium required for good growth of bones and teeth.

Thanks for reading!

Article by 

Adisa Aanuoluwapo Ruth

Food, Nutrients & Health

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