Before one asks for a can of soda, or a cup of tea or coffee, one needs to realize exactly what they are putting into their body. Tea, coffee and soda are only a few beverages containing a drug called caffeine, that is proven to be addictive and may even be harmful to your health. Even though caffeine's addiction may not be as severe as heroin, cocaine, or even alcohol, it is still an addiction and should be taken very seriously, like any other drug dependence. It is not yet proved or disproved to be associated with the development of many diseases and health concerns. This means that people in general have to take into consideration the fact that caffeinated beverages or food may cause cancer, heart problems, or ulcers before drinking that cup of coffee. Maybe this will make people stop and think about keeping their body healthy.

According to an old legend, ever since the third century, monks began using caffeine in order to help them stay awake during evening prayer services. Now, almost seventeen centuries later, we are still using caffeine for the same purpose as well as other purposes. (Blonz, 1995 p.50) Also, it is said that in the year 2700 BC, the Chinese Emp

In order for the long-term effects of caffeine consumption to appear, the regular caffeine use has to be more than six hundred-fifty milligrams per day. If one consumes more than the "safe" amount of caffeine, which is about two hundred milligrams, one may suffer from anxiety, depression, stomach ulcers, and an irregular heart beat. (Boston University Medical Center, 1995-1996 p.2) Other results of long term exposure to caffeine are increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased mobility, proved in a study performed by Nikokijevic (cited in Caffeine, 1993). Depending on how much caffeine is consumed daily, one has a risk of become tolerant and physically dependent on it. (Pineda, p.2) The body becomes easily addicted to caffeine and it is very hard to withdraw from it. (Blonz, 1995 p.50) Contradicting the previous statement, it is also said that caffeine is not in any way addictive and it is not difficult to stop or alter ones' caffeine consumption. ("What!

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r headache. (Burchfield, 1997 p.3) Some people use caffeine as an appetite suppressant or even as a laxative, but others use it because caffeine boosts their physical performance.

ffeine is proved not to have any direct connection with heart disease, although it causes irregular heartbeats. (Occhipinti, p.3) In the past, there was a reported connection between caffeine and fibrocystic breast disease; which is the development of lumps that are painful in a woman's breast. More recent investigations have not supported this connection. Also, in the past, another belief was that caffeine might lead to pancreatic cancer. After studies performed in 1986, this hypothesis was discontinued because it was disproven. Many studies say that if pregnant women drink any caffeianted beverage, their fetus has a chance of developing birth defects. (Blonz, 1995 p.50) According to James Mills, M.D., moderate caffeine consumption doesn't cause defects in the fetus. Studies suggest that caffeine doesn't effect the birth rate, but it does lessen a woman's chance of becoming pregnant. Because caffeine can get across the placenta very easily, the fetus will take in as !

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