Caffeine

Caffeine, a member of the methylxanthine faimly, is an alkaloid commonly found in many foods and beverages we enjoy daily. Caffeine's chemical name is 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine and is naturally found in coffee, tea, green tea, yerba mate, guarana seeds, cacao beans, and kola nuts. The effects of caffeine on the human body have been well documented, it's known to stimulate the heart and central nervous system, improve athletic performance, enhance cognitive performance, increase energy levels, and elevate metabolic rate. Medically caffeine has been used to stimulate the heart and as a diuretic.

A single serving of caffeine is considered to be 100mg, roughly the amount in one cup of brewed coffee. The table below shows the estimated caffeine content for some common beverages.

2oz	Espresso	40 to 120	mg
8oz	Brewed Drip Coffee	60 to 160	mg
8oz	Decaffeinated Coffee	3 to 5	mg
8oz	Green Tea	20 to 40	mg
8oz	Black Tea	20 to 60	mg
12oz	Coca-Cola Classic	34	mg
12oz	Mountain Dew	55	mg
8oz	Red Bull	80	mg

Caffeine & Weight Loss

For years caffeine has been used as a weight loss aid. High doses of caffeine may act to suppress appetite and stimulate metabolic rate, enhancing physical performance thereby increasing energy expenditure. Up until the FDA's ephedra ban in December of 2003 caffeine would regularly be stacked with ephedrine and aspirin, where it prolonged the effects of this powerful thermogenic drug. Now that ephedra has been banned many diet pill manufacturers have increased the caffeine content of their products, where it must act alone as a potent fat burner.

Is Caffeine Safe?

A single serving of caffeine is considered to be 100mg, roughly the amount found in one cup of brewed coffee. To minimize stomach upset it's recommended that caffeine be taken with food and plenty of water. Caffeine is a mild diuretic and may contribute to mild dehydration if fluids are not replenished.

Caffeine is an addictive drug, and while moderate consumption of caffeine poses no significant health risks, side effects may include sleeplessness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, irritability, heart palpitations, headaches, diarrhea, tremors, and vomiting. Excessive consumption of caffeine may be associated with stomach and abdominal pains, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, confusion, delirium, and seizures.

Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to increased tolerance for caffeine. If use is suddenly discontinued withdrawal symptoms may be experienced, including anxiety, dizziness, irritability, headaches, nausea, nervousness, and unusual fatigue.

For those who are allergic or otherwise react negatively to caffeine or zanthines, it's strongly advised that you do not consume products containing caffeine. Caffeine should also be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Diet Pills Containing Caffeine

Diet Pill Ingredients

Caffeine - Powerful metabolic stimulant and appetite suppressant.
Calcium - May play a key role in fat storage and breakdown.
Chromium - May help to maintain blood sugar levels & suppress appetite.
Garcinia Cambogia - Rich in hydroxycitric acid, a natural carbohydrate inhibitor.
Green Tea - Packed full of potent anti-oxidants for optimum health.
Guarana - Potent source of caffeine and natural stimulant.
Hoodia Gordonii - The slimming cactus.
L-Tyrosine - Mood enhancing & metabolism boosting amino acid.
L-Carnitine - Essential for increased fat oxidation.
Niacin - Vitamin B3, lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Scutellaria Root - Drought hardy perennial native to southwest China.
Thiamin - Vitamin B1, the "brain energizer" vitamin.
White Willow Bark - Traditional pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Yerba Mate - A medium sized evergreen plant native to South America.