研究所、轉學考(插大)、學士後-英文題庫下載題庫

The power to counter physical fatigue and increase alertness is part of the reason caffeine ranks as the world’s most popular mood-altering drug. It is found not only in energy drinks, coffee and tea, but also in diet pills and pain relievers. Many societies around the world have also created entire rituals around the use of caffeine, for example, afternoon tea in the U.K., the café culture of France, and tea ceremony in Japan. But is caffeine really good for us? Health risks have been tied to caffeine consumption. Over the years, studies have attributed higher rates of certain types of cancer and bone disease to caffeine consumption. To date, however, there is no definitive proof that caffeine actually causes these diseases. A number of scientists believe that regular caffeine use causes physical dependence. Heavy caffeine users exhibit similar behaviors; their moods fluctuate from high to low; they get mild to severe headaches; or they feel lethargic when they can’t have a coffee, an energy drink or a cup of tea. To minimize these feelings, users must consume caffeine—a behavior that is characteristic of drug addiction. Despite the concerns, the general opinion is that caffeine is not dangerous when consumed moderately. A lot of current research contradicts long-held negative beliefs about caffeine and suggests that it may, in fact, have health benefits. For instance, studies have shown that caffeine can help ease pain by reducing muscle inflammation. Because it is a stimulant, caffeine can also help improve one’s mood. Research has also shown that some caffeinated drinks—specifically certain tea—have disease-fighting chemicals that can help the body fight a number of illnesses, including certain types of cancer. In addition, as a type of mental stimulant, caffeine increases alertness, memory and reaction speed. Because it fights fatigue, it facilitates performance on tasks. While it is true that caffeine can increase blood pressure, the effect is usually temporary and therefore not likely to cause heart trouble—especially if caffeine is consumed in moderation. Despite its nearly universal use, caffeine has rarely been abused. The effects of caffeine on behavior are real, but most often they are mild. Getting a burst of energy, of course, is why many of the most popular drinks on earth contain caffeine.