Caffeine, a popular stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some supplements, plays a significant role in enhancing alertness, energy, and motivation. However, excessive intake can lead to dependence, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The coffee industry alone employed 2.2 million people and generated over $100 billion in wages in 2022, highlighting its economic impact. Dr. Sherecce Fields, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes that caffeine is a drug that should be consumed with caution. It shares properties with stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, influencing dopamine activity and potentially enhancing cognition and memory at safe levels. Fields also notes caffeine's popularity among athletes and individuals with ADHD for its performance-enhancing effects. Nonetheless, the FDA advises against exceeding 400 milligrams per day to avoid adverse effects. Tragic incidents, such as the lawsuits against Panera Bread for their highly caffeinated drinks, underscore the importance of informed consumption and the dangers of excessive intake.
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