Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caffeine?

A white, crystalline, bitter alkaloid, usually derived from coffee, tea and various other plants and used in medicine. Coined in 1830 by chemist F.F. Runge from the German word for coffee, Kaffee, plus chemical suffix ine.

Main Sources for Caffeine

Coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks, chocolate, pain relievers and caffeine pills, among others.

Health Benefits of Caffeine

The health benefits of caffeine are plentiful and well-documented through numerous studies. Coffee and tea, in particular, have emerged as good health food sources that can lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer, and cirrhosis of the liver, as well as lift your mood, treat headaches and even lower risk of cavities. Caffeine also enhances athleticism, endurance and performance, according to health care experts.

Caffeinated Trivia

• For the second year in a row, Seattle ranked No. 1 in coffee consumption, with 55 percent of residents surveyed saying this elixir of alertness would be the most difficult caffeine product to give up.
• Nearly one-half (49 percent) of all respondents nationwide said they drink caffeinated coffee every day, while cola and tea tied with a 20 percent daily consumption rate. Sweets containing chocolate ranked fourth among caffeine products, with a 13 percent daily consumption, the survey found.
• Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of all respondents said they are not addicted to caffeine.
• Women are more likely than men to say they are addicted to caffeine (29 percent of women vs. 24 percent of men).
• Over one-half of respondents said they are way over their ideal weight (12 percent) or over their ideal weight (54 percent). Only four percent said they were under their ideal weight.

Cities Most Addicted to Caffeine?

1. Seattle
2. Philadelphia
3. Phoenix
4. St. Louis
5. Los Angeles & Boston (tie)