‘There is a white crystalline powder in its purest form, which is probably the most widely used behaviour modifying drug in the world.’

This drug is caffeine and its involvement in our daily lives, as both children and adults is greater than we realise, and so is our addiction to it.

Did you know…?
Caffeine is a natural substance found in tea leaves, coffee beans, cola nuts and cocoa beans.

Regular tea and coffee drinkers may be confusing the mental boost apparently provided by their favourite cuppa with the affects of avoiding the unpleasant caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Caffeine dependency can be acquired with as little as two or three cups drunk daily

The romantic associations we have with chocolate may be due to the effects on the brain of a naturally occurring substance called phenylethylamine PEA. PEA can enhance endorphin levels, increase libido and act a natural antidepressant.

Sugar can also increase levels of the body’s natural endorphins and chocolate often contains appreciable amounts of sugar. These mood-altering effects of chocolate may be why it is easy to become ‘hooked on’ chocolate.

Caffeine increases mental alertness and concentration and can improve performance. However, too much caffeine (and this will be a different amount for each person) has been found associated with: anxiety, cravings, depression, emotional instability, insomnia, mood swings, nervousness and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Top 10 in Caffeine 1. Filter coffee 2. Can of energy drink 3. Instant coffee 4. Loose-leaf tea 5. Cup of t-bag tea 6. Green tea 7. Cola 8. Plain chocolate 9. Milk chocolate 10. Mug of hot chocolate