Caffeine
Other names: Caffeine
Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)
Caffeine, sometimes referred to as Caffeine, is one of the most popular stimulants in the world. It occurs naturally in 60 species of plants, the most well-known sources being the coffee plant, the tea plant and cocoa. The reason for its popularity is its consumption in common beverages such as coffee, tea and energy drinks, as it can improve physical and mental performance through its stimulating effects. It is a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste that dissolves well in water and alcohol.
In addition to its traditional forms of consumption in coffee and tea, caffeine is also used in many other products. For example, it appears as an additive in chocolate, in certain types of beverages such as cola drinks or energy drinks, and in medicines and food supplements. In medicine, it is used for its stimulant effects and its ability to improve blood flow. In cosmetics, it is a common ingredient in anti-cellulite and anti-hair loss products due to its stimulating effects on blood circulation. But despite its widespread use, it should be remembered that excessive caffeine intake can cause a number of side effects, including irritability, insomnia, rapid heart rate and other health problems.