In fact, they were able to identify a physical barrier through the lenses of highly specific microscopes. However, it wasn’t until the 1960’s that scientists accurately determined the existence of the BBB thanks to technological advances. This provided an initial insight into the separation between the brain and the bloodstream. Consequently, the dye circulated through all of the body’s tissues except for the spinal cord and the brain.
In the late 19th century, Paul Ehrlich, a German doctor, first discovered the BBB by injecting a dye into the bloodstream of a mouse. It serves to protect the brain from any pathogens or toxins that circulate in our blood. In fact, the blood-brain barrier, also referred to as the BBB, is a barrier between the brain’s blood vessels and the other parts of the brain tissue. In fact, you may want to time your caffeine intake so that you leave sufficient time between your last cup of coffee (or caffeinated food/beverage) and your bedtime.Īn interesting characteristic of caffeine is that it enters the brain through what is known as the “blood-brain barrier”. In addition, this may be useful to consider if you are sensitive to caffeine. However this can vary within a range of 2 to 8 hours. In the healthy adult population, the average half-life of caffeine is about 4 hours. These include gender, age, body weight, liver health, medication intake and pregnancy status. In fact, the amount of time can vary significantly based on individual factors. Half-time refers to the amount it takes for us to eliminate 50% of the caffeine from our body. Moreover, a scientific term called “half-life” can be useful to understand the effects of caffeine on our body. Our body absorbs caffeine within approximately 45 minutes of consumption, and blood levels peak after between 15 minutes and 2 hours depending on the individual.
Cola drinks, energy drinks, chocolate and some non-prescription medications such as over the counter painkillers and cough syrups may also contain caffeine. In addition, black and green tea, cocoa powder and kola nuts are all sources of caffeine. Moreover, we typically associate caffeine with coffee, however it is found across several foods and beverages. In fact, scientists have studied the effects of caffeine for a long time, discovering the myriad of effects it can have on our bodies.įrom increasing alertness and awareness to improving physical performance in athletes, caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can impact our physical and mental state. What is it about caffeine that makes it so unique and how long does caffeine stay in your system? Let’s find out! Novem6:12 pm Febru3:31 pm What is caffeine?Ĭaffeine is a bitter white powder less commonly known by its scientific name, 1,3,7 trimethylxanthine. Humans have been consuming caffeine as we know it for centuries, potentially dating back to as early as the Palaeolithic period. In Nature, caffeine is found as a chemical compound in plants such as coffee and cocoa beans, tea leaves and kola nuts. The world’s most commonly used stimulant- caffeine is omnipresent in the daily life of many.
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