Caffeine, despite what many would like to believe, is a drug, and a very effective one at that. It is found in a number of different substances and is often consumed in drinks specifically for its mentally stimulating properties. Coffee has been a worldwide phenomenon that is no doubt here to stay it has enjoyed sky rocketing sales in the last ten or so years with the seemingly overnight emergence of a Starbucks, Cotsa and Nero on every street corner. Many claim that they love the taste but is this the real reason?

I’d guess that the upsurge in coffee sales correlates with the increasingly busy lifestyles of the people that drink it. The light daze that many people find themselves in first thing in the morning is often cured by a strong cup of Arabica or even an espresso. Indeed a shot of espresso not only makes you alert but makes you feel like you’ve been hit in the face with a mazda mx-5

Coffee is loyally consumed every morning by anyone from investment bankers to high school janitors to salesmen leasing cars or making deals on van leasing. There is solid research showing that caffeine can boost productivity, mood, awareness and reaction time. It works by inhibiting the hormone in the brain which brings on feelings of tiredness.

Business were quick to jump on the back of this caffeine craze and Red Bull, the original and most popular energy drink has caffeine as it’s main ingredient and sells millions of cans everyday. Red Bull’s success really demonstrates that there was a gap in the market for energy drinks, those who drank coffee for its stimulating properties wanted a more convenient beverage, and Red Bull gave it to them. The only disadvantage of caffeine is that it deplete the adrenal glands if consumed to excess, it can also easily dehydrate the body, increasing the need for fluid.