Everything You Need to Know About ... Caffeine

Whether waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, enjoying lunch with a refreshingly cold soft drink or relaxing in the evening with a cup of tea, these daily pleasures often have a common ingredient caffeine. People have enjoyed foods and beverages containing caffeine for thousands of years. It is one of the most well-studied ingredients in the food supply. Even so, controversy and misperceptions about this food component continue.

•Caffeine Quick Facts

• Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruits of more than 60 plants.
• Coffee and cocoa beans, kola nuts and tea leaves are used to make beverages such as coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate.
• Caffeine is used as a flavor in a variety of beverages.
• Caffeine will not help "sober up" someone who has consumed too much alcohol.