Caffeine is classified as a stimulant because it stimulates the central nervous system. "The stimulated nerve cells release the hormone epinephrine, a.k.a. adrenaline, which increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles. It also decreases blood flow to the skin and organs, and it causes the liver to release glucose." It can also increase dopamine levels in the brain, which is how your body experiences pleasure (the release of dopamine in the brain, as well as serotonin.)
Caffeine is also produced naturally in plants, included coffee beans and tea. It is intended as a natural pesticide to paralyze or kill insects trying to feed on the plants.
A normal dose for humans is about 100mg, people typically consume 300mg daily, and a lethal dose could be as high as 19 grams. So, while you can die from drinking coffee, you would have to drink A LOT of coffee.
JT Surge
Bibliography:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/moleculescompounds/a/caffeine.htm
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