To Bean or Not to Bean: Should We Be Worried about Caffeine’s Effect on Our Bodies and Society? | Above the Noise

Do you need a caffeinated drink like coffee to start your day or meet a big deadline? You’re not alone. About 90% of human beings worldwide consume some form of caffeine. Medically, caffeine isn’t considered addictive. But it can feel that way, since caffeine blocks the neurochemicals that make us feel sleepy. And too much caffeine can cause jitteriness and even anxiety attacks. But all that awake time does have benefits. Most historians agree that caffeine played a role in both the American and French revolutions, and it keeps the workforce chugging along to this day. It also may boost heart and brain health. Watch the episode and decide for yourself: should we be worried about caffeine’s effects on our bodies and society?

NOTE: Captions are also available in Spanish.