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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

7 myths about caffeine

Starbucks may enter the single-serve coffee market. Spokeswoman Lara Wyss said the chain hopes to accomplish with “single-serve coffee what Apple did for mobile phones.” (Associated Press)
Starbucks may enter the single-serve coffee market. Spokeswoman Lara Wyss said the chain hopes to accomplish with “single-serve coffee what Apple did for mobile phones.” (Associated Press)

For many of us, a morning without coffee or tea is a like the proverbial day without sunshine. For me, much of it is about the ritual.

OK, who am I kidding? It’s about the caffeine. Mmm, I love caffeine -- that naturally occurring alkaloid found in the leaves, seeds, and fruits of more than 63 plant species worldwide. But at what risk do I indulge in my morning coffee and afternoon espresso?

Caffeine is most famous for its role as a stimulant and its ability to delay fatigue. I clearly get a boost of energy and clarity, as had been scientifically proven. But caffeine has also acquired a bad-boy reputation -- an unfair one, perhaps? Read more.

How do you get your daily caffeine intake, coffee, tea, other?



Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.