Primal Primer 6 (Nutrition)
The earliest records of caffeine consumption dates back to 5,000 years ago in China where fortuitous leaves from a wild tree blew into an emperor’s boiling water with revitalizing effect. In Ethiopia, a goat herder noticed his flock becoming energetic after eating coffee berries. In Maya and Aztec civilizations, cacao beans were steeped in water and used as an offering to the fit for the gods (with some for those of lesser stature).
Caffeine consumption appears spontaneously across most ancient civilizations, each geographically distinct and with genesis of becoming widely adopted and developing economies of trade. Caffeine has since augmented in popularity as daily dosing steadily becomes ritual, and industries innovate to capture. Caffeine is now ubiquitously found in incalculable packaged foods, beverages, and served within a mile of anyone at anytime complements of the iconic mermaid barista. This convenience of consumption means that we must understand our sources, amounts, timing, and reasons for consuming more than ever. Caffeine can enhance cognition, workouts, and systemic alertness, while conversely scattering thought, raising blood pressure, and disrupting digestion, sleep, and recovery. Like any drug, do not consume passively.
~Cave Implementation~
Consume caffeine, but do so intentionally and as prologue to activity. Know how many mg of caffeine you consume daily and be cautious of timing. A cup of coffee (defined as 8oz) contains ~100mg of caffeine, green tea ~50mg, 12oz can of diet soda: ~20mg, and a 16oz energy drink: >70mg. Timing and dosage of this drug can have substantial impacts on the sapien’s mind and body both in positive and negative domains. Understand this drug’s minimum effective dosage and titrate as necessary. Understand the risks of addiction and dependence. Used properly, one can enhance vigilance and cognition. Conversely, overconsumption or poor planning can leave one anxious and fragmented. Caffeine has a half life of 3-5 hours; meaning it takes this amount of time for half of it to no longer be acting on your system. Plan dosages carefully and not 6-10 hours before bed.
Consume Caffeine, But Do So Intentionally And As Prologue To Activity.
