Horizon Project Topic
The Impact of Caffeine on the Developing Teen
Biological
Due to caffeine being a stimulant, it increases activity in your brain and nervous system. Common biological side effects associated with caffeine are an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, frequent urination urgency, and digestive issues.
Psychological
With caffeine stimulating the stress hormones (cortisol and epinephrine) and increasing alertness, it can lead to anxiety and nervousness. Too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, making it hard for people to get enough restorative sleep.
Positive or Negative?
Although caffeine has its ups and downs, it mostly has negative effects on teens. Due to their lower body weight, caffeine affects them more severely. Research has shown that consuming caffeine can stunt brain development and lead to bone loss over time.
ABOUT ME
Danna Garcia is a current senior at Christ the King Catholic School and is a part of the class of 2024. She first became interested in the concept of caffeine when she started working at Starbucks and has been fascinated with it ever since. With this project, she was able to explore the many effects of caffeine, conduct her own research, learn about the Catholic Church's teachings, and perform acts of service.
