How much do we really know about our number one drug of choice? This book, the first natural, cultural, and artistic history of our favourite mood enhancer tells us more, by looking at how caffeine was discovered, its early uses, and the unexpected parts it has played in medicine, religion, painting, poetry, learning and love.
The World of Caffeine is a captivating tale of art and society containing many fascinating stories including:
* how Balzac's addiction to caffeine drove him to eat coffee and may have killed him
* how a mini Ice Age may have helped bring coffee, tea and chocolate to popularity in Europe
* how caffeine, in its various forms, was used as cash in China, Africa, Central America and Egypt.

How much do we really know about our number one drug of choice? This book, the first natural, cultural, and artistic history of our favourite mood enhancer tells us more, by looking at how caffeine was discovered, its early uses, and the unexpected parts it has played in medicine, religion, painting, poetry, learning and love.
The World of Caffeine is a captivating tale of art and society containing many fascinating stories including:
* how Balzac's addiction to caffeine drove him to eat coffee and may have killed him
* how a mini Ice Age may have helped bring coffee, tea and chocolate to popularity in Europe
* how caffeine, in its various forms, was used as cash in China, Africa, Central America and Egypt.

We all know that caffeine helps keep you awake and alert, but the things we don't know about caffeine could fill a book. Now Bennett Alan Weinberg and Bonnie K. Bealer, the award-winning authors of "The World of Caffeine, " the foremost reference book on the science and culture of caffeine, have done just that -- creating an authoritative self-help guide to caffeine's little-known practical secrets and benefits. Based on groundbreaking new research, "The Caffeine Advantage" offers step-by-step programs that show you how caffeine can improve your IQ, memory, mood, athletic ability, physical condition, and performance at work. In the process, Weinberg and Bealer debunk common myths and misconceptions -- that caffeine causes hypertension, anxiety, heart disease, even cancer -- and show the many positive and life-changing effects of strategic caffeine use.

Everyone in today's competitive environment is looking for an edge, and caffeine can provide the little boost that gives you the advantage you need to succeed. The key is knowing what caffeine can do for you and how to use it effectively. Here are just some of its amazing advantages:

• Improves your ability to think clearly and solve problems, and can actually raise your IQ

• Increases your short-term memory, helps you concentrate, and relieves boredom

• Is a powerful antioxidant, combating muscle damage and helping you to stay younger

• Improves your mood and overcomes depression, creating an "attitude of success"

• Helps you run, swim, and cycle longer and faster

• Increases the painkilling power of common analgesics and is itself a strong pain reliever

• Grows brain cells in the areas of the brain responsible for long-term memory

Already widely acclaimed by many of the foremost academic researchers in the world, including Dr. Paul Kulkosky, whose foreword introduces the book, "The Caffeine Advantage" delivers a comprehensive program for working smarter, not harder, and for improving mood, athletic fitness, and mental performance.