Research Proposal

Yechan Bae

English 21003-M

Professor Matyakubova

29 March, 2018

Research Proposal

The One behind the Coffee Cup

            Is caffeine an essential nutrition component in our daily diet? Does caffeine have any side effects? How is caffeine any different from other stimulants, such as weed and marijuana? In most places around the world, mornings usually involve consuming caffeine, mostly through the means of coffee. The presence of coffee has become very common, as it appears in dates, social events, or even in individual houses-- coffee has become a symbol of human social interaction. Being a regular coffee drinker myself, I always worried regarding the side effects of caffeine in my body, both regarding short term and long term, after being incorporated in my daily diet. 44 percent among the coffee consumers in the United States drink about two to three cups of coffee daily (Statista). The recommended amount for caffeine consumption is 400 grams per day (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Research claims that the common side effects of over consuming caffeine include: migraine headache, insomnia, fast heartbeat, and muscle tremors. It was shocking that I experienced all of these symptoms myself. Also, research suggests that caffeine consumption have health benefits, as it can reduce of the risk of: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease (Harvard Health Publishing).

            To analyze the possible and common side effects and the proven health benefits of caffeine consumption, research will be conducted from various documents, newspapers, science magazines, interview with the expert, and academic articles and journals achieved through Google Scholar and databases Academic Search Complete and Science Direct. The article, “Caffeine, How much is too much?” by the Mayo Clinic Organization, examines the connection between caffeine and insomnia. Another article, “The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee,” by Harvard Health Publishing, disclaims the connection between caffeine and cancer, and further explains the role of caffeine as reducing several health risks, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. Finally, I will also incorporate the pathos in my paper by conducting personal testimonies from my families and friends regarding their good or bad experience with caffeine consumption.

            In order for the paper structure to be found very easy and clear for the readers, I will be using subheadings to distinguish the main points between paragraphs. The subheadings are not yet confirmed but it will be mainly divided between the side effects and health benefits of caffeine consumption. The paper will be informative in a way that it both provides the benefits and side effects of caffeine consumption, but it will also be argumentative when I will be explaining the details for both sides. The paper will conclude by providing the information regarding the line measure of whom caffeine is recommended to.

Works Cited

Shmerling, Robert. “The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee,” Harvard Health Publishing,            25 September, 2017, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-scoop-on-the-            health-benefits-of-coffee-2017092512429. 29 March, 2018.

“Caffeine: How much is too much?” Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Mayo Clinic, 8 March, 2017,    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-          depth/caffeine/art-20045678?pg=1. 29 March, 2018. 

Mitchell, Diane et al. “Beverage Caffeine Intake in the U.S.” Food and Chemical Toxicology, vol.   63, 2014, pp. 136-142. Science Direct.

“U.S. consumers: daily coffee drinking consumption 2017.” Statista, 2018, https://www.statista.

            com/ statistics/250230/americans-daily-coffee-consumption/. 29 March, 2018. 

“Caffeine and Kids: FDA Takes a Closer Look.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 3 May 2013.          U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.fga.gov/ForConsumers/

            ConsumerUpdates/ucm350570.htm. 29 March, 2018.