Can caffeine containing products qualify as natural health foods? Strong arguments can be presented on both sides of this question. In the long run the answer will probably result from almost a religious conviction. No definition of 'natural' or 'Health Food' has been universally or legally spelled out. What is natural for one individual or group at various periods has been unnatural or supernatural to others. Variations of health foods are well recognized in the ancient Latin quotation: 'What's one man's poison is another's meat or drink.'
The F.D.A. is attempting to establish standards of identity for products that may be labelled 'natural' and is having its hands full. How much processing can be permitted to a food product and have it still described as natural? If orange juice has added sugar for standardization purposes to compensate for variation from batch to batch, is it still natural? If peanuts are roasted because the freshly picked ones are inedible or unpalatable, are they no longer natural?
Health foods, too, are subject to wide interpretation. Many believe that garlic is a true health food, keeping their blood pressure low and thus prolonging life. Others enjoy it for its characteristic flavor. And probably an equal number are extremely sensitive to its unforgettable aroma which they consider vile and claim it makes them deathly sick.
Caffeine in food and drink also has its advocates and enemies. Most professionals feel they would never have completed their college training without the benefit and sustenance of this agent. As they enter the labor force, even non-professionals find it eases their daily tasks with regular coffee breaks. As they age and become subject to ailments such as ulcers, circulatory and difficulties, and antagonistic or prejudiced physicians, they regretfully cease their daily caffeine injections.
When President Bush exhibited an irregular heart beat last year, physicians suggested that he eliminate the caffeine from the six cups of coffee he imbibed daily. Although they had no medical reason for this recommendation, in view of the widespread and all pervasive anti-caffeine sentiment, they felt that there would be less of a burden on his heart if the stimulant were eliminated.
Accordingly, Mr. Bush was switched to the decaffeinated variety but became very unhappy with it. Although six cups of regular coffee per day is the maximum amount often recommended, many tolerate this amount for years without exhibiting any symptoms of caffeinism, and it has not been demonstrated that in such individuals there is any undue strain on their hearts. In fact, although there is a wide variation in the reaction of various people to various amounts of caffeine, caffeine often strengthens both the heart muscles, the heart beat and the circulation. Caffeine has long been recognized as one of the mildest and healthiest of heart stimulants. Here is a case where the natural product is usually more beneficial in normal people than the product 'improved' by extraction of its active ingredient. In Mr. Bush's case, a compromise was reached: The President switched back to his regular brew, but consumed fewer cups per day.
Beverages, of course, are not the only source of dietary caffeine. The largest food source of dietary caffeine is cocoa and chocolate where it is present in well over half the candy, confections, cookies, baked and frozen desserts. Here it is also present as close relatives, theobromine and theophylline. The names of these isomers are derived from the Mexican Indian words meaning: 'Food of the Gods' which was a delicacy and religious symbol there when Columbus discovered America. The cacao bean is just as natural as the coffee bean as it requires somewhat similar roasting and processing.
Carbonated beverages are also a large source of dietary caffeine. For a while, there was a tendency to incorporate it into fruit flavors and blends other than cola, as it was found that it created a more valuable franchise. As more parents became aware their children preferred these brands, anti-caffeine sentiment grew. These brands dropped their caffeine content, and even the colas began offering alternative 'caffeine-free' types. These are not completely without caffeine since cola extract contains a small amount.
Through the power of advertising, 'natural' on a food product has assumed a mystical quality of merit as opposed to a long list of food additives, each importing a special property not possessed by the natural product. In practically every case it improves the product, supplying better texture, longer shelf life, higher nutritions and other unique qualities.
Eventually the F.D.A. will establish definitions or standards for 'Natural Health Foods'. Caffeine products may be excluded based on their alkaloid content or processing history. Both objections could be challenged, but could involve expensive legal proceedings. Perhaps a start should be made now before final standards are established or before the terms has lost its punch, and advertising promotional terms have evolved.
