Caffeine

My subject was about caffeine on campus.


I do not wish to justify the consumption of caffeine simply because nothing has expressly been said about it in the scriptures. We know from the Word of Wisdom and the Prophets that we should live healthy lifestyles, get proper nutrition, and avoid some things. Caffeine in excess can be harmful, but there are many other things such as painkillers that can be also. We were all born with our agency and are all entitled to the guidance of the spirit as we live worthily. Furthermore, most of us have some common sense and our consumption of not only caffeine but all things should be based on our knowledge of what is best for our health and what the spirit tells us on the matter. That stated, I do not feel that a Coke every once in a while is harmful. However, the control and choice lies within each individual over how much, if any, is consumed.
While BYU does not sell colas with caffeine, they do sell a drink called Guarana. Caffeine is not listed on the ingredients; however, it does contain guaranine, a well known synonym for caffeine. Dr. Jennifer Nielsen, a BYU faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who specializes in organic chemistry confirms this and goes on to say, “No one does research on guaranine, because they don't call it that. It is caffeine.” When asked why they sell this drink she replied, “In the name of providing an authentic cultural connection with Brazil as well as maintaining solid and friendly international relations with 185 million Brazilians, we do. We also carry it because of numerous requests by returned missionaries from the approximately 28 missions in that country.” This seems like a rather arbitrarily made decision. I also found that a single seed from the guarana fruit contains approximately five times the amount of caffeine as a coffee bean. Clearly this beverage contains a comparable amount of caffeine to that of a can of cola. So why is this sold to appease the requests of some RM’s if it clearly breaks the policy to not sell caffeinated drinks? I served my mission in Peru and the national drink of Peru is Inca Cola which contains caffeine. If we were being fair, BYU should also sell this despite its caffeinated content so that I and the other Peruvian RM’s can reminisce with a glass of that golden goodness over lunch at the Cougar Eat. In order to be fair and just, BYU would have to break policy and sell it so that Brazilians and Peruvians can enjoy their beverages of choice. I do not feel the wants and desires of one are more highly valued than those of another and if BYU feels the same must cede to the wishes of Peruvians and RM’s of Peru as they have for the Brazilians.

I feel that the first paragraph is the weakest, I tried to acknowledge assumptions people might have about this subject in order to build credibility. The second is an attempt at pathos where people might open their eyes and understand what is really going on. I found the comments from the Dr. here: http://soundingboard.byu.edu/archive.cfm?start=26&page_no=6 it's the 4th question down for those who want to see.