I’m willing to bet that you or someone you know cannot start the day without having that caffeine boost in the morning. I’m even willing to bet that the caffeinated drink of choice is coffee. Doctors have warned us for generations about the health effects that caffeine can have on our bodies. But, are they right?
Caffeine is naturally found in tea leaves, coffee beans, and cocoa beans. Therefore, the caffeine found in tea, coffee, and chocolate is natural caffeine and is relatively safe to consume in moderation.
*Talk to your doctor about whether caffeinated beverages are safe for you*.
Benefits of consuming caffeine
- Consuming caffeine seems to have an association with a lower risk of skin cancer. (not scientifically proven, yet).
- Consuming caffeine right before you work out could give you the extra boost you need to put more energy into your workout.
- Caffeine is added to pain relievers for a reason! It is believed to help relieve pain when combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Consuming caffeine may help improve your memory as well as boost your brain function for time management and planning
- Consuming coffee may help reduce the risk of stroke, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease
The downside to consuming caffeine
- Consuming caffeinated energy drinks, soda, or other sugary drinks is not likely to provide the same benefits as listed above. They are not recommended for anyone under 18 and only in extreme moderation (2 drinks max per day) for those older than 18.
- Caffeine is an addictive substance. Consuming it regularly can lead to a caffeine addiction and withdrawal symptoms can include shaking, irritable mood, anxiety, and restlessness.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume caffeine unless given the okay by their doctor.
Comparing nutritional facts
Coffee, brewed from grounds, prepared with tap water
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/beverages/3898/2
Serving size: 8 fl oz
- Calories2.4(10.0 kJ)
- Total Carbohydrate0.0g
- Dietary Fiber0.0g
- Sugars0.0g
- Total Fat0.0g
- Total Omega-6 fatty acids2.4mg
- Protein0.3g
- Vitamin K0.2mcg
- Riboflavin0.2mg
- Niacin0.5mg
- Vitamin B60.0mg
- Folate4.7mcg
- Vitamin B120.0mcg
- Pantothenic Acid0.6mg
- Choline6.2mg
- Calcium4.7mg
- Magnesium7.1mg
- Phosphorus7.1mg
- Potassium 116 Mg
- Sodium4.7mg
- Manganese0.1mg
- Fluoride 215 Mcg
- Water 236g
- Ash0.8g
- Caffeine94.8mg
Tea, brewed, prepared with tap water [black tea]
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/beverages/3967/2
Serving size: 8 fl oz
- Calories2.4(10.0 kJ)
- Total Carbohydrate0.7g
- Total Omega-3 fatty acids7.1mg
- Total Omega-6 fatty acids2.4mg
- Vitamin B60.0mg
- Folate11.9mcg
- Vitamin B120.0mcg
- Choline0.9mg
- Magnesium7.1mg
- Phosphorus2.4mg
- Potassium87.7mg
- Sodium7.1mg
- Manganese0.5mg
- Fluoride 884 Mcg
- Water 236g
- Caffeine47.4mg
- Theobromine4.7mg
Classic Coke
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/foods-from-del-taco/7796/2
Amounts per 1 small order
Calories 117
Total Carbohydrate29.5g
Sugars29.5g
Calcium9.1mg
Sodium10.9mg
Candies, chocolate, dark, 60-69% cacao solids
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/sweets/10637/2
Amounts per 1 bar (112g)
- Calories 647(2709 kJ)
- From Carbohydrate 235(984 kJ)
- From Fat384(1608 kJ)
- From Protein27.4(115 kJ)
- Total Carbohydrate58.9g
- Dietary Fiber9.0g
- Sugars41.1g
- Total Fat42.7g
- Saturated Fat24.7g
- Monounsaturated Fat12.9g
- Polyunsaturated Fat1.4g
- Total trans fatty acids0.1g
- Total trans-monoenoic fatty acids0.1g
- Total Omega-3 fatty acids98.6mg
- Total Omega-6 fatty acids 1262 mg
- Protein6.9g
- Vitamin A56.0IU
- Vitamin K8.1mcg
- Riboflavin0.1mg
- Niacin0.9mg
- Vitamin B60.0mg
- Vitamin B120.2mcg
- Pantothenic Acid0.3mg
- Calcium69.4mg
- Iron7.1mg
- Magnesium 197mg
- Phosphorus 291mg
- Potassium 635 Mg
- Sodium11.2mg
- Zinc3.0mg
- Copper1.4mg
- Manganese1.5mg
- Selenium9.4mcg
- Cholesterol6.7mg
- Water1.4g
- Ash2.1g
- Caffeine96.3mg
- Theobromine 708 Mg
