Coffee ma’am?

For many of us there is no greater pleasure in life than the smell of fresh coffee brewing. Why do we love it so much? Why would we rather give up almost any other taste sensation before giving up coffee?

Caffeine is the simple answer. Did you know that caffeine is the most popular and widely consumed drug in the world? It is classed as a drug because it stimulates the cardiac systems and nervous systems.

Drinking about 2 cups of coffee a day excites your nervous system, helping you to think more clearly and faster and will assist in reducing drowsiness and fatigue. As you increase the amount you drink, you may find you experience nervousness, insomnia, tremors, restlessness and a heightened sensitivity.

Whether consuming large amounts of coffee is a health concern has been the subject of many studies over the years. And the latest findings suggest that moderate drinking of coffee may actually have some benefits such as better work performance and improved long-term memory.

So enjoy your cup of coffee in moderation and if you feel you are drinking too much keep in mind these simple suggestions:

  • Try a herb tea as an alternative. There are many caffeine-free teas available today. Sometimes just pausing to sip a hot drink will relax and invigorate you.
  • Try light coffees or switch to decaffeinated coffee. Decaf coffee has about 95% less caffeine than regular coffee which is a big improvement.
  • Become more aware of foods, drinks and medications which contain caffeine.
  • Learn to relax, take a break, sleep more and have a laugh and this will reduce your need for the stimulation found in coffee.

Caffeine Breakdown

Coffee, Instant (5 oz.) 46 milligrams

Coffee, perk (5 oz) 60-125 milligrams

Coffee, drip (5 oz) 110-150 milligrams

Coffee, decaffeinated (5 oz) 2 -5 milligrams

Hot Chocolate ( 6oz) 2-8 milligrams per packet

Tea Brewed (5 oz) 20-380 milligrams

Coke (12 oz) 46 milligrams

Milk Chocolate (1oz) 6 milligrams

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