Caffeine Awareness Month
Every March is Caffeine Awareness Month. Let’s face it most of us need a little caffeine in the morning to get us started for the day. As normal as this has become in our society, this is not a new idea.
In 1819 Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge, a German chemist, was the first person to extract caffeine from cocoa beans.
In 1912 The U.S. House of Representatives decided to amend the Pure Food and Drug Act, adding caffeine as a “habit-forming” and “deleterious” substance.
In 2003 The Caffeine Awareness Alliance was founded. It was formed in order to promote a caffeine-free environment.
Tea the Healthiest way to get your Caffeine
As addictive as Caffeine can be it’s not all bad. Not only can caffeine increase your ability to stay awake, but it can help you be more productive throughout your day. It is known to treat a number of conditions including headaches, skin problems, digestion and OCD.
Green Tea is the healthiest beverage on Earth. It is full or antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body. A few examples are: improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and so much more.
A cup of green tea contains about 40 mg of caffeine.
Get your Caffeine from a cup of Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular ways to caffeinate.
The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) state that a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine can be part of a healthy, daily diet.
A cup of coffee contains 80 mg of Caffeine.
With Starbuck shops popping up on every corner, it’s a trend that keeps growing and growing. That’s where PMGK can help. We can teach you how to make all your favorite kinds of coffee without paying the ridiculous Starbucks prices. Just click on the many links throughout this post.
Chocolate has Caffeine too.
A milk chocolate bar contains about 10 mg of caffeine, whereas a darker chocolate bar contains 30 mg of caffeine. If you have a sweet tooth this is a great way to get a little bit of caffeine without over doing it. Research also has proven that dark chocolate has many health benefits.
Caffeine options
No matter what your preference is, there’s a Caffeine for you. From coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate bars, frappuccinos, and so many more. An 8 oz. energy drink, a 20 oz. diet cola, and a shot of espresso contain about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.
It’s easy to justify our caffeine addictions by looking at all the health benefits, however, there are downsides as well. Consuming more than 400 mg per day could trigger anxiety, insomnia, and increased blood pressure. Caffeine affects everyone differently. So know your limits. Research further the pros and cons of your beverage of choice. But don’t let any of it stop you from enjoying your favorite caffeinated drink. We only live once. I don’t know about you, but I plan to eat and drink well, as long as I’m here, and if it involves caffeine, so be it.