Each year I like to take stock and rejuvenate my health. I am doing a combination this year and joining my caffeine and alcohol free months into one action-filled month.
I find that shaking things up helps me keep on track, get control of weight and find those bad habits that have crept in.
As part of this research, I was mind blown to find out some of the statistics relating to caffeine. If you go to the main coffee chains you could be in for a real shock.
Here are some interesting statistics about the caffeine content.
- 1 mug of filter coffee – 140mg
- 1 mug of instant coffee – 100mg
- 1 shot of espresso – 45mg
- 1 can of ‘energy’ drink – 80mg
- 1 cup of tea – 50mg
- 1 35g bar of chocolate – 50mg
- 1 can of Coca-Cola – 32mg
- 1 can of Diet Coke – 42mg
- 1 cup of green tea – 40mg
- Large americano Costa – 370mg
The quoted average alliance for an adult in the UK is 400mg and 200mg for pregnant women. These statistics are a concern to me. I know that for me more than two instant coffees have a noticeable effect on me for the whole day. I consider 200mg a maximum for adults, and 100 mg for pregnant women.
Pregnant women often report increased fetal movement followed by a drop in movement in the hours after drinking caffeine.
Like all drugs, over time you become addicted and have an overall lower level of brain activity. For an addict, caffeine only brings brain function up to the level of a well and balanced healthy person.
Caffeine can be used wisely, however, if taken with a meal the negative effects of caffeine appear to be reduced. They are heightened in the presence of high levels of sugar and carbonate.
Many children learn to use caffeine at school and the rise of what the suppliers call ‘Energy Drinks’ has made this problem very concerning.
The brain of a child is developing, growing and connecting new neural networks. It is vital to maintain the central nervous system without chemical interference.
When considering those clients who have considerable challenges to their health we need to ensure that the overall load on the nervous system is reduced as much as possible. Replacing caffeine drinks with a decaffeinated alternative is easy.
If you feel that you can’t get the day underway with a coffee or if you get headaches or if you miss your fix – you need a break.