I’ve heard time and time again that tea is a better source of caffeine, however, I’m a coffee drinker. Scratch that–I’m a coffee LOVER. I love the smell, I love the taste, and, of course, I love the kick that a fresh cup provides in the morning or evening.
As one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, over half of Americans drink coffee on a daily basis. But the question remains…should you? Let’s figure this out.
The Pros of Coffee
Coffee packs a serious punch, when it comes to caffeine. The Mayo Clinic says that one cup of brewed java contains 95-200 mg of caffeine, compared to the 24-45 mg of caffeine in green tea.
It can also be great for your health. According to a study by Harvard’s School of Public Health, not only may long-term coffee drinkers reduce their risk for onset Type 2 Diabetes, but people who drink about three to five cups of coffee a day may be less likely to die prematurely from certain illnesses than those who drink less coffee or who don’t drink coffee at all.
Additionally, the study shows that people who drink both regular and decaf saw other benefits, including a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and suicide. Yep.
The Cons of Coffee
Caffeine consumption is something that could become slightly addictive. WebMd lists a number of symptoms of “caffeinism,” which includes side effects like insomnia, nervousness and restlessness, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, and increased heart and breathing rate. But, it doesn’t stop there; withdrawal from consuming large amounts of coffee can also cause headache, anxiety, agitation, ringing in the ears, and irregular heartbeats.
Harvard also found that people who consume coffee are more likely to consume more calories, due to flavored syrups, cream, or just plain sugar.
The Verdict?
Stick to moderate consumption. Drink coffee at the right time of day. You may not want to take in that cup of joe right before bed, because it may launch a host of side effects, like insomnia. You may want to keep consumption limited to a certain amount of cups per day, based on your current health. Also, remember to be mindful of
Also, remember to be mindful of the amount of extras you add to your daily cup. Sometimes, skip that vanilla syrup and additional loads of cream and sugar, to keep you on the right track.