Foods and Drinks with Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the substances that’s naturally found in the seeds, leaves, and fruits of numerous species of plants. It is used as an herbicide and insect repellent ( 1Trusted Source, 2).
It is naturally found in coffee beans, cocoa beans, guarana, and kola nuts. Additionally, many people mix it into various drinks and food items, including energy bars and ice cream ( 1Trusted Source, 2, 3Trusted Source).
This article offers a basic understanding of caffeine as well as a list of 10 foods very high in caffeine.
A primer on caffeine
Caffeine is among the most widely consumed psychostimulant throughout the world. The phrase “psychostimulant” means that it enhances the activity of neurons ( 1Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).
It is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally considers caffeine to be safe. The consumption of up to 400 mg of caffeine daily has not been linked to adverse health effects for well-balanced adults. ( 1Trusted Source, 2, 3Trusted Source).
One study that reviewed the literature showed the consumption of 300 milligrams of caffeine a day for pregnant women who are healthy is safe. There are a few research showing that 1.1 mg of caffeine in a pound (2.5 mg/kg) in body mass for adolescents and children could be considered safe ( 2).
However, research has shown mixed results. Additionally, some sufferers may have negative reactions when they consume lesser than 400 mg daily ( 2, 4Trusted Source).
These adverse effects can cause chest palpitations and insomnia, anxiety, and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure ( 1Trusted Source).
Since manufacturers add caffeine to certain beverages and foods to increase energy and alertness as well as mood, You may be taking much more coffee than you realize ( 1Trusted Source, 2).
This is particularly crucial to be aware of when you are prone to experiencing negative side effects whenever you drink caffeine.
Here are 10 typical beverages and foods that contain caffeine.
CoffeeCoffee is a drink made from coffee beans which are an organic supply of caffeine ( 1Trusted Source, 2, 3Trusted Source).
Admired for its flavor and aroma throughout the globe, The coffee drinker is known for its stimulating effects. It boosts energy levels, mood as well as the level of alertness ( 1Trusted Source, 2).
The question of whether coffee can increase the risk of getting sick is debated.
Certain studies that have examined the connection between coffee and the risk of developing disease have indicated an increase in the risk of heart disease, While other studies have demonstrated possible health benefits such as a lower risk of developing type II diabetics ( 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
An 8-ounce (240-mL) cup of coffee has around 100 mg of caffeine. At this rate, four cups of coffee daily will help you stay within the upper limit, which is 400 mg of caffeine for healthy adults.
But, the coffee they serve can have different amounts of caffeine. For instance, Starbucks’ 16-ounce (475-mL) Grande Vanilla Latte provides 170 mg of caffeine, and the Grande Blonde Roast of the same size contains 360 milligrams of caffeine ( 8, 9).
It is important to look over the nutrition label to know what amount of caffeine is in each serving of coffee.
Decaf coffee
If you’re curious that decaffeinated coffee is still a source of caffeine. However, it’s lower levels when compared to regular coffee.
One cup (240 milliliters) of decaf coffee has between 1 and 50 mg of caffeine according to the brand and size of serving. This is less than half what you get found in a normal cup.
A review study conducted in 2014 revealed that in conjunction with regular coffee, drinking decaf can reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes ( 7Trusted Source).
A more rigorous and thorough study is needed.
SUMMARY
Coffee is a drink that naturally contains different amounts of caffeine, contingent on the amount of servings and the brand of the product. On average, an eight-ounce (240-mL) cup of espresso contains 100 mg of caffeine.
- The cocoa bean and the chocolate
Like coffee beans, cocoa beans are naturally rich in caffeine ( 1Trusted Source, 2, 3Trusted Source).
This means that every chocolate products and other foods that are made with chocolate have caffeine. However, what amount is present in the food depends on the amount of cocoa in it ( 10Trusted Source).
Here’s the amount of caffeine in 3.5 pounds (100 grams) of various kinds of chocolate ( 10Trusted Source):
- 100 percent cocoa chocolate: 240 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to 2.5 cups of coffee.
- Chocolate bittersweet (55 percent cacao): 124 mg of caffeine
- Chocolate milk (33 percent cocoa): 45 mg of caffeine, which is about what is the caffeine content contained in the black tea in a cup.
Cocoa also has compounds like flavonols and methylxanthines. certain studies have examined the potential of cocoa as a useful diet ( 11Trusted Source).
These substances, which include caffeine, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They also can be able to provide positive health effects ( 11Trusted Source).
This is a good thing for chocolate lovers.
SUMMARY
Cocoa beans contain caffeine in varying amounts, based on the proportion of cocoa present in the product. The 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of cocoa beans can have the equivalent amount of caffeine as 2.5 cups of coffee, whereas milk chocolate has less.
Kola nut
Originating from West Africa, the Kola nuts are an essential food item that is prized for its significance in terms of culture, the health, and economic benefits it brings to all socioeconomic classes and religious communities ( 12Trusted Source).
It was once a major flavoring agent and source of caffeine in commercial colas such as Coca-Cola. However, certain major brands of cola no longer employ this ingredient ( 12Trusted Source).
The Kola nut is the seeds of the kola plant and the naturally occurring source of caffeine ( 1Trusted Source, 2, 3Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).
It can be eaten fresh or dried. People utilize its extract as a food supplement ( 12Trusted Source, 13).
Although the kola nuts themselves could have health benefits, drinking sodas that contain sugar can lead to weight gain as well as negative health issues.
