Did you know US adults consume an average of 135 mg of caffeine daily? Although this is a popular natural chemical, people often know little about caffeine.
But what things should you know about caffeine? If you’re trying to be more conscious about what you eat and drink, you may be interested in learning about the effects of caffeine and how it could impact your daily life.
That’s why this short guide is going to consider 4 useful facts about caffeine.
Get comfortable while we learn more.
1. Caffeine Is a Stimulant
You might already be familiar with the boost in your alertness and energy when you consume caffeine, and this happens because caffeine increases activity in your brain and central nervous system. This can help you feel more awake in the morning, and to focus on tasks if you’re becoming drowsy in the afternoon or evening.
However, if you want to get to sleep quickly, you should probably avoid drinking caffeine too close to bedtime.
2. Caffeine Can Be Found in Many Foods and Drinks
While you may associate caffeine with your daily cup of coffee, it can also be found in energy drinks, tea, chocolate, and various other foods and drinks. This can be helpful if you are seeking to increase your caffeine intake, as you can enjoy getting a regular caffeine dose from a number of sources.
However, it’s a good idea to understand why caffeine can sometimes give you jitters and to learn techniques that could help you reduce caffeine jitters.
3. Caffeine May Reduce Feelings of Hunger
While it is not clear how caffeine affects feelings of hunger, at times it may act as an appetite suppressant. If you are on a diet and trying to lose weight, this could potentially help you reach your goal. Of course, this may not be the case if you get your caffeine content from foods and drinks that have a high-calorie content, so you may want to consider the source of your caffeine hit.
4. There Is a Recommended Caffeine Intake Limit
If you take large quantities of caffeine, such as around 1,200 milligrams, in a short amount of time there could possibly be toxic side effects such as seizures. However, the FDA has cited that 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is unlikely to have dangerous side effects. This equates to around 4 or 5 daily cups of coffee.
Each individual is different, so it’s important to make a personal decision about how much caffeine is right for you.
Now You Know More About Caffeine
Caffeine can be beneficial if you consume it in moderation. Not only can it make you feel more refreshed, but it may also make it easier to limit how much you eat during the day. You can also find caffeine in lots of products, allowing you to get your daily dose while consuming a variety of foods and drinks.
You may soon find caffeine is a favorite part of your diet!
While you enjoy a cup of coffee, check out more of our helpful blog posts.