Australia is coffee obsessed.. us included! Millions rely on caffeine every day to stay alert, improve conversation and to simply take a ‘coffee break’ from work.
Caffeine is a drug that stimulates your brain and nervous system (Better Health, 2021). In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused.
Caffeine is naturally found in the leaves and fruits of some plants. It is in many things we consume including coffee, coca cola, cocoa, black tea, green tea and energy drinks.
What can caffeine do to your body?
If consumed excessively, caffeine can have the following negative affects on the body.
- Rise in body temperature;
- Dehydration;
- Dizziness;
- Headaches;
- Rapid heart beat (palpitations);
- Frequent urination;
- Restlessness;
- Anxiety;
- Irritability;
- Trembling hands;
- First feeling energetic, then having an even greater feeling of tiredness;
How much caffeine is considered acceptable?
Research suggests that 400mg per day or less is a desirable dose of caffeine for the general population. For pregnant women, 200mg per day is recommended.
Approximate caffeine levels per serve include (betterhealth, 2021):
- Instant coffee: 80–120mg per 250ml
- Percolated coffee: 150–240mg per 250ml
- Espresso coffees, latte, flat white, etc: 105–110mg per 250ml
- Caffeine tablets such as No-Doz – 100mg per tablet.
- Decaffeinated coffee: 2–6mg per 250ml
- Black tea: 65–105mg per 250ml
- Cola drinks: 40–49mg per 375ml
- Red Bull energy drink: 80mg per 250 ml
- Dark chocolate bar: 40-50mg per 55g serve
- Milk chocolate bar – 10mg per 50g serve
- Chocolate drinks: 5–10mg per 250ml