Five Fun Coffee Facts

Coffee: Some enjoy a casual cup to start their day, but for others – it runs through their veins. These are the people that can’t live without it and that can’t get enough. If you are one of these people you know the importance of good coffee and the boost it gives you to get through your day.  There are some things you might not know about your beloved coffee and the caffeine you crave.



Caffeine is the gift that keeps on giving
Caffeine peaks in your system within minutes; 30-60 to be exact.  Though we metabolize most of it, it can linger in our systems for up to 14 hours. This can make sleeping difficult. When we continue to guzzle it throughout the day it keeps building and can cause jitters.

Roasts: Light vs. Dark
There is a common misconception about light and dark roasts.  Many believe the darker the roast the higher the caffeine content.  This is not true.  In fact, it is often the opposite.  The lighter roast packs more of a punch because the roasting process burns off caffeine.

Not all coffee is created equal
The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee can almost double from one brand to another.  A large coffee at Tim Hortons can have 200 mg of caffeine and the same size at Starbucks contains 415 mg.  The recommended daily allotment of caffeine is 400 mg. So one Venti coffee at Starbucks can put you over the edge.

Caffeine is hiding where?
Though, according to the FDA, we get more than 98% of our caffeine from beverages, did you know it is lurking other places as well? It can be found in chocolate, medications and pain relievers.

Caffeine – the feel good drug
Caffeine increases the levels of dopamine (the feel good chemical) in your brain which in turn improves your mood. So if you’re having a bad day and you sit down with your favorite coffee and start to feel your bad mood lift, it’s not your imagination…you can thank your coffee!

---