Any person reading this knows that coffee is one exceptional drink; with its vast history, and variety that could make any coffee lover feel a tad overwhelmed.
It has been established that coffee and its glorious caffeine, is a gift to humankind. However, as curious beings; we may still have questions about the mystical caffeine we love so dearly.
So, let's get some answers to the questions we may have about caffeine!
DOES ESPRESSO OR BLACK COFFEE HAVE MORE CAFFEINE?
The answer to this boils down to the serving size of your cuppa. An espresso cup holds 30-40ml, while a standard coffee mug holds 240-350ml of liquid.
According to the National Coffee Association, in the US, a standard cup of black coffee contains about 100mg of caffeine per cup. While a typical espresso contains around 80mg.
However, because an espresso contains less liquid; we tend to drink it a lot faster than a mug of coffee, and that can cause a quick energy jolt! In the end, a mug of coffee still has more caffeine than an espresso.
WHEN IS IT TOO LATE TO DRINK COFFEE?
We would all love the answer to be - "It's never too late!", but sadly, having caffeine in the evening delays production of the melatonin hormone, the hormone which helps you get proper sleep.
It is suggested that, if you want a good night's sleep, you should have your last cuppa at least 4-6 hours before bed. However, it can be agreed that weekends have no coffee curfew!
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CAFFEINE IN COFFEE AND TEA?
Tea typically has less caffeine than coffee, and people tend to experience different effects when they drink coffee or tea.
Here is a brief comparison between caffeine contents:
- Black Coffee: 100mg per 240ml mug
- Black Tea: 20-80mg per mug
- Green Tea: 10-40mg per mug
- White Tea: 10-35mg per mug
IS THERE MORE CAFFEINE IN HOT COFFEE THAN IN COLD BREW?
It's a bit tricky answering this one, as everyone tends to take their cold brew in different variations and amounts. While a hot coffee can mostly just be considered, well, a hot coffee.
For now it is best to assume that the caffeine content between the two would be the same in a cup of each of the same size/volume.
HOW DOES COFFEE AFFECT MY HEALTH?
The bit of bad
Let's start with the bad. Many people can experience the jitters and anxiety when consuming caffeine, or too much caffeine.
Caffeine can also aggravate your digestive system. Learn about stomach-friendly coffee, and how to better consume coffee if you have a sensitive tummy.
The really good
Caffeine has been known to speed up the metabolism, and allow the body to burn fat faster during workouts.
Coffee can also increase mental alertness; making you slightly more aware and a little more energised, thanks to its caffeine content.
Check out this blog for some more surprising health benefits coffee may have.
Hopefully all of your coffee and caffeine questions have now been answered. If you are in need of some caffeine to digest all of the above, then click here!
