If you’re planning to go for an all-nighter, coffee is definitely your first and most dependable choice. It has always been a trusted companion for when you just need that extra energy boost due to its caffeine content. But hey, you’ll be surprised to know that there are other sources of caffeine aside from coffee.
But first, what is caffeine?
As most know, caffeine is a stimulant for your nervous system. It boosts your alertness and promotes wakefulness by blocking adenosine A2A receptors in the brain. Given that everyone is different, however, it’s important to know that everyone may have a different reaction to caffeine. As others may have a high tolerance for it, few may instantly be triggered even in little doses of it. Regardless, it has that inevitable charm that everybody just can’t seem to unhook.
In fact, according to the Food and Drug Authority, about 80% of American adults consume caffeine on a daily basis. Studies have even shown that caffeine withdrawal can yield different effects on the body such as headaches, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, nausea, muscle pain, and irritability.
Apart from your everyday pal, coffee, though, a lot of food and drinks do contain caffeine. Some might even surprise you.
Chocolates
Everyone’s favorite contains caffeine. Cocoa beans, where chocolates come from, have a natural high content of the stimulant. Instead of drinking 2.5 cups of coffee, you can opt for a 100% cocoa chocolate, which equally has 240 mg of caffeine.
Better refrain from binge eating on these before going to bed because it will for sure not help when you’re minutes away from dreamland.
Green tea
Caffeine is naturally occurring in green tea much as it is in black, white, and Oolong tea.
Who knew a calming, warm cup of tea has caffeine in it, right? Yes, you heard it right. Together with the amino acid L-theanine, the caffeine in green tea will aid in improving your focus and enhance your attention. Taking in green tea, whether through its pure form or incorporated with your favorite desserts, can also invigorate your mood, alertness, and cognition.
Now, just imagine if you’re drinking a dirty matcha, which is a fusion of espresso and matcha. That’s automatically a double dose of caffeine!
Energy drinks
As the name suggests, energy drinks are supposed to bring you that instant punch with high amounts of caffeine. One of the popular ingredients of most energy drinks, is the native plant called guarana. This plant found at the Amazon is usually used to enhance athletic performance.
Energy drinks, however, should not be confused with sports drinks. The latter is consumed in replacement of their drinking water and as a form of rehydration. Its main ingredient, electrolytes, contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. They are meant to rehabilitate the body’s fluid balance that was being depleted after sweating.
Supplements
Dietary supplements which have caffeine in them are widely used by a lot of people from different industries, particularly those who need to stay awake and alert for long periods of time. Some use them to quickly boost their short-term energy and focus functions to finish a certain task.
The amount of caffeine in these supplements range depending on the brand. Commonly, they contain 100 to 200 mg per tablet, which is more than most cups of coffee, but less than in some energy drinks.
They are readily available over the counter, but still, it is recommended to consult your doctor before consuming any of these supplements.
Neuro, for instance, is a great example of a new, refreshing way to take your caffeine. It is in a gum and a mint form so it’s a much fun and convenient way to sustain your mental endurance all throughout the day without the thought of having your tongue get burned by a cup of espresso.
Also, there is absolutely no shame in being dependent on caffeine! As any other substance, its impact and effect vary per person. It’s just important to be knowledgeable about its other sources for you to track the amount of your intake since anything that’s excessive is bad for you.
You know what they say, everything is good in moderation.
