The Proof is in the Beans

Or something like that! Do you know how much caffeine is in your favorite morning drink?

Any brand coffee-decaf = 2-12 mg per 8 ozInstant coffee = 27 - 173 mg for 8 oz

Dunkin' Donuts, 16oz coffee = 143-206mg caffeine

Starbucks Espresso (1 oz) = 58-75mg

Starbucks Vanilla Latte, 16oz = 150mg

Starbucks Skinny Carmel Macchiato = 150mg

Starbucks Grande Brewed Coffee = 330mg

Check the caffeine content of your favorite drink from Starbucks.

12 oz sodas

Coke Zero = 35 mg

Mountain Dew = 54mg

Pepsi (reg or diet) - 37mg

Black Tea = 20-120mg (8 oz)

Green Tea = 26 mg (6 oz)

Good to know: "The actual caffeine content of the same coffee drink can vary from day to day — even at the same coffee shop — because of factors such as roasting and grinding, as well as brewing time" (Mayo Clinic, 2009).

Jitters

Moderate caffeine consumption is considered to be around 200mg per day. If you consume more than 500-600mg per day, you may want to consider cutting it back. But how do you know? Coffee drinks can be tricky, and you could be consuming more than you think you are (or you could be fine!).Signs of too much caff include: headaches, restlessness, anxiety, jittery behavior, irregular heart beat, difficulty sleeping, frequent urination, etc.

Perks

Coffee and it's buddies can sometimes get a bad rap. But there are benefits to coffee/caffeine. Recent research has led to the thought that the antioxidants in caffeine could help fight against free radicals. Check out a recent article from CBS news for more details. There are also many studies being done about how caffeine can postively affect the endurance athlete, when consumed in small amounts throughout a race or training event. Some studies also show that consumed in moderate amounts, coffee/caffeine could have a positive influence on disease prevention. As always, talk to your doc, if you have questions about how much you should consume!

Story Time!

When I was about 14, Starbucks launched its empire and I was well on my way to thinking that I was a professional adult. Almost daily, I went to Starbucks and got a coffee or frappachino; and became addicted! Post college, I was drinking 5-6 home cups a day and often another cup from a coffee shop. I was definitely jittery all the time; and eventually cut back to 1 cup of coffee per day or a B12 energy drink, designed for active people. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary to cut back!