6 banger facts that will change your mind about caffeine
Caffeine is a saviour for morning grouchiness, a fighter against the midday slump and, for many, an indispensable part of everyday life. It wakes you up - everyone agrees on that. But did you know how exactly it works in your body? What other foods besides coffee contain caffeine? Here are 6 amazing facts about caffeine that you definitely didn't know yet!
Fact 1: Coffee - a drink with history
Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia in the 9th century - quite a long time ago! But it still takes time to become today's hype drink: it is not until the middle of the 15th century that the beverage slowly spreads around the world. Today, every German drinks an average of 160 litres of coffee per year. That's over 1000 cups of coffee per person!
Fact 2: Caffeine is good for concentration
Lacking focus? Caffeine could be the solution! It blocks certain receptors in the brain that reduce brain activity. The result? Not only do you stay awake longer, but you may also be able to concentrate longer and better. It can also boost your reaction time and memory!
Fact 3: Caffeine puts you in a good mood
Not only can caffeine have a positive effect on your body, it can also lift your mood. Increased serotonin and dopamine levels make you feel happier and more balanced. It's no wonder that drinks with caffeine are an absolute secret weapon, especially for morning grouches!
Fact 4: Caffeine has a longer effect on women
Caffeine does not take effect immediately after the first sip. Your body only feels the full effect after about 30 minutes. Up to 3-5 hours can pass before the caffeine is broken down again. How quickly caffeine takes effect and, above all, how quickly it is broken down again, varies from person to person. For women, the effect of caffeine can last twice as long as for men! In general, the more often you drink caffeinated beverages, the faster your body gets used to it.
Fact 5: Chocolate contains caffeine
You thought only coffee, tea or cola contain caffeine? You thought wrong! Chocolate also contains caffeine. While a bar of whole milk only contains about 20 mg, a bar of dark chocolate contains about 80 mg of caffeine. That is about twice as much as in the same amount of coffee!
Fact 6: How much caffeine is safe?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers a single dose for adults of 200 milligrams of caffeine to be safe. Over the course of the day, it should not be more than 400 mg. That is about 3 small cups of coffee - or 5 bars of dark chocolate.
TL;DR: Facts about caffeine
- Coffee spreads all over the world from the 15th century onwards
- Caffeine is good for concentration, reaction & memory
- Caffeine can lift your mood
- Caffeine has a longer effect on women
- Chocolate also contains caffeine, dark chocolate more so than whole milk.
- A single dose of 200 mg or a daily dose of 400 mg of caffeine is considered safe for adults by the EFSA.
You want to know more about caffeinated drinks? Then read on in our article Energy Drinks vs. Gaming Drinks!
