Tuesday, June 14, 2011

What are Best Sources of Caffeine?

Caffeine is addictive and among the world's most prevalently used drug. It is found naturally or added artificially in different types of foods and beverages. Nearly 30% people in U.S. consume caffeine daily in one way or other. Each and every year over 120,000 tons of caffeine is consumed. Caffeine is good for health if it is consumed in small amount or moderation (250 milligrams) daily. It increases concentration, promotes blood circulation, wakes up the brain and helps to live longer. But addiction of caffeine can cause headaches, dehydration, upset stomach, tremors, restlessness, anxiety and even problems during pregnancy. It is very difficult to say how much caffeine is contained in the product as FDA has not recommended manufacturers to list caffeine amount on nutrition labels. Read on to know the best sources of caffeine.



Best Sources of Caffeine:


Chocolate

In cocoa beans caffeine is found naturally. Therefore every chocolate contains small amount of caffeine. The amount of caffeine differs depending on the kind and amount of chocolate ingredients. Unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate (per ounce) contains 5 to 10 mg of caffeine while milk chocolate (per ounce) contains 5 mg or less of caffeine. Candy bars contain less than 10 mg of caffeine. The amount of caffeine gets higher as the chocolate gets darker. Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 31 mg caffeine which is almost same as a can of Coke.

Non-cola sodas

Colas and other sodas contain caffeine in high amount. Other brands like Barq’s also have caffeine. 23 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can is contained in regular and diet flavors, which is less than Coke. Sunkist’s orange soda contains 41 mg of caffeine while A&W Cream Soda contains around 25 mg.

Decaf coffee

The decaf coffee is described as being decaffeinated but nearly all decaffeinated coffee have small amount of caffeine. As per research at the University of Florida Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, if you consume 5 to 10 cups of decaffeinated coffee, then the caffeine dose will reach the level present in 1 or 2 cups of caffeinated coffee. This might be a concern for the people suffering from kidney disease or anxiety disorders as they are recommended to cut their intake of caffeine.

Ice cream

Coffee or chocolate flavored ice cream contains caffeine as it is made with real coffee and chocolate. According to brand the amount of caffeine differs. Some manufacturers list the caffeine content so you can check the label to know whether it contains caffeine or not. Between 30 to 45 mg caffeine (per ½ cup) is contained in coffee flavors of many famous brands which is similar to a can of Coke. Chocolate ice cream contains caffeine in fewer amounts.

Weight-loss pills

Weight-loss pills manufacturers use caffeine in pills as the main ingredient. Usually weight-loss pills contain 100 - 120mg of caffeine which is like 1 cup of strong coffee. If a person drinks 2 – 3 cups of coffee daily then extra caffeine in pills can triggers an overdose. So refer the label of weight loss pills and adjust the intake of caffeinated foods accordingly. As per 2005 analysis conducted by ConsumerLab.com, a person who consumes 1,223 mg of Zantrex-3 daily is similar to 12 cups of coffee.

Energy water

A new mixture from different bottling companies (caffeinated water) is riding the coattails of the fortified water trend. Earlier Fruit2O Energy contained as much as 1 cup of coffee. It also displays the content of the caffeine. Other energy waters which are flavored with Guarana contain less amount of caffeine. Guarana is Brazilian plant which is natural source of caffeine. 50 milligrams of caffeine is contained in Propel’s limited edition Invigorating flavor and Vitamin Water’s Energy flavor.

Pain relievers

Caffeine is contained in most pain relievers. The amount of caffeine is similar to that of ½ cup provides. Pain relievers become 40% more effective in curing headaches with the addition of caffeine. Headaches are caused due to dilated or swollen blood vessels putting pressure on the nerves. Caffeine squeezes some of the blood vessels and takes the pressure off thereby decrease pain. 130 mg caffeine is contained in two Excedrin Migraine tablets. So don’t consume more than 2 tablets in a day.

Breath fresheners

Breathe fresheners also contain caffeine. Caffeinated gum and mints are also sold by the makers of Jolt Cola. 2 chewing gums of Jolt Cola contain as much as caffeine in a cup of coffee. Three of Penguin’s caffeinated mints and 1 Foosh mint contain similar amount of caffeine that 1cup of coffee provides.

Perky Jerky

Perky Jerky will provide you a kick of energy as well as tastes great. It contains all natural ingredients and less fat, carb, & calorie. It is flavored with Guarana, a Brazilian plant that is natural source of caffeine. Per bag of Perky Jerky have 150 milligrams of caffeine. It does not contain preservatives, nitrates and MSG.

SumSeeds - Energized Sunflower Seeds

Sumseeds is an innovative formula of nutrition, energy and taste which is sold as a healthier substitute of energy drinks. These seeds contain caffeine, lysine, taurine, and ginseng. 1.75oz bag of Sumseeds has 140 mg caffeine which is similar to 4 cans of Coke. Sunflower seeds are great source of vitamin such as B6, folate & vitamin E as well as don’t have added sugar of sodas or energy drinks.

Alcoholic energy drinks

After investigators concluded that alcoholic energy drinks were marketed to young drinkers, a slew of the products were reformulated from shelves. To discontinue the sale of beverage Sparks, the Center for Science in the Public Interest sued MillerCoors. Per 16-ounce it contains 214 mg caffeine can which is similar to 6 cans of Coke. Fruit-flavored beer Bud Extra production was stopped by Anheuser-Busch as it contains 55 mg caffeine which is similar to 1 cup of tea.

Morning Spark instant oatmeal

Morning Spark instant oatmeal is a healthy way to quick-start the day. This instant oatmeal contains caffeine similar to 1 cup of coffee. Morning Spark instant oatmeal also contains fiber, 11 vitamins and minerals and 200% Daily Value of Vitamin C. It is also free of trans fat and cholesterol.

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