Caffeine is one of the most common stimulants in the world. It is found in many different forms, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Caffeine has many effects on your body, and by understanding these, you can make an educated decision about how to use caffeine for the best results.
There are multiple sources of caffeine on the market. There are even supplements, such as pills and caffeine gummies, you could take instead of getting caffeine from your food and drinks. Yet, if you plan to take caffeine supplements for an energy boost, you must understand what is going on inside your body when you consume caffeine.
How Does Caffeine Affect Your Body?
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and causes your body to release adrenaline. This chemical reaction to caffeine leads you to feel more awake, attentive, or even agitated, depending on how much caffeine you consume. Caffeine is also a mood elevator, meaning that it helps with mental clarity and concentration.
Although its effects are temporary, it is generally safe to take more caffeine, as long as you stay within the recommended daily allowance of caffeine.
People who consume caffeine can build up a tolerance over time. This tolerance will lead to them needing to increase their intake to get the same results. Be mindful of the amount of caffeine you consume daily.
Pay attention to how your body feels after you take caffeine into your system. Call a doctor if you experience symptoms like abnormal heart rate, rapid heartbeat, or pains in the chest. These adverse effects could lead to more serious medical issues.
3 Leading Sources of Caffeine
According to BBC, 90% of the world’s population consumes caffeine daily in some form. How they consume caffeine differs considerably based on many factors. Most get caffeine from the foods they eat or the beverages they drink. However, there are a significant number of sources for caffeine. Here are the rest of the ways you can consume caffeine.
1. Foods High in Caffeine
Chocolate and cocoa contain small amounts of caffeine. This quantity can add up over time – especially if you eat a lot of chocolate regularly. For that reason, it is a good idea to limit chocolate high in caffeine if you are taking a caffeine supplement.
You can find caffeine in a wide variety of foods. Some common ones include tea leaves and cocoa beans. You can also find caffeine in foods such as guava fruit, kola nut, and guarana.
2. Forms of Liquid Caffeine
Liquid sources of caffeine usually come in the form of coffee, tea, and energy drinks. For example, Red Bull contains 77 mg of caffeine per 8.4 oz. These beverages are generally mixed with taurine, glucuronolactone, or guarana to provide an extra boost. Caffeinated drinks typically contain between 30mg to 50mg of caffeine per 12 oz.
Because caffeine is a very bitter compound, energy drinks containing caffeine are also typically high in sugar and other fillers such as taurine and other sweeteners to mask the unpleasant taste. If you are drinking a caffeinated beverage that contains high quantities of sugar, you may experience an increased boost due to a spike in glucose in your bloodstream.
3. Pills, Chews, and Gels That Contain Caffeine
Caffeine pills, chews, and gels are another way to get your daily dose of caffeine. Caffeinated pills are a good option if you’re looking for something compact, but they may not be the best choice if you don’t want any extra ingredients. Also, some people struggle with taking pills.
Pills and tablets are often not fully absorbed by your body. Therefore, you never know how much of the caffeine your body is able to use. Caffeine gummies, on the other hand, are a great source of easy-to-digest caffeine. Your body fully absorbs chewable caffeine supplements, so you know exactly how much caffeine you are ingesting.
Caffeinated gummies are excellent for people who can’t drink coffee or energy drinks. These gummies also provide an alternative option for individuals that cannot tolerate other types of caffeinated beverages.
Are Caffeine Supplements Safe?
Caffeine is safe for most people to consume. However, if you have any underlying medical conditions, you need to speak to a health care professional about what quantity is safe for you.
Medical professionals agree that children need to limit their amount of caffeine. For this reason, you should make sure that your child isn’t drinking too much soda or eating large quantities of chocolate.
The Best Sources of Caffeine for the Ultimate Energy Boost
The intensity of caffeine pills depends on the individual and dosage. The greater the dose, the more intense it will be. If you take caffeine to get through your workday, expect that you may need a nap later in the day.
There’s no one clear winner when it comes to the best source of caffeine – it all depends on what works with your body. For a light boost, go for whatever fluid gets you going – but remember to be moderate and drink responsibly.
It is better to take supplements versus consuming caffeine in your food or drinks if you must limit caffeine intake, but need the energy boost. Serving sizes vary, and therefore you only get an estimation of what amount of caffeine you ingest through food and drinks. With a supplement, especially a caffeine gummy, you know exactly how much caffeine you are taking.