How Does Coffee Really Make You Feel?
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Didn’t sleep well last night? Pour an extra cup of coffee. Stuck in rush hour? At least you have that cup of coffee. Meeting with a friend? Suggest a cup of coffee. Coffee culture is strong worldwide, and the United States is no exception. Even if you don’t identify with the sixty-three percent of Americans who drink coffee daily, chances are high that you know people who do. Take our short quiz to test your knowledge on how this beloved beverage impacts you or your loved ones. You’ll be done before that steamy mug is empty.
1. The caffeine in coffee can impact you for up to two hours.
a) True
b) False
b) False. For the average adult, the half-life of caffeinated coffee is approximately 2.5 to 4.5 hours. Metabolism capacity for caffeine varies widely based on many factors. For example, the half-life of caffeine in pregnant women stretches approximately 15 hours. People who smoke tobacco may metabolize the caffeine faster, shortening the half-life. In other words, depending on metabolism and lifestyle, even morning coffee could impact the quality of a night’s sleep according to a study on the New England Journal of Medicine website.
2. How much caffeine is in one coffee drink?
a) 3 mg
b) 95 mg
c) 180 mg
d) All the above
d) All the above. The amount of caffeine in your drink can vary widely. Even a cup of decaffeinated coffee contains a few milligrams of caffeine. One cup of drip coffee contains about 95 mg whereas a double shot of americano contains about 180 mg. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers it safe to drink up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, it is important to know what you’re consuming. Individuals prone to anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and other mood sensitivities may want to avoid coffee.
3. Coffee can cause anxiety and stress.
a) True
b) False
a) True. Coffee causes the release of adrenaline, the “fight-or-flight” hormone according to a study on the National Library of Medicine website. People already struggling with high levels of stress or anxiety could experience stronger symptoms after drinking just one cup of coffee. Studies on the Information Commissioner’s Office website show that anxiety can be caused in sensitive individuals after a low amount of caffeine consumption and for most people after several cups of coffee.
4. Which type of coffee can raise your cholesterol?
a) French press
b) Drip
c) Instant
d) All the above
a) French press. Not all coffee is the same. Unfiltered types of coffee, such as French press, Turkish and espresso, contain a molecule called diterpene cafestol. Research shows this can increase serum cholesterol levels. Highly filtered coffee, such as drip, instant and percolator do not impact your cholesterol levels according to a study on the New England Journal of Medicine website.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
