Since my previous post when I asked you to help me find ways to keep snow out of my eyes, I’ve been on a Saved by the Bell kick. Man, I really loved that show! Sure it was cheesy but that’s what made it so great. My favorite episodes centered around the music videos - who could forget the group’s band “Zack Attack”? Or one very important episode in which Lisa, Kelly, and Jessie were in a music group and shooting a video in The Max and the audience discovered Jessie had a problem with caffeine pills. “I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so…scared!”- powerful stuff. So let’s discuss that exact issue - caffeine use. Is it ok to have? How much is a safe amount?
Photo Courtesy of Huffington Post
I wrote all about this drug in a previous post, so I’ll just give you a little refresher. Caffeine is a stimulant that 90% of Americans consume. Within 30 to 45 minutes it revs up your central nervous system and can make you feel more alert and energized…it can also make some people anxious and jittery though. Some people (myself included) start their day off with a warm cup ‘o Joe and feel wonderful, while others may not feel so great. Moderate amounts of caffeine may give you that wonderful feeling but with how confusing food portion sizes can be I’m guessing many wonder what “moderate” really means.
In the case of caffeine a moderate amount is 200-300 milligrams. Going over that amount may give you those shaky, jittery feelings that can make you feel lousy. I know what you’re thinking, “Groupie, what the heck does 200-300 milligrams look like?” Well, fret not; I have listed some examples below:
- Brew cup of coffee (8 oz): 95-200 mg
- McDonald’s brewed (16 oz.): 100 mg
- Starbucks latte (16 oz.): 150 mg (with two shots of espresso)
- Starbucks Pike Place (16 oz.): 330 mg
- Green tea (8 oz.): 24-40 mg
- Diet Coke (12 oz.): 38-47 mg
- Dr. Pepper (12 oz.): 36 mg
- NoDoz tablet: 200 mg
- Excedrin Extra Strength (2 tablets): 130 mg
For even more products and their caffeine content visit this article from Mayo Clinic. How much caffeine do you get throughout your day? Are you surprised or not?