Caffeine is a stimulant (or drug) that most of the world regularly uses. It comes in many forms but is mostly ingested through drinks like coffee, soda, tea, or energy drinks.
With caffeine being so prevalent in some of the most popular drinks in the world, we thought it was worthwhile to educate you on the good and bad of caffeine.
What does caffeine do to your body?
The most commonly known side effect of caffeine is the jolt of energy it gives you upon consumption. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and makes your brain alert. Additionally, Caffeine has the benefit of increasing stamina and boosting your athletic performance. With the ability to temporarily reduce fatigue and drowsiness, it can help you shake the tiredness and push through the task at hand.
Though caffeine is safe in moderation, excessive use can lead to issues such as nausea, heartburn, head, and muscle aches, increased blood pressure, jitters, fertility and pregnancy issues, confusion, and irritability. Additionally, caffeine withdraw symptoms anxiety, irritability, and drowsiness.
Where is caffeine sourced from? (natural vs synthetic)
One of the lesser-known facts about caffeine is that there are many sources of caffeine. Some of the sources are natural, plant-based caffeine while others are synthetically produced.
Synthetically produced caffeine from Chinese pharmaceutical plants is the most popular caffeine source in soft drinks and energy drinks. Synthetic caffeine is quickly absorbed into your body, giving you the energy you crave faster than that of a naturally sourced caffeine. However, synthetic caffeine will lead to a much quicker crash. Alternatively, a naturally sourced caffeine will provide for longer, sustained energy.
There are around 60 types of plants that naturally produce caffeine. Drinks like coffee and tea are caffeinated beverages that source their caffeine from plants. Not only does naturally occurring caffeine provide longer sustained energy, but it also has its own exclusive antioxidant benefits which can help prevent heart disease and Alzheimer's. Naturally sourced doesn't provide the side effects like nervousness, insomnia, and flushed face as much as synthetic caffeine.
Is it bad to drink caffeine every day?
Up to 400 mg of caffeine is the recommended maximum amount of caffeine intake per day, which is about 32 oz of coffee, ten cans of soda, or two energy drinks. You may want to start cutting back on your daily caffeine intake if you are experiencing jitteriness, lack of sleep, migraine headache, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, frequent urination or inability to control urination, stomach upset, fast heartbeat, muscle tremors, or you are currently taking medication.
How long until caffeine is out of your system?
99% of a drink's caffeine will be absorbed in about 45 minutes. The average energy drink or cup of coffee's caffeine effect will last about four to six hours in a human, but, things such as age, medical conditions, and drug interactions can impact the rate that which your body metabolizes caffeine.
Is caffeine safe for kids?
Caffeine can be safely consumed by children but it's smart to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum. The issue with kids consuming caffeinated drinks is usually not caffeine. Many caffeinated drinks are filled with sugar and empty calories. Regular consumption of these drinks can easily lead to dental cavities and erosion of tooth enamel. Over-consumption can lead to obesity.
Is there a healthy energy drink with naturally-sourced caffeine?
Kill Cliff is in the business of making tasty drinks with all natural ingredients. We love a good rush of caffeine but know that many of the energy drink we all enjoy are filled with synthetic ingredients. Instead of just talking about how things could be better, we decided to make our own...
Kill Cliff IGNITE is a sugar-free, naturally sweetened energy drink that delivers the jolt you crave with 150 mg of naturally-sourced green tea caffeine (about a cup and a half of coffee). Additionally, Kill Cliff IGNITE includes only FDA-regulated ingredients in its specialized blend of B-vitamins and electrolytes. It provides you with 10% of your daily values of magnesium and potassium, which helps regulate hydration and blood flow.
Whether you need a boost before a workout, need a mid-workday pick-me-up, or want the energy to stay awake through the night while playing Call of Duty, grab an IGNITE and go!
