Caffeine: Does It Get You Going?

Morning Coffee

Caffeine provides the kick that some people need to get going. It is a mild stimulant that can increase wakefulness and feelings of energy but its effects on health are less clear, despite many years of research.

For most healthy adults, moderate amounts of caffeine, 200 to 300 milligrams a day, or about two to three cups of coffee, pose no physical problems.

If you are looking to limit your caffeine consumption, keep in mind that it is contained in a growing number of foods. Along with coffee, tea and colas, caffeine is also found in:

• non-cola soft drinks like root beer and orange soda

• energy drinks

• hot cocoa

• chocolate and coffee-flavored candy.

Hot cocoa and chocolate have very small units of caffeine when compared to coffee.

Make the switch to less caffeine by recognizing how much you consume, slowly tapering down your intake and drinking water in place of some of the coffee.