Caffeine: The cheerful companion in your everyday life – everything you need to know!

Caffeine: The cheerful companion in your everyday life – everything you need to know!

What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a psychoactive alkaloid that accompanies millions of people around the world every day. It blocks the adenosine receptors in the brain, thus ensuring alertness and energy. With the chemical formula C8H10N4O2 , it quickly penetrates the blood-brain barrier and exerts its effects. Did you know that caffeine belongs to the purine family, which is also found in our DNA?

Occurrence of Caffeine – More than just Coffee
Coffee is the best-known source, but tea, chocolate and energy drinks also contain caffeine. Here are some examples:

• Cup of coffee (240 ml): approx. 95 mg caffeine

• Black tea (240 ml): approx. 40-70 mg

• Dark chocolate (100 g): approx. 43 mg

• Energy drink (250 ml): approx. 80 mg

How does the preparation affect the caffeine content?

• Filter coffee (240 ml): 80-200 mg

• Espresso (30 ml): approx. 63 mg

• French Press (240ml): 100-150mg

The type of bean also plays a role: Robusta has about twice as much caffeine as Arabica .

Effects of caffeine on the body

Positive effects:
✔ Increased alertness & concentration
✔ Improved athletic performance
✔ Possible protection against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
✔ Supports fat burning

Negative effects:
❌ Sleep disorders and nervousness
❌ Heart palpitations in sensitive people
❌ Risk of caffeine addiction

Recommended daily dose

According to experts, 3 to 4 cups of coffee per day (about 300-400 mg of caffeine) is safe and provides health benefits. Listen to your body, as individual differences are normal.