Caffeine Content of Drinks

Caffeine Content of Drinks

Have you ever wondered the health value of what you were drinking?   I have been looking at charts and literature on this topic and found astonishing amounts of caffeine (for one ingredient) in lots of everyday drinks by every day people who have more than one cup every day. 

In Canada many people are addicted to a large cup of Tim Hortons coffee (20 ounces) or a Starbucks Grande (16 ounces).  Did you know that 20 ounces of Tim's has 200 mgs of caffeine and 16 ounces of Starbucks has 330 mgs of caffeine.  Wow.. thats a bang, isn't it.. talk about a 'snap you awake drink' and 'drop to the floor slump' later on  :~) - yikes!   

Let's look at simple pop (soda) - let's say Cola vs a Red Bull.  Many people like a good cold coke for a boost of energy.  A RedBull has 80 miligrams in an 8 ounce can.  Coca Cola Classic has 35 milgrams in a 12 ounce serving.   Hmm, thats two cans of coke for the same hit as Red Bull - Red Bull is scary!

I guess my point here is that we have no idea sometimes how strong a drink is and how it can affect our bodies. Or if we do and still need a shot then we should revisit our health priorities.

I workout about 3 times a week.. water is my primary drink.. (zero mgs of caffeine:) ).  It is amazing how many people I see hitting the pop machine after a workout for the hit of energy.  I wonder what they are thinking?  Is it the sugar that will help or the caffeine?  I suppose the sugar will revitalize electrolytes but what about calories, and caffeine will do what exactly (I see one wired athlete).

January is approaching so let's resolve to drink right, workout weekly, and stay fit.

Have a happy new year everyone.

Paul