The natural energy drink is the perfect option for busy entrepreneurs and athletes, who are looking for a natural energy boost without all the calories and sugar of the highly processed sodas and energy drinks. Its modest caffeine, yet effective content provides a great alternative to coffee, while its amazing taste and nutrient-packed ingredients make it a great choice for health-conscious individuals.

With its unique blend of 22 herbs from 6 continents, PirateTea is an excellent option for proactive people, looking for a natural and low-calorie energy source.

Log in. Lost your password? Remember me. Why You Should Choose Natural Sources of Caffeine. Natural Sources Have More Nutrients When it comes to the nutritional value of caffeine sources, natural sources are the clear winners.

Natural Sources Taste Better Natural sources of caffeine have a unique flavour profile that is often more enjoyable than that of synthetic sources. Natural Sources Are Safer The safety of caffeine depends largely on its source. Natural Sources Are More Affordable Natural sources of caffeine are often more affordable than synthetic alternatives.

Why PirateTea? Prev Previous Compound or isolation exercises. Grab The Tea! Rated 5. Grab Now! Popular Readings. Compound or isolation exercises. The best techniques for steady progress in the gym.

Natural testosterone boosters. Read More. Why You Should Choose Natural Sources of Caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant found naturally in over 60 plant species, including cacao beans, Yerba mate tea leaves, kola nuts, Compound or isolation exercises Exercise selection is a debated topic in the fitness community, with some individuals advocating for isolation exercises and others focusing It is also added to beverages and supplements.

There is a risk of drinking excess amounts of caffeinated beverages like soda and energy drinks because they are taken chilled and are easy to digest quickly in large quantities.

In the U. Food and Drug Administration considers milligrams about 4 cups brewed coffee a safe amount of caffeine for healthy adults to consume daily.

However, pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to mg a day about 2 cups brewed coffee , according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children under age 12 should not consume any food or beverages with caffeine.

For adolescents 12 and older, caffeine intake should be limited to no more than mg daily. This is the amount in two or three ounce cans of cola soda. Caffeine is associated with several health conditions. People have different tolerances and responses to caffeine, partly due to genetic differences.

Consuming caffeine regularly, such as drinking a cup of coffee every day, can promote caffeine tolerance in some people so that the side effects from caffeine may decrease over time.

Although we tend to associate caffeine most often with coffee or tea, the research below focuses mainly on the health effects of caffeine itself. Visit our features on coffee , tea , and energy drinks for more health information related to those beverages.

Caffeine can block the effects of the hormone adenosine, which is responsible for deep sleep. Caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in the brain, which not only lowers adenosine levels but also increases or decreases other hormones that affect sleep, including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA.

Caffeine intake later in the day close to bedtime can interfere with good sleep quality. Although developing a caffeine tolerance by taking caffeine regularly over time may lower its disruptive effects, [1] those who have trouble sleeping may consider minimizing caffeine intake later in the day and before going to bed.

In sensitive individuals, caffeine can increase anxiety at doses of mg or more a day about 4 cups of brewed coffee. High amounts of caffeine may cause nervousness and speed up heart rate, symptoms that are also felt during an anxiety attack.

Those who have an underlying anxiety or panic disorder are especially at risk of overstimulation when overloading on caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the heart, increases blood flow, and increases blood pressure temporarily, particularly in people who do not usually consume caffeine. However, strong negative effects of caffeine on blood pressure have not been found in clinical trials, even in people with hypertension, and cohort studies have not found that coffee drinking is associated with a higher risk of hypertension.

Studies also do not show an association of caffeine intake and atrial fibrillation abnormal heart beat , heart disease , or stroke.

It may help to boost energy if one is feeling fatigued from restricting caloric intake, and may reduce appetite temporarily. Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a role in suppressing hunger, enhancing satiety, and increasing the breakdown of fat cells to be used for energy.

Caffeine can cross the placenta, and both mother and fetus metabolize caffeine slowly. A high intake of caffeine by the mother can lead to prolonged high caffeine blood levels in the fetus. Reduced blood flow and oxygen levels may result, increasing the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.

A review of controlled clinical studies found that caffeine intake, whether low, medium, or high doses, did not appear to increase the risk of infertility.

Most studies on liver disease and caffeine have specifically examined coffee intake. Caffeinated coffee intake is associated with a lower risk of liver cancer, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Caffeine may prevent the fibrosis scarring of liver tissue by blocking adenosine, which is responsible for the production of collagen that is used to build scar tissue.

Studies have shown that higher coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of gallstones. Therefore, it is likely that caffeine contributes significantly to this protective effect.

The gallbladder is an organ that produces bile to help break down fats; consuming a very high fat diet requires more bile, which can strain the gallbladder and increase the risk of gallstones. It is believed that caffeine may help to stimulate contractions in the gallbladder and increase the secretion of cholecystokinin, a hormone that speeds the digestion of fats.

Animal studies show a protective effect of caffeine from deterioration in the brain. Caffeine has a similar action to the medication theophylline, which is sometimes prescribed to treat asthma.

They both relax the smooth muscles of the lungs and open up bronchial tubes, which can improve breathing. Caffeine stimulates the release of a stress hormone called epinephrine, which causes liver and muscle tissue to release its stored glucose into the bloodstream, temporarily raising blood glucose levels.

However, regular caffeine intake is not associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Coffee and tea both contain tannins. Despite having some antioxidant properties, tannins also inhibit the amount of iron that a person can absorb, potentially contributing to low iron levels.

Rooibos tea does not have this effect because it has a low tannin content. People can make this tea by steeping a rooibos tea bag or loose leaves in hot water for up to 10 minutes, according to their taste preference. A range of rooibos teas is available for purchase online.

Research has shown clear links between soda consumption and increased body weight, as well as lower intakes of calcium and other important nutrients. Below are some alternatives to try. People can make a smoothie at home by using a blender to combine whole pieces of fruit or vegetables with water or juice.

They can try experimenting with different fruits and vegetables to find combinations that suit their palate. Using frozen fruit gives a smoothie the same refreshing chill that soda provides.

Some people find the pleasing fizz of sodas difficult to give up. Mixing plain soda water with a little fruit juice and a squeeze of lemon or lime provides a refreshing alternative.

Some juices that work well are cranberry , raspberry and apple , and grape. For more science-backed resources on nutrition, visit our dedicated hub. Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which naturally contain caffeine.

Due to this caffeine, as well as the stimulating effect of sugar, snacking on chocolate can affect blood sugar levels. Learn more about the health benefits and risks of chocolate here.

Carob comes from the fruit pods of the carob tree. It is naturally sweet and similar in taste and texture to chocolate. Carob is incredibly nutritious and may aid digestion.

It also has antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The pinitol and minerals in carob provide an energizing feeling, similar to the feeling that many people associate with chocolate.

A range of carob products is available for purchase online. Store-bought, shelled nuts are a healthful and convenient snack. Nuts are naturally caffeine-free, and they also provide essential healthful fats, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.

They are high in protein , which gives a feeling of fullness, and a small handful can provide a similar amount of energy to a small chocolate bar. A range of nut products is available for purchase online.

Ginseng is an ingredient in many energy drinks. It has wide use in East Asia, where it has been an important medicinal plant for 2, years. People commonly use ginseng root and ginseng extract to boost energy, improve memory and concentration, relieve stress and fatigue, and slow the effects of aging.

Anyone wishing to try ginseng as a tea or a supplement should read the product instructions carefully to ensure the correct dosage.

A range of ginseng products is available for purchase online. Maca is a cruciferous vegetable broccoli , cabbage , and kale also belong to this group that grows mainly in the Andes in Central Peru. It is usually available to buy in powder form, so people can easily add it to soups, smoothies, cereals, or baked goods.

Research suggests that it can combat tiredness and improve memory and learning , making it a great alternative to caffeine. People can try mixing it with hot milk for an energy-boosting beverage or adding a sprinkle to ice cream.

A range of maca products is available for purchase online. For most people, consuming moderate amounts of coffee is fine as part of a healthful, balanced diet.

Filtered coffee drip-brewed coffee and instant coffee contain almost no diterpenes as the filtering and processing of these coffee types removes the diterpenes. Despite these factors, evidence suggests that drinking coffee regularly may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke :.

Naturally occurring polyphenols in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can act as antioxidants to reduce damaging oxidative stress and inflammation of cells.

It may have neurological benefits in some people and act as an antidepressant. However in a few cases of sensitive individuals, higher amounts of caffeine may increase anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Suddenly stopping caffeine intake can cause headache, fatigue, anxiety, and low mood for a few days and may persist for up to a week.

There are various proposed actions of caffeine or components in coffee that may prevent the formation of gallstones. The most common type of gallstone is made of cholesterol. Coffee may prevent cholesterol from forming into crystals in the gallbladder.

It may stimulate contractions in the gallbladder and increase the flow of bile so that cholesterol does not collect.

A study of 46, men tracked the development of gallstones and their coffee consumption for 10 years. After adjusting for other factors known to cause gallstones, the study concluded that men who consistently drank coffee were significantly less likely to develop gallstones compared to men who did not.

The bottom line: A large body of evidence suggests that consumption of caffeinated coffee does not increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

In fact, consumption of 3 to 5 standard cups of coffee daily has been consistently associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. Specifically, those who have difficulty controlling their blood pressure may want to moderate their coffee intake.

Pregnant women are also advised to aim for less than mg of caffeine daily, the amount in 2 cups of coffee, because caffeine passes through the placenta into the fetus and has been associated with pregnancy loss and low birth weight.

Decaffeinated coffee is a good option if one is sensitive to caffeine, and according to the research summarized above, it offers similar health benefits as caffeinated coffee.

The extra calories, sugar, and saturated fat in a coffee house beverage loaded with whipped cream and flavored syrup might offset any health benefits found in a basic black coffee. Coffee beans are the seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry.

Coffee cherries grow on coffee trees from a genus of plants called Coffea. There are a wide variety of species of coffee plants, ranging from shrubs to trees. Decaffeinated coffee.

This is an option for those who experience unpleasant side effects from caffeine. The two most common methods used to remove caffeine from coffee is to apply chemical solvents methylene chloride or ethyl acetate or carbon dioxide gas.

Both are applied to steamed or soaked beans, which are then allowed to dry. According to U. Both methods may cause some loss of flavor as other naturally occurring chemicals in coffee beans that impart their unique flavor and scent may be destroyed during processing.

However, adding sugar, cream, and milk can quickly bump up the calorie counts. A tablespoon of cream contains 52 calories, and a tablespoon of whole milk contains 9 calories. However, the real caloric danger occurs in specialty mochas, lattes, or blended ice coffee drinks. These drinks are often super-sized and can contain anywhere from calories, as well as an extremely large amount of sugar.

The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The Nutrition Source does not recommend or endorse any products. Skip to content The Nutrition Source.

The Nutrition Source Menu. Search for:. Home Nutrition News What Should I Eat? Source Of Caffeine Vitamin B2 riboflavin Magnesium Plant chemicals: polyphenols including chlorogenic acid and quinic acid, and diterpenes including cafestol and kahweol One 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.

Coffee and Health Coffee is an intricate mixture of more than a thousand chemicals. Cancer Coffee may affect how cancer develops, ranging from the initiation of a cancer cell to its death.

Type 2 Diabetes Although ingestion of caffeine can increase blood sugar in the short-term, long-term studies have shown that habitual coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with non-drinkers. In a meta-analysis of 45, people with type 2 diabetes followed for up to 20 years, an association was found with increasing cups of coffee and a lower risk of developing diabetes.

Caffeinated coffee showed a slightly greater benefit than decaffeinated coffee. Heart health Caffeine is a stimulant affecting the central nervous system that can cause different reactions in people. The authors found no such association with other caffeinated drinks such as tea and soda.

These coffee-specific results suggest that components in coffee other than caffeine may be protective. Heavier coffee intake of 6 or more cups daily was neither associated with a higher nor a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Depression Naturally occurring polyphenols in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can act as antioxidants to reduce damaging oxidative stress and inflammation of cells.

to 2 cups of coffee. found a decreasing risk of suicide with increasing coffee consumption. There was no association between decaffeinated coffee and suicide risk, suggesting that caffeine was the key factor, rather than plant compounds in coffee.

There is consistent evidence from epidemiologic studies that higher consumption of caffeine is associated with lower risk of developing PD. The caffeine in coffee has been found in animal and cell studies to protect cells in the brain that produce dopamine.

In that time, after adjusting for known risks of PD, those who drank at least 10 cups of coffee a day had a significantly lower risk of developing the disease than non-drinkers. Women showed the lowest risk when drinking moderate intakes of cups coffee daily. The authors stated the need for larger studies with longer follow-up periods.

Gallstones There are various proposed actions of caffeine or components in coffee that may prevent the formation of gallstones.

Mortality In a large cohort of more than , participants followed for up to 30 years, an association was found between drinking moderate amounts of coffee and lower risk of early death. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee provided benefits. The authors suggested that bioactive compounds in coffee may be responsible for interfering with disease development by reducing inflammation and insulin resistance.

The protective effect was present regardless of a genetic predisposition to either faster or slower caffeine metabolism. Instant and decaffeinated coffee showed a similar health benefit. What about iced coffee? Caffeine Caffeine is naturally found in the fruit, leaves, and beans of coffee, cacao, and guarana plants.

It is also added to beverages and supplements. Learn about sources of caffeine, and a review of the research on this stimulant and health.

References Je Y, Liu W, and Giovannucci E. Coffee consumption and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. International Journal of Cancer , Eskelinen MH, Kivipelto M.

J Alzheimers Dis. Grosso G, Godos J, Galvano F, Giovannucci EL. Coffee, Caffeine, and Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review. Annu Rev Nutr. van Dam RM, Hu FB, Willett WC. Coffee, Caffeine, and Health. Coffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: findings from a large up-to-date meta-analysis.

International Journal of Cancer. Arab L. Epidemiologic evidence on coffee and cancer. Nutrition and Cancer , Ding M, Bhupathiraju SN, Chen M, van Dam RM, Hu FB. Habitual coffee consumption in large epidemiological studies is associated with reduced mortality , both for all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.

In addition, coffee intake is associated with a lower risk of heart failure and stroke. Emerging research shows that there may be a link between consumption of coffee and cancer risk, noting that this powerful ingredient could be protective against several different types of cancer.

For example, a review published in Scientific Reports noted that drinking coffee was associated with a lower risk of multiple kinds of cancer, including oral, pharyngeal, colon, liver, prostate, endometrial cancer and melanoma.

One of the biggest benefits of coffee is weight loss, and research shows that it can help boost fat-burning and metabolism to increase weight loss. Coffee also makes a prominent appearance in the so-called military diet.

In July , a pair of large studies published in the Annals of Medicine actually found drinking coffee seems to promote longevity. Looking at roughly , people from different racial backgrounds, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, drinking more coffee was linked to a lower risk of death.

The first study looked at non-white populations and found drinking two to four cups translated into an 18 percent lower risk of death during the study period compared to non-coffee drinkers.

Drinking more coffee appeared to lower the chances of dying from cancer, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes or chronic lower respiratory disease. The second study looked at people living in 10 European countries, finding that the top coffee drinkers were 25 percent less likely to die during the year study compared to the non-coffee drinkers.

This has even led people to follow a coffee diet to help amp up their health. The two most commonly grown types of coffee are arabica and robusta. While not a big contributor of vitamins and minerals to your diet, coffee is a much better choice than energy drinks , soda , and sweetened teas or juices.

It contains no sugar or carbs and virtually no calories, so it fits into nearly all diets, including the vegan, Paleo and ketogenic diet. One eight-ounce cup of regular coffee nutrition contains about :. How much caffeine in coffee is there?

The level can vary quite a bit depending on factors like the type of bean, manufacturer and method used for making it. According to the U. Department of Agriculture, an average eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee from ground beans contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine.

In contrast, an average espresso contains about 64 milligrams, a cup of yerba mate contains about 85 milligrams and a cup of green tea has about 44 milligrams.

That means drinking a cup of coffee from Starbucks provides more than three times the amount of caffeine as a green tea made using one tea bag. Coffee is a hot beverage brewed from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds of berries from the Coffea plant.

There are plenty of different variations out there, each of which differs based on the type of bean used, the brand and the method used to brew it. There are also several specialty products available, including coffee flour , coffee scrubs such as a face scrub , essential oils, syrups and even coffee enemas.

Coffee grounds also can be used in DIY beauty recipes for the skin and hair, plus even DIY compost. There are plenty of different types of coffee drinks out there as well, far beyond the traditional cup. A few common types include:. Although there are plenty of benefits of caffeine and coffee consumption, there are several disadvantages of coffee and negative caffeine effects to consider as well.

So what are the disadvantages of drinking coffee? Consuming too much caffeine can have an addictive side effect, leading to a caffeine overdose.

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are just a few of the potential side effects associated with coffee consumption. This is due to the laxative effect of coffee, which is caused by the release of gastrin, a type of hormone that stimulates movement in the digestive tract. Studies also show that caffeine can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD , which is a condition characterized by heartburn, nausea and belching.

Caffeine in coffee has the ability to impact hormones, neurotransmitters function, nerve signaling and muscles. This is especially true if you have existing health conditions — like anxiety, heart problems or diabetes — or if you turn to coffee to help change how you feel and disguise underlying fatigue.

Because caffeine increases alertness and triggers the release of adrenaline, it may worsen feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Therefore, one of the benefits of quitting coffee and other stimulants may be improvements in mood, especially if you suffer from ongoing stress or chronic anxiety.

Is coffee bad for weight loss? Although there are plenty of benefits of black coffee when it comes to weight loss and fat burning, piling on the cream and sugar can cause extra calories to stack up, ultimately hindering weight loss altogether.

A good option for weight loss it to simple enjoy your coffee black or use a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia to add a hint of flavor. Almond milk, oat milk or cinnamon are a few other simple ways to enjoy your cup without piling on the pounds. In moderation, it can be safely enjoyed by most people as part of a healthy diet.

However, there are several people who should not consume caffeine at all. Children, for example, have long been advised to avoid drinking coffee due to its potential effects on growth and development.

So does coffee stunt your growth? Thus, it is typically not recommended for adolescents. Pregnant women should also limit caffeine consumption to less than milligrams per day to prevent adverse outcomes and birth defects. Wondering how much you need to drink to get these benefits and how much caffeine from coffee is too much?

Also, is it good to drink coffee every day, or should you cut back on your caffeine consumption to prevent adverse effects on health?