5-Min Facts: How much coffee is too much?

We know the hustle is real. Work life is demanding, but one thing never fails to give us a kickstart — the promise of caffeine to keep the energy flowing. But how much is too much?

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that is commonly found in beverages like coffee, tea, and energy drinks. It was first discovered in 1819 by Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge, a German chemist and physician, who isolated and purified caffeine — a white crystalline substance — from coffee beans.

How does it work?

After take a sip of coffee, blood concentrations peak anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours depending on individual. When blood concentrations peak, you will likely feel a boost in energy. 

Caffeine makes us feel energized by blocking a chemical called adenosine in our brain, which promotes sleep and relaxation. By blocking adenosine, caffeine keeps us awake and alert. It also increases the release of other chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which help us feel more focused and attentive.

How much caffeine is in coffee?

Caffeine levels can vary based on brewing methods and the roasting level of coffee beans. Generally, coffee that undergoes a longer extraction time tends to contain more caffeine (e.g., cold brew, hand-drip coffee). Team GC has prepared this handy table for your future reference:

How much caffeine is too much?

There has been a ton of scientific research on caffeine published over the last few decades. According to the FDA, up to 400mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for adults. However, pregnant women, those trying to conceive, and breastfeeding mothers are advised to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day.

Is caffeine OK for kids?

Short answer - yes for those ages 12 to 18.

A recent article on Bloomberg answered this question. It is recommended to keep kids 12 years and under away from caffeine. For those ages 12 to 18, intake should be limited to 100 mg per day (about 1-2 cups of coffee and a half cans of soda).

Overdosing?

Well, individual tolerance to caffeine can vary widely. You should stop drinking more coffee if you experience any of these:

• insomnia

• jitters

• anxiousness

• fast heart rate

• upset stomach

• nausea

• headache

• a feeling of unhappiness (dysphoria)

Need a little recommendation?

Try out The Guide by Team GC to search cafes in Hong Kong.

The Guide

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