How much caffeine does coffee contain?

Caffeine is a natural ingredient found mainly in coffee, black tea, green tea, energy drinks, etc. It stimulates the central nervous system, suppressing drowsiness and improving concentration . It is also known to dilate blood vessels to promote blood flow and to have a diuretic effect.

While consuming a moderate amount of caffeine can help improve your daily performance and change your mood, excessive caffeine intake can cause side effects such as insomnia, headaches, palpitations, and stomach discomfort , so caution is advised.

The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee

The amount of caffeine in coffee varies greatly depending on the type of beans, roasting level, extraction method, extraction time, etc. The following amounts are general guidelines:

Even with the same amount, espresso has a high concentration, so even a small amount can contain a lot of caffeine. On the other hand, decaffeinated coffee has the caffeine removed through a special process, making it safe for people who want to limit their caffeine intake.

Comparison with other drinks

Besides coffee, other drinks we consume daily contain caffeine. For example,

As such, energy drinks and coffee contain relatively high amounts of caffeine, so you should be careful about the amount you consume.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and overseas health organizations, the safe caffeine intake for healthy adults is approximately 400 mg per day, which is equivalent to about 3 to 4 cups of drip coffee .

However, pregnant women, people with heart disease, and people who are sensitive to caffeine may be affected by even smaller amounts , so it is important to seek expert advice.

Be careful about the time you drink it

The effects of caffeine appear 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion and last for several hours. Therefore, it is effective when consumed in the morning or afternoon when you want to concentrate, but consuming it in the evening or later may reduce the quality of your sleep.

If you find that drinking coffee at night keeps you up at night, you should avoid caffeine after 3 p.m. or choose decaf .

Caffeine is a component that can help you feel comfortable in your daily life if you take it in correctly. However, since you may be unknowingly consuming caffeine from other drinks and foods, it is important to be aware of your total intake.

Also, getting into the habit of drinking at the same time and in the same amount every day will help you control your intake in line with your body's rhythm. Try drinking different amounts at different times, such as a cup of coffee to get you going in the morning when you're busy, and a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea to relax you in the evening.