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Written by Shannon Marshburn  My coffee routine is a sacred ritual I perform almost every day. Coffee does not really wake me up though, so when I need an energy boost, I go for a walk or do some yoga, have a nutritious snack, or take a power nap if nothing else works. I have been thinking lately, do I have a caffeine tolerance or is the type of caffeine from coffee not the right kind for me? Caffeine is a natural stimulant that is found in a variety of plants, so is there something else that is better for me? This question led me to a deep dive on the topic of tea and coffee, where I explored the effects of coffee and tea caffeine on energy levels and help you determine which may be the best option for you. Coffee Coffee is a well-known source of caffeine and is consumed to help people start their day. The caffeine in coffee works by blocking the action of adenosine, a chemical in the brain that makes you feel sleepy. This allows you to feel more awake and alert, but the effects of coffee caffeine can also be short-lived. On average, the effects of coffee caffeine last between 3-5 hours, after which your energy levels may drop again. Additionally, the caffeine in coffee can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to feelings of jitters and anxiety. For some people, these side effects can make coffee a less-than-ideal option for a longer-lasting boost of energy. On average, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine. However, the actual amount of caffeine can vary depending on several factors, including the type of coffee bean, the roast, and the brewing method. For example, espresso has more caffeine per serving than drip coffee, and a dark roast coffee may contain less caffeine than a light roast coffee. Let's compare the cold brew from Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. Starbucks cold brew in a Grande (16oz) size contains 205mg of caffeine, while a cold brew from Dunkin Donuts in a Medium (14oz) size contains 260mg of caffeine! Even when Dunkin Donuts cold brew was a smaller size, it still contained more caffeine. Tea Tea is another popular source of caffeine, but it generally contains less caffeine than coffee. A typical 8-ounce cup of tea contains around 47 milligrams of caffeine, although this can vary depending on the type of tea and the brewing method. Unlike coffee, the caffeine in tea is often combined with other natural compounds, such as theanine, which can have a calming effect on the body. The combination of caffeine and theanine in tea can result in a longer-lasting boost of energy, as well as a more balanced and sustained level of alertness. The effects of tea caffeine typically last between 4-6 hours, which can be more beneficial for people looking for a longer-lasting boost of energy. Though, our tea deep dive does not end here.  What about matcha tea vs green leaf tea? Matcha and green tea come from the same plant as other teas. Matcha goes through a more careful growth and extraction process than other teas. One of the main differences in green tea and matcha is matcha contains entire pulverized tea leaves, and some people may consider it to be like a concentrated green tea. Green tea contains about 11–25 milligrams (mg) per gram (g)Trusted Source of caffeine. Matcha contains about 19–44 mg per g of caffeine. Benefits of Coffee and Tea Caffeine
Aside from the effects of caffeine on energy levels, both coffee and tea have other benefits that may make them a more appealing choice for some people. For example, coffee is a rich source of antioxidants and has been shown to help lower the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and liver cancer. Tea, on the other hand, has been shown to have a calming effect on the body, which can help reduce stress and improve mood. At the end of the day (or at the start of your day), both coffee and tea can be good options for a boost of energy, but the type of boost you get and the length of time it lasts will depend on your drink of choice. If you're looking for a quick jolt of energy, coffee may be the better option, but if you're looking for a longer-lasting, more balanced boost of energy, tea may be a better choice. Regardless of your choice, it's always important to be mindful of your caffeine consumption and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns, additionally, caffeine can interact with certain medications and medical conditions, so it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your caffeine intake. Coffee and antioxidants: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-worlds-biggest-source-of-antioxidants L-Theanine: https://www.healthline.com/health/l-theanine https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324120
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