Coffee, the Essential Product to Keep Us Awake
When it comes to being productive and energized throughout the day, coffee is an essential commodity. Not just a simple pick-me-up beverage, thousands of Americans depend on coffee for its energizing and stimulating effects to keep alert and maintain productivity. Coffee works by affecting the central nervous system and providing quick energy to keep us awake for hours.
When it comes to knowing which type of coffee to drink to stay awake, however, many are at a loss. Often times, we make our morning coffee just a cup of black joe. But so much more caffeine options exists; let’s explore what they can do for us and our sleep deprivation.
Choosing the Best Coffee to Keep Us Awake
According to a recent survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, a full 83% of Americans consume coffee regularly. The survey further found that those consuming specialty beverages are higher in number than ever before, with the most popular being cappuccinos, latte macchiato, espresso macchiato, and mochas.
That said, for those aiming for an energy boost to fight fatigue and stay alert, one of the best coffee drinks to consume is espresso. Espresso contains a high concentration of caffeine, with a normal espresso shot providing between 45-75mg of caffeine, while other caffeinated drinks such as a cup of drip coffee contain only around 30mg of caffeine per cup.
Experts also advice to skip the extra additions to espresso such as sugar, honey and cream, as these ingredients present extra calories and unwanted sugars, making it a less healthy option. Additionally, these extra ingredients may cause weight gain, and may therefore be counterproductive for those relying on coffee for an energy boost.
Caffè Americano for the Caffeine Lover
Caffè Americano is an espresso-based beverage that combines one or two shots of espresso with up to four times the amount of hot water. This creates a less concentrated type of espresso that contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as a regular cup of black coffee (around 30mg of caffeine per cup).
The lesser concentration of espresso-based coffee means that caffè Americano is often more palatable and less bitter than regular espresso. This makes it a great choice for those who like a powerful coffee drink without the intensity of espresso. Best of all, caffè Americano offers more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee and gives you the same energy boost minus the sugar and calories.
Coffee with Milk – Lattes and Cappuccinos
For those looking for a healthier option and prefer to consume coffee with less intensity, however, latte and cappuccino are great alternatives. But because they have undergoing two stages of coffee extraction, brewers will usually blend two single shots of espresso with steamed milk, then topped off with either a light foam or creamy foam layer.
Normally, base espresso shots of latte and cappuccino contain only about 1/3rd of the actual caffeine that you would find in a regular cup of coffee, since one latte/cappuccino shot is usually combined with two shots of espresso. This means that latte and cappuccino are usually ideal for those who want to get the flavor with a slightly lower hit of caffeine.
Instant and Decaf Coffee Blends
For those looking to enjoy a cup of joe without the caffeine, decaf coffee blends are available in the market. Decaf coffee is made by soaking coffee beans in a chemical solution that removes some of the caffeine. This makes decaf coffee a much healthier option and great for those who are highly sensitive to caffeine – one cup contains a tiny 0-7mg of caffeine.
Additionally, instant coffee blends are also great options if you’re looking for a quick surge of caffeine. Considering that all coffee beans are roasted, then ground and freeze-dried to create instant coffee, its caffeine content is the same as freshly brewed coffee, averaging around 30mg of caffeine per cup.
Brewing Coffee at Home
Brewing coffee at home is also great for those who want to ensure the best quality coffee with the most nutritional value. When making coffee at home, experts advice to place beans in an airtight container and keep them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to light will cause the flavor to break down faster.
Furthermore, grinding fresh coffee beans prior to brewing is also recommended, and while temperature is important, experts advice that it is best not to boil coffee when adding the grinds to boiling water, as this causes a bitter taste. The ideal brewing temperature is between 195-205° F.
The Power of Green Coffee
Derived from the unroasted and raw version of the same Coffee Arabica beans used to make regular coffee, green coffee is known for its high content of polyphenol antioxidants, and is also thought to be an effective fat-burner supplement. Green coffee beans contain around 20% of chlorogenic acid, an effective antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation, protect the liver and aid weight loss.
Plus, green coffee contains only about 4-7mg of caffeine per cup, making it the healthiest choice for those wanting to get the most nutritional value from the beverage with a milder caffeine dose.
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee
When it comes to taking advantage of its energizing benefits, drinking coffee can definitely help to fend off fatigue and provide an energy boost throughout the day. Not only does coffee contain essential antioxidants that improve liver and mental health, but it also provides a variety of helpful properties that can improve performance and provide a much needed energy boost.
In addition to helping us stay awake and alert, studies have further discovered that coffee helps boost brain function and improve attention, while others have found that drinking coffee can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression.
The Best Coffee Types for Energy
When looking to get an energy boost from coffee, drinking espresso is the best option. Not only does this concentrated espresso drink in small doses provide the most caffeine and least calories, but it is also the healthiest way to get an energy boost.
Caffè Americano is also great for its ability to provide the same amount of caffeine in a cup of drip coffee, while caffe lattes and cappuccinos also provide a great flavor and offer an equal amount of caffeine to a more palatable and tastier dose.
The Healthiest Coffee Drinks
If you’re looking to get the most nutritional value from your coffee beverage, you should opt for green coffee and decaffeinated coffee drinks. Both offer the same health benefits without any of the associated jittery effects, while green coffee contains higher amounts of antioxidants, making it possibly one of the healthiest coffee drinks you can make.
Additionally, for those looking to stay healthy, it is best to avoid adding milk, honey or sugar, as these additives can slow down the rate of digestion and damage the flavor.
How to Brew Coffee for the Perfect Cup
When looking to get the most out of your favorite cup of joe, following expert advice comes highly recommended. From choosing the freshest of beans to storing them in airtight containers and grinding fresh coffee beans prior to brewing, making sure to use the ideal brewing temperature should yield the ultimate cup of coffee.
Lastly, when looking to make the perfect cup of coffee and get the most out of your caffeine hit, skipping extra sweeteners and adding milk is one of the best techniques you can use to make sure you get the most out of your coffee.
