Coffee is a way of life.
Learning about coffee and caffeine was my favorite part of my Food Science class because I LOVE COFFEE.
Coffee has antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and helps protect against diseases…and of course it has CAFFEINE.
Caffeine effects everyone differently. Are you someone who drinks one cup of coffee and almost instantly becomes jittery? Or can you drink four cups of coffee right before bed and are able to sleep? I can drink coffee right before bed and fall right asleep!
Our genetic make up determines the reactions that take place in our bodies. Caffeine is broken down in our liver. We have a liver enzyme that is responsible for metabolizing caffeine (CYP1A2). In order for us to produce this enzyme it is coded for by a specific gene we have (CYP1A2-gene or the “caffeine-gene”).
Every person is different, of course, and we all have different versions of this gene. These genetic variations determine how active this “caffeine gene” is.
If you can drink coffee without feeling any jittery feelings, you are a fast metabolizer and the stimulating effects of caffeine in your body are short.
If you drink coffee and you have the jittery feeling after two sips, you are a slow-metabolizer. Caffeine will be present in your body and brain for a much longer time!-
You can have 4-5 cups of coffee per day! That’s about 350-600mg of caffeine. But once you start adding all of those crazy syrups and make yourself a sugary cocktail, the health benefits go out the window! So good options to add to black coffee are cinnamon, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, almond milk, oat milk, etc.
Happy coffee drinking ️
Much love,
Alex
thebalanceddonut.com 