How many times have you gone to the restaurant and told a server that you can’t have caffeine, only to have them offer you the decaffeinated version and you gladly accept. Little did you know that the decaffeinated version might still contain caffeine. For people with conditions such as seizures, who have been told to eliminate caffeine, this might be detrimental to their health.
Caffeine is found in certain plants but can also be man-made and added to food. It stimulates and excites the brain and nervous system. According to the Mayo Clinic, if your daily caffeine habit totals more than 500 mg (milligrams) a day, you should consider cutting back. It is believed that large amounts of caffeine interfere in the absorption of calcium and might even lead to fibrocystic disease (painful lumpy breasts). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents not get more than 100 mg of caffeine per day. The age range of adolescents are ages 11 to 21. Younger children, should not be drinking caffeinated drinks on a regular basis.
Below is a short list of caffeine is some drinks and the remaining amount in the decaffeinated version.
Type Caffeine content in 8 oz
Black Tea 14-70 mg
Black Tea Decaf 0 – 12 mg
Green Tea 24 – 45 mg
Green Tea Decaf 5.5 – 10 mg (6 oz)
Instant Iced Tea 11 -47 mg
Ready to Drink bottled iced tea 5 – 40 mg
Brewed Coffee 95-200 mg
Brewed decaf 2 – 12 mg
Brewed single-serve varieties 75-150 mg
Brewed single-serve decaf 2 – 4 mg
Instant 27-173 mg
Instant decaf 2 – 12 mg
Caffeine has been called the world’s most popular drug. Be informed and make healthy choices for your body.
