acids caffeine (or not) Caffeine is a chemical compound naturally occurring in plants. Because it increases cognitive, motor, and involuntary functions, it is considered a stimulant. Caffeine works by blocking the adenosine receptor, so the molecule adenosine can’t bind and induce processes like sleep. It also increases dopamine, a signaling molecule in the brain which elevates energy and mood (see Dopamine Q&A in Volume 14, Issue 3).3 There are on average 100 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz cup, enough for a noticeable stimulant effect. The caffeine concentration can vary greatly by roast and brand. For example, 8 oz of plain Starbucks coffee (much less than their standard cup sizes) has as much as 180 mg of caffeine!4 Your cup of Joe may also be decaffeinated, meaning that the caffeine has been dissolved out of young coffee beans to produce what’s commonly known as decaf. However, an 8 oz cup of decaf may still contain anywhere from 2 to 12 mg of caffeine.5
Coffee contains lots of chlorogenic acid, up to 12% of dried coffee beans by weight. This and other acids contribute to the bitter taste of coffee. They also contribute to the deep brown hue of beans after roasting.7 Acidity in the beverage does not necessarily mean you’ll feel acidic in your stomach, although coffee may provoke heartburn by stimulating production of body acids that tend to leak back into the esophagus in certain people.8
water Nearly 99% of a cup of coffee!2
total wellness ▪ summer 2016
th anatom cup of
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