Is Quitting Coffee Worth It? 5 Benefits Of Drinking Coffee And 3 Coffee Alternatives

Many people can’t live without coffee, especially if they’re experiencing caffeine addiction. But is quitting coffee worth it? Read on to find out more.

Is quitting coffee worth it
Coffee consumption has several health benefits

The wonderful aroma of coffee has always aroused many people’s senses more than anything else. Who can resist the robust flavor of this pick-me-up?

The rich flavor of coffee has traveled the world for hundreds of years; in fact, us coffee addicts cannot survive without it. One survey discovered that out of 2,199 American participants, 62% felt they “cannot function” if they don’t coffee. 

So, when it comes to drinking coffee every day to boost our concentration and productivity, is quitting coffee worth it? The answer is no — coffee consumption has several health benefits.

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine boosts your energy and helps you stay awake. If you’re not cautious, it can also result in high blood pressure, headaches, dehydration, and fatigue. 

More than 60 plants contain caffeine. Caffeine is regarded by the American Food and Medicine Administration (FDA) as both a food ingredient and a drug.

The caffeine content in food and beverages differs. The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee varies depending on the brand, the beans, and the preparation method.

The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee can vary from two mg in decaf coffee to 200 mg. The caffeine level varies from nine to 110 mg in a cup of tea.

Typically, 12 ounces of soda pop or another soft drink includes 30 to 60 mg of caffeine. An energy drink has between 50 and 160 calories per eight ounces.

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

A typical American adult consumes around 200 mg of caffeine daily. Most people have no issues with up to 400 mg per day or four cups of coffee. 

a cup of coffee
American adult consumes around 200 mg of caffeine daily

However, caffeine affects individuals differently based on their size, gender, and sensitivity. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, even small doses can make you feel restless and anxious. Experts in nutrition and health all agree that over 600 mg of caffeine per day, the equivalent of four to seven cups of coffee, is excessive.

What Happens When You Drink Coffee?  

You crave coffee for more than it’s robust flavor. You are probably addicted to caffeine rather than coffee. 

So, how does caffeine effect us? Simply put, caffeine activates your nervous system and causes the release of feel-good hormones.

For example, adenosine is a neurotransmitter that can induce sleep by telling your brain when it is time to go to bed. Adenosine is hindered by caffeine. Thus, caffeine has the opposite effect of making you feel sleepy. Additionally, it increases our receptivity to dopamine, our euphoric neurotransmitter, so coffee leaves us feeling happy and alert.

Check out the reasons why we love drinking coffee so much.

Decaf Coffee Vs. Regular Coffee

Due to its low caffeine content, a decaf cup of coffee may seem useless to some people. In comparison, one to two cups of regular coffee contains the same amount of caffeine as five to ten cups of decaf coffee. 

Decaffeinated coffee when pregnant - Featured
Decaf coffee may be a better option if you are pregnant

People who drink decaf do it because they love how coffee tastes, but they want to limit caffeine consumption. For example, caffeine can worsen symptoms of anxiety. Decaf coffee may be a better option if you suffer from chronic headaches, stomach ulcers, indigestion, or if you are pregnant.

You may also be interested in reading our guide on how much caffeine does decaf coffee have.

Benefits Of Drinking Coffee

With a wide range of advantages to drinking coffee, the following are the most significant ways coffee can improve your health:

1. It Contains Antioxidants

Antioxidants can protect you from the impacts of free radical damage.

Coffee is believed to have similar levels of polyphenols (plant-based, health-improving substances) as red wine, tea, and cocoa. Additionally, coffee contains hydroxycinnamic acids, which may protect you from several illnesses associated with oxidative stress, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

2. It Leads To A Sharper Memory And Improves Alertness

According to a 2014 John Hopkins University study, taking 200 mg of caffeine can improve memory. While the results of other studies on the topic are conflicting, some claim that drinking coffee at the time information was consumed and again when it was asked to be remembered managed to improve memory. In contrast, other studies have discovered that coffee boosts alertness right away. 

Caffeine consumption is also associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

3. It Helps To Prevent Diabetes

There is no doubt that the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is rising; as indicated by the American Diabetes Association, the disease affects an astounding 1.5 million individuals yearly. Research suggests coffee may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

4. It Boosts Your Mood

You probably enjoy the boost of energy that coffee provides. Still, it gives more than just an extra dose of vigor; research suggests that coffee may trigger the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that uplifts our mood, and dopamine, a brain chemical that evokes pleasure and euphoria. 

Coffee Myths
enjoy the boost of energy that coffee provides

5. It Improves Athletic Performance

Numerous studies have proven that coffee improves athletic performance by increasing muscle strength, enhancing circulation, and encouraging endurance by conserving glycogen, the primary energy source for your muscles. As a result, your body won’t exhaust its fuel supply as quickly. A study also showed that coffee raises pain tolerance, which applies to exercise. 

The 3 Coffee Alternatives

Here are some tasty alternatives to coffee that you can try:

1. Chicory Coffee

Love coffee’s flavor but don’t want the headaches it might cause? Worldwide Botanicals Organic French Chicory Root Coffee, which is produced by roasting and brewing the chicory plant’s root, is a good substitute because it lacks caffeine while tasting and feeling like coffee.

Chicory root contains a lot of inulin fiber, which can help regulate your digestion and increase your appetite throughout the day. However, brewing chicory root can cause some nutrients to be lost. Consult your doctor before trying chicory root if you’re allergic to dandelions. 

Worldwide Botanicals Organic French Chicory Root Dark Roast
$12.99 ($0.81 / Ounce)

Blend with coffee to lower its acidity and caffeine, or brew roasted chicory root by itself to enjoy France's favorite coffee alternative. 100% caffeine free, certified gluten free, acid free and Kosher.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 05:29 pm GMT

2. Herbal Tea

Herbal teas (like the Bigelow Herbal Tea 6 Flavor Variety Pack) can be your first choice if you’re trying to cut caffeine. Because of their smooth taste and deep roasted scent, they will provide you with the strength and flavor profile you need.  

Bigelow Herbal Tea 6 Flavor Variety Pack
$22.80 ($0.19 / Count)
  • Caffeine Free
  • Pack of 6 -118 Tea Bags
  • Mint Medley, Cozy Chamomile, Orange and Spice, Sweet Dreams, Perfect Peach and Lemon Ginger.
  • Individually wrapped
  • Certified B Corporation
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03/07/2024 08:59 am GMT

3. Matcha

In general, matcha contains less caffeine than coffee, but it also has many other health advantages, such as a high antioxidant content. Matcha contains around 30 to 40 mg of caffeine per serving. 

Furthermore, the L-theanine in matcha can aid in reducing the effects of caffeine and preventing the energy slowdown that some people feel after consuming coffee and other caffeinated drinks.

For this, we recommend the Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder.

Jade Leaf Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder
$24.95
  • Authentic Japanese Origin
  • Teahouse Edition Premium First Harvest
  • 1.06 Ounce
  • 100% USDA Organic
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegan
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 09:00 am GMT

You may also be interested in reading our guide on is there any coffee without caffeine.

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.