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Millions of people around the world love a good cup of coffee. That’s not just because of the flavor or the customization options, but also because of how stimulating it is. Tea, you don’t even come close! However, and sorry to burst your bubble here, there is such a thing as drinking too much coffee. You may not even realize the effects, but they’re there and they may be disrupting your life a little. To help you out, here are 10 signs that you’re drinking way too much coffee and it’s time to reel it back:
You’re restless and even a little jittery
Photo by Max Harlynking on UnsplashSo you’ve just had a huge cup of morning coffee or your third cup of the day and you start to feel like there’s an itch you can’t scratch or you’re agitated about something, but you have no idea what. It’s too much caffeine, that’s what! It never fails to lead to nervousness, an inability to be still, fidgeting, or pacing, and even anxiety or panic attacks. If this is relatable, it could be time to take a step back, assess how much coffee you’re having every day, and start reeling it back a bit.
Your sleep quality is down the drain
Photo by Debashis RC Biswas on UnsplashOne of the most common side effects of consuming too much coffee is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which means your sleep quality goes out the window. Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, so if you’re having insomnia and restless nights, consider cutting off your caffeine consumption 6 to 8 hours before your bedtime. If you miss coffee too much in the afternoon, decaf is a thing!
You’re having heart palpitations
Drinking excessive amounts of coffee can cause your heart to beat faster and irregularly, which is known as heart palpitations. So if you notice your heart racing or fluttering after drinking coffee, and there’s no other reason for it (say, stumbling upon a clip of Pedro Pascal winking directly at the camera), it may be time to cut back on your caffeine intake.
Stomach issues are a part of your personality
You know how they say that “hot girls have tummy issues”? Well, it could be because of your obsession with coffee. Coffee is known to stimulate the digestive system, but consuming too much can lead to a variety of issues. Including acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach discomfort. If you often have stomach issues and they usually flare up after you’ve had your coffee, it could be a sign that you’re overdoing it.
You can’t function without it
One thing about caffeine is that you can develop a dependency on it if you don’t watch yourself. Coffee is a pleasant little pick-me-up, but if you’ve crossed the line to “I can’t function without it and my head hurts if I don’t have my coffee,” it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with it. There’s no need for a breakup, but consider building healthier habits around coffee.
Your mood is all over the place
While coffee can initially improve your mood and make your mind feel as sharp as a knife for a while, consuming too much can have the opposite effect, leading to irritability, mood swings, and even depression in some cases. Our mood is already so unpredictable, why add fuel to the fire? Assess yourself and if you see a link between mood shifts and coffee, start reducing your caffeine consumption.
You take frequent trips to the bathroom
Photo by Yena Kwon on UnsplashCoffee is a diuretic, which means it increases the production of urine, making you go to the bathroom a whole lot. This is why consuming too much coffee can make you feel dehydrated, so balance is important. Coffee is delicious, but you also have to remember to keep your caffeine intake at a healthy level and drink your water.
You experience muscle tremors
Excessive caffeine intake can cause muscle tremors or twitching, especially if you’re sensitive. So if you notice involuntary muscle movements after drinking coffee, like eye twitches or shaky hands, it could be a sign that you need to cut back on caffeine. Monitor your intake, which includes keeping an eye on how much tea, sodas, energy drinks, etc., you consume during the day, and find replacements so you can still enjoy a healthy dose of coffee.
You have decreased bone density
Some studies suggest that consuming too much caffeine can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. If bone health is a concern for you, controlling your caffeine intake is a must and it’s something you should discuss with your doctor. They can tell you how much caffeine is advisable for you and you can make better lifestyle choices based on that.
You get headaches often
When you become dependent on caffeine, headaches are one of the first signs of withdrawal. If you notice that you always get a headache when you stop drinking caffeine for the day, it might be time to gradually reduce your intake. Usually, 400mg of caffeine per day is ideal for most adults, but everyone’s sensitivity level is different so you’ll have to gauge yours.
None of this means you can’t enjoy coffee; it just means you have to do so in moderation!
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Coffee might be the go-to pick-me-up for most people, but let's face it, sometimes you just need to spice things up a bit. These drinks have been around for centuries and have become a cornerstone of Latin American culture. So, if you're tired of the same old cup of joe and want to broaden your horizons, these alternatives are definitely worth a shot. Plus, they're all-natural energy boosters that come packed with a slew of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
So, why settle for just a caffeine buzz when you can have a flavor explosion and a healthy boost all in one? Whether you need a pick-me-up to start your day, a refreshing thirst quencher for a sunny afternoon, or a cozy drink to warm you up on a chilly night, these authentic Latin American beverages are sure to become your new favorites.
Yerba Mate
Photo by Komarov Egor 🇺🇦 via Unsplash
This beloved beverage is made by steeping dried leaves from the yerba mate plant in hot water and is enjoyed across Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil for its delicious taste and energy-boosting properties. It's packed with caffeine, antioxidants, and a heap of other vitamins and minerals, making it the ultimate wellness potion.
To prepare yerba mate, fill a hollowed-out gourd (called a mate) two-thirds full with the leaves, then moisten them with cool water and let them absorb it. Add hot water and steep for a few minutes before sipping on this magical brew. Sweeten with honey or sugar if you like, or add a splash of citrus for some extra zing. And if you're feeling fancy, you can brew it using a French press or tea infuser.
Té de Guayusa
Takiwasi, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
This tea is a traditional Amazonian drink consumed by indigenous communities in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Made from the leaves of the guayusa tree, it's packed with natural caffeine and other stimulating compounds that'll have you buzzing with energy.
To brew, simply boil 4 cups of water, add 4-5 guayusa leaves, and let steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain, serve hot, and add some sweetness if you have a sweet tooth. Want to take it up a notch? Add some cinnamon or mint for an extra kick.
Pinolillo
GrammarFascist, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
This Central American drink is the ultimate comfort food in a cup. Made from toasted corn flour, cocoa, and cinnamon, with hints of vanilla and sugar, Pinolillo is a rich, chocolatey beverage that'll warm you up on a cold day and cool you down on a hot one. It's a cultural icon in Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador, where it's sipped on and celebrated by young and old alike.
The best part? The cocoa and cinnamon in Pinolillo contain just enough caffeine to give you a little energy boost without the jitters. To make this tasty drink, simply roast some cornmeal, blend it with cocoa, cinnamon, and sugar, and add hot water or milk to taste. It's that easy!
Guaraná
Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Native to Brazil, guaraná has been used for centuries by indigenous communities for its natural caffeine, theobromine, and other energizing compounds. Nowadays, it's a popular ingredient in energy drinks, supplements, and other products. But why settle for pre-made when you can make your own delicious guaraná drink at home?
Mix 2 tablespoons of guaraná powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 cup of water in a blender until smooth. Pour it over ice, top it off with soda water, and add a slice of lime. Ah, refreshing and energizing.
Tereré
TitiNicola, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Hailing from Paraguay, this refreshing drink is made by steeping yerba mate leaves in cold water, then jazzing it up with ice, herbs, fruits, and sweeteners for a little extra pizzazz. It's typically enjoyed with friends and family, who pass around a shared cup and sip through a metal or bamboo straw called a bombilla. With its many health benefits, including aiding digestion and improving mental clarity, tereré is the perfect drink to sip on a hot summer day.
To make your own, grab a guampa (a traditional drinking cup made from a hollowed-out gourd) and fill it halfway with yerba mate leaves. Add some fresh mint, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, and a dash of honey or sugar. Then, fill the guampa to the top with ice-cold water or juice and sip away with a bombilla. Salud!
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Latin America is known for its cultural traditions, music, and delicious cuisine. Their mixology, however, can't be left behind. Drinks are a beautiful means of cultural exploration that are always sure to bring more zest to your taste buds and fun to the gatherings. Explore the list...
Tequila Sunrise from Mexico
Photo by Spencer Bergen on UnsplashLatin America, a region teeming with rich and diverse cultural traditions, is well-known for its music, vibrant festivities, and delicious cuisine. From the cool heights of Mexico to the balmy coasts of Brazil, we can't forget about some of their most well-known cocktails.
Let's start our journey with an internationally recognized cocktail from Mexico: the Tequila Sunrise. This drink is made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. Its name originates from the way the grenadine settles at the bottom, creating a sunrise effect. While it has become a global sensation, its origins are deeply rooted in Mexico's tequila culture. This drink is a tribute to the beautiful sunrises you'd witness in the agave fields of Jalisco, where some of the best tequilas are distilled.
Pisco Sour from Peru and Chile
Photo by Lorena Samponi on UnsplashNext, we travel to Peru and Chile for the illustrious Pisco Sour. While both nations claim ownership of this delicious cocktail, the spirit of camaraderie remains, with both versions being delightful. This is a concoction of pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and a dash of Angostura bitters. It’s a smooth, tangy cocktail that pairs beautifully with traditional dishes like ceviche or empanadas.
Caipirinha from Brazil
Photo by Maria das Dores on UnsplashHeading eastward, we find ourselves in Brazil, the home of the Caipirinha. This refreshing drink is made with cachaça (a spirit derived from sugarcane juice), lime, and sugar. It's the national cocktail of Brazil and an essential part of any celebration, especially during the vibrant Carnival season. The Caipirinha is also versatile, allowing for a variety of fruits to be used instead of lime, such as kiwi, passion fruit, or strawberries.
Michelada from Mexico
Photo by Ahtziri Lagarde on UnsplashReturning to Mexico, we have the Michelada. This is not your typical cocktail; it is a beer-based concoction, mixed with lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and sometimes tomato juice. This drink is often enjoyed during hot summer days, and it’s a perfect accompaniment to a Sunday brunch or a beach picnic. It's spicy, tangy, and refreshingly cool.
Cuba Libre from Cuba
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on UnsplashNow, let's sail to the beautiful island of Cuba for our final stop. Here, we find the Cuba Libre, a simple yet iconic cocktail. The ingredients are rum, cola, and a squeeze of lime juice. Despite its simplicity, it's a drink that carries a sense of history and rebellion, famously associated with the phrase "¡Por Cuba libre!" ("For a free Cuba!") during the War of Independence.
As we conclude our journey through Latine mixology, it’s important to remember that these drinks not only quench our thirst but also embody the essence of their respective cultures. They carry stories of celebration, of community, and of life in their native countries. Embrace your Latina roots or show your appreciation for Latin American culture by exploring these traditional drinks. And remember, always enjoy responsibly. Salud!
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