Around 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine every day according to Villanova University, so it makes sense that there is a whole month dedicated to being aware of how much caffeine we consume.
Caffeine is most commonly found in coffee but is also present in things like soda, tea or hot chocolate. It also may surprise you to find out that caffeine can also be found in chocolate, ice cream, frozen yogurt or some cereals.
There are benefits to consuming caffeine, chief among them the fact that it can help someone get and stay awake. But it can also improve your mood and boost your metabolism.
Of course, for all the good caffeine can do, there are negative side effects. The most common are anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping according to Healthline.
As for how much caffeine is too much, 400 mg (or two to four cups of coffee) of caffeine daily is considered safe by the USDA.
If you want to start being aware of your caffeine intake, begin tracking how much caffeinated drinks you consume. Cutting back by one caffeinated drink a day is a good way to start slowly decreasing your caffeine intake.
If cutting back by one drink a day is too daunting, start using smaller mugs when consuming your caffeinated drink of choice and people can always opt for a walk rather than indulging in a coffee break.
If you want to get the most of your caffeinated drinks, check out one of these local coffee shops.