Caffeine

For many truckers, the fight to stay awake is a daily (or nightly) one.

You should follow the long-term tips of getting a good diet, exercising plenty, and getting on a good sleep schedule that we at Viter Energy Mints outlined in this blog [1] to help truckers. Those three strategies, plus judicial use of caffeine, can save lives.

For some short-term tips on staying awake on the road, read on.

Truckers have a way to help save their lives and the lives of others: caffeine. A 2013 study found that truckers who consume caffeine are 63% less likely to crash [1]. The American Association for the Advancement of Science writes:

Long distance commercial drivers who consume caffeinated substances such as coffee or energy drinks, to stay awake while driving, are significantly less likely to crash than those who do not, even though they drive longer distances and sleep less, finds a study published today on bmj.com.

Do you find yourself heading to the coffee-maker straight from bed? Then you’re one of 62% Americans who drink coffee every single day. Call it a morning ritual or a habit that can’t be shaken, but it’s pure unadulterated java love. But are you addicted to it? Here's how you'll know if you are and how to dial it down.

Coffee is the top-of-mind source of caffeine, which is a natural substance that’s considered a stimulant, something that promotes alertness. It can heighten mood and make you happy, improve reaction time, and elevate mental performance. [1] 

Microdosing has become so popular these days – and for all the right reasons. A trend in Silicon Valley, microdosing has a become a common practice of ingesting minimal doses of a substance – say one-tenth or one-twentieth of what’s normal. 

The point is to reap all the positive effects of a substance and steer clear of the negative. Microdosing is perceived to boost cognitive functions – such as improve concentration – and increase energy levels.

The practice has been perceived to be so effective that some have repurposed and applied it to caffeine.

Is there a big difference between synthetic and natural caffeine? Which gives a stronger jolt? Does it even matter?

Natural caffeine in coffee, tea, and chocolate is much less common than the synthetic caffeine found in so many other products.

Caffeine is found in plant species such as the more popular ones like Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta, as well as tea leaves, kola nuts, cacao beans, Yerba mate and guarana berries.

Not only does naturally-occurring caffeine from said plants keep your cognitive functions at their peak, but it also contains antioxidants that help you fight illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Caffeine is NOT addictive, but it sure is habit-forming. You don’t hear about coffee addicts robbing stores and hijacking motorists to get money for a fix. That’s because while caffeine does cause dependence, it isn’t in the same category as opiates or alcohol.

Considered as supplements, these are your caffeine fix taken in capsule form. They may have natural caffeine straight from the brewing process, while others may have synthetic or artificial caffeine.

Caffeine pills provide the same stimulating benefits as coffee and other caffeine beverages.

Note that caffeine pills aren’t exactly those caffeine powder you see in bulk from the retail stores. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA considers caffeine powder as “potentially dangerous.” [1] Caffeine pills are generally safe, though there are some precautions to note, which we’ll talk about later.

You have it every day. You know exactly what to tell the barista the moment you step into the café.

Coffee - it’s second nature to you.

You may have heard a lot about what it does to your body – its surprising benefits and side effects alike.

But can you really tell which is truth from #fakenews?

Today we’re going to do some myth busting.

Here are 3 things about coffee – and what the real score is.

The holidays are upon us. It’s only October but with the rate this year has gotten to the tail-end, we’ll all be wearing our favorite sweatshirts (forcibly or otherwise) and devouring the holiday away in no time.

The forward-looking you will already be starting to watch that *extra holiday weight* before the holiday even starts.

But one step at a time, right? After all, there’s a few weeks left before the celebrations and holiday parties officially kick in.

If the java lover in you has ever been curious whether caffeine can help curb the appetite, now is the perfect time to find some answers.

The word on the street is that caffeine is one of the best appetite suppressants.

Spoiler alert: researches tell us the jury’s still out on this one. 

For us coffee junkies, coffee is a staple part of our day.

Without it, we’re essentially a zombie rolling out of bed.

One cup is all it takes to bring us to life. And there’s nothing better than an aromatic smell of freshly brewed coffee right?

Unfortunately, sometimes this aromatic smell comes with a not-so-pleasant odor.

Coffee breath is the bane of the otherwise epic experience of enjoying your daily cup of joe.