Monday morning: your alarm clock rings, and you drag yourself to your closet to get dressed. On your way to work, you decide to treat yourself to some coffee – a large, iced latte from your local coffee shop. You don’t think about the amount of caffeine, just that there is some. But today, we’re here to answer the question: are two shots of espresso a lot?
When it comes to caffeine, experts suggest that 400 mg a day is safe for most healthy adults. One shot of espresso typically has 64 mg of caffeine, so two shots of espresso has approximately 128 mg of caffeine. This means that two shots of espresso comprise about 32% of a healthy adult’s suggested daily intake of caffeine.
Sipping the Stats
Now that we know that our morning latte won’t cause too much harm, what are some dangerous effects of too much caffeine? According to the Food and Drug Administration, over-consumption of caffeine can cause:
- Lack of sleep
- Anxiousness,
- Feeling jittery
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
As every individual is different, consulting with your healthcare provider and listening to your body are the best ways to determine if your caffeine intake is appropriate for you.
Studies show that the average American drinks three cups of coffee a day – about 285 mg, equivalent to 4.5 shots of espresso. This is below the recommended daily caffeine intake.
Caffeine in another package
Now you may be thinking that coffee is not the only avenue of caffeine consumption. Tea, soda, energy drinks, and other dietary supplements carry a significant amount of caffeine as well. You have to factor this into calculating your daily caffeine intake.
For instance, a 16-oz can of Red Bull carries 140 mg of caffeine, amounting to 2 shots of espresso or 1 and a half cups of coffee.
So, are two shots of espresso a day okay?
The short answer is generally yes. Still, it’s best to consult with your health care provider for medical advice.
