Caffeine

Contrary to popular belief, caffeine has not been linked to causing hypertension or to sustained elevations in blood pressure. However, individuals with high blood pressure may wish to discuss caffeine consumption with their doctor. Sensitivity to caffeine may cause a temporary rise in blood pressure after consumption in some individuals. Typically this lasts no more than several hours. The effect is similar to climbing a flight of stairs.

Most experts consider moderate consumption to be up to 300mg daily - the amount contained in 2-3 cups of coffee or 5-6 cans of caffeine-containing soft drinks.

On the down side of this issue, the wrong coffee can raise cholesterol. Fresh-perked coffee that does not pass through a paper filter retains two chemicals known to boost cholesterol levels - cafestol and kahweol.

So we wonder: What about instant coffee, which you make without a filter? Could this be a hidden cholesterol raiser for the millions drinking it? Good news- it is not! Instant coffee is brewed in huge vats, then only the water soluble part is used in the final product. Since cafestol and kahweol are fat-soluble, they are left behind, leaving nothing in the instant coffee to raise cholesterol levels.

Here is the caffeine content of some favorite beverages and foods:

• Coca-Cola, 8 ounce serving, 23mg
  
• Diet Coke, 8 ounce serving 31mg
  
• Coffee, drip-brewed, 8 ounce cup - Range of 65-120, 85 typical
• Coffee, instant, 8 ounce cup - Range of 60-85, 75 typical
• Iced Tea, 8 ounce glass - Range of 9-50, 25 typical
• Cocoa, 8 ounce serving - 3-32mg, 6 typical
• Milk chocolate, 1 ounce - 1-15mg, 6 typical
• Dark chocolate, 1 ounce - 5-35mg, 20 typical
• Baker's chocolate, 1 ounce - 26mg