Apples Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?
Image via Wikipedia
That’s a sentence I just heard from a colleague this morning, to which I declared: “No effing way.” Coffee, which is up there with olive oil as one of my most cherished liquids, could simply not be upstaged by an apple. Also, if such a thing was true, how was this the first time my ears have encountered it? Upon further investigation, it seems that my “no effing way” presumption was right … sort of.
Apparently, this has been a topic of debate for some time, which makes it even more surprising that I had no idea this premise existed. Taking to the internet, the thing that never lies and always gives you absolute, accurate proof of what you desire, told me several things. Wiki Answers told me that apples keep you awake because they are the primary chemical in methamphetamines. Funny, but unless meth-making techniques have changed dramatically, probably not true.
More sane sources say that apples contain no caffeine at all, but do pack vitamins, iron and natural fructose, which your body digests and processes over a longer period of time than caffeine. The energy released by the apple’s sugars hence gives you energy for a more sustained length of time, whereas a cup of coffee gets you going for an hour or so, generally resulting in a caffeine crash which often requires more coffee.
Another post suggests that the crunch from eating an apple adds to waking one up, which could possibly be true… but if that’s the case, why not just eat rock candy or corn nuts?
So, I don’t have to give up coffee, which is a good thing. Also, I’m guessing a combination of coffee and apples would certainly leave one awake … and running to the bathroom.
Post Your Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment
T/S Members
Log in with your True/Slant account.
I drink a cup of coffee and eat an apple every morning right when I wake up. It’s a double-dose of jazzerrific energy, and I highly recommend it.
Granny smith?
In response to another comment. See in context »Mike, sure, apples have more caffeine, or at least more energy, but do they have the same total effect? Do they have the same great taste? Nope. Coffee is still number one!
My dad, who was nearly an expert on sleep deprivation, always swore by apples and oranges for maintaining alertness- in combination with caffeine. (He grew up with an apple tree in his backyard.) Apples have a lot of other benefits including appetite control while trying to lose weight.
Not that any of us up here in apple country are particularly alert- or skinny…