KallistiEngel wrote:The caffeine content isn't changed, you're right about that. However, sugar acts as a depressant (though it gives an initial boost of stimulation, as does alcohol) and milk, when heated also makes you a bit more tired (remember when you couldn't sleep as a kid, how warm milk was often suggested for helping you get to sleep?). It's the lack of those two things that causes black coffee to provide more energy. Either way, I feel like I've got more energy drinking it without the milk and sugar. And considering the amount of both I used to put in my coffee, it shouldn't come as a surprise.
I thought the sleep-inducing effects of milk and sugar were found to be largely psychological.
KallistiEngel wrote:And within what timeframe? Because I do drink my coffee throughout the day (the last cup generally being as I'm leaving work after an 8 hour day). So I'd assume my body has time to metabolize some of the caffeine in between cups.
Yeah, time frame is an issue; I think LD50s are estimated for a single one-time dose. IIRC, caffeine's half-life in the body is about 6 hours, so you'd never have a full gram of caffeine in your system. Also, the lethal dose depends on your tolerance; 3g is a low estimate. But still, the point is that it's in the same ballpark.
voidPtr wrote:By the way, the darker the roast, the *less* caffeine it has. So coffee that tastes "weak" can actually be loaded with caffeine if they used a very light roast.
Yeah, it's annoying when people equate 'burnt' with 'strong'. Makes it hard to get a nice, strong cup of light roast coffee.