Wake up and smell the coffee

According to e-importz.com, American coffee drinkers consume an average of 3.1 cups of java per day. No doubt that statistic holds true, as coffee shops continue to appear everywhere, catering to people’s daily caffeine needs.

It’s safe to say Starbucks has been a pinnacle player in fueling the coffee craze. Over 40 years ago, the company began their trek of coffee world domination when the first Starbucks opened in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, according to the company’s website.

With thousands of Starbucks worldwide and many of their products stocked on grocery store shelves, their takeover doesn’t look like it’s ending anytime soon.

I too have succumbed to the caffeine craze many Americans fall victim to, becoming a slave to the bean.

It’s too bad the FDA doesn’t have any job openings because I would place coffee in a separate category, at the top of the food pyramid, alarming dietitians everywhere. And, with the popularity of coffee very high, I’m not alone in my need for caffeine.

Jenn Gillespie, UNO freshman, has worked at the Starbucks in the Milo Bail Student Center Food Court since August and, like any good barista, is also an avid coffee drinker.

“I drink a cup every morning, but if I’m tired I have to drink it during the day, too,” Gillespie said.

Time of day doesn’t seem to play a major factor in coffee consumption, as even into the evening hours Gillespie still gets orders.

“I see so many people get coffee when we are closing at 7 – people still come in and get coffee all the time,” Gillespie added.

It is true, though; Americans like coffee. They love coffee, especially college students. But like anything else, moderation is key, and if one moderates the caffeine-rich stuff, they might be able to reap the benefits coffee can bring.

Whether it’s referred to as liquid energy, cup of lightning, rocket fuel or simply coffee, the drink famous for giving that extra “pep in your step” has remained a fast favorite among college students.

UNO junior Marissa Litty averages one to two cups of coffee per day and counts on the drink to keep her energized.

“I would say I drink it for a little jolt and afternoon slumps,“ Litty said.

She also credited her parents’ coffee habit as a reason why she started drinking the beverage, but acknowledged there are students who rely too much on coffee.

“I can’t say I blame them,” Litty said. “We lead crazy lifestyles at this age, and energy boosts are sometimes completely necessary.”

Sure, coffee never fails at providing that famous boost, but it also has many health benefits, such as protection from memory loss diseases, as well as being a great source of antioxidants.

According to “Coffee Health Benefits,” an article published on the Yahoo! website, one to five cups of coffee daily can help reduce the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s.

People who consume coffee regularly are also less likely to have cases of certain cancers, heart rhythm issues, strokes, Parkinson’s and type 2 diabetes, according to the WebMD website.

Although the energy and benefits coffee can bring are well known, Jacob Landers, UNO junior, opts for water and tea instead.

“I feel that people rely on it [coffee] too much as a whole,” Landers said. “When they run out or don’t get to drink it, they’re going to have a rough day.”

With putting off homework and cramming for tests being a familiar habit among college students, Landers also noted college students “drink coffee just to make up for procrastinating on studying for a test or writing a paper.”

But, one thing is sure – a steaming cup of java can always find a home in the palm of a sleepy, hard-working college student.