With over 120,00 bars and coffee shops in America alone, it’s fair to say we love a drink, whether it contains booze or caffeine. And according to a recent study commissioned by the ND2A Group, millions of us are fueling the workday with coffees, and taking the edge off in the evenings with a nightcap.
The survey of 4,000 respondents found that 33% of the average North Carolinian’s daily fluid intake is made up of booze and caffeine, this compares to a national average of 30%, a Nebraska average of 8%, and a Maine average of 49%. Perhaps this isn’t surprising – while alcohol has embedded itself in American culture since the beginning of the republic, in recent years coffee culture has been on the rise too – in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, almost half of all drinking establishments are now coffee shops. Most gyms now have their own coffee bars whereby gym goers are just as likely to drink an espresso post-workout than drink a health juice.
While numerous studies have revealed the health benefits of coffee, and others argue that alcoholic drinks such as wine can be good for the body, a diet lacking in sufficient water can lead to headaches, fatigue, dull skin, weight gain and sluggish bowel function. Moreover, consuming too much caffeine has been linked to anxiety, and dehydration.
The study revealed other statistics when it comes to North Carolinians’ love affair with uppers and downers…
Almost half (48%) of respondents consider themselves ‘booze fit’ – we’ve all met those people who ‘work hard and play hard’ and seemingly without any noticeable repercussions. They appear unfazed by hangovers despite having just a few hours’ sleep before having to wake up early the following morning to resume daily life duties, fueled by caffeine. 1 in 10 drinkers who consume alcohol regularly also believe that an increased alcohol tolerance strengthens their body, which may explain why so many consider themselves ‘booze fit.’
47% of those who work long hours said having an alcoholic drink at the end of the day helps them relax and take the edge off after a difficult day.
Our love of booze is so profound that the average drinker is content gaining 13 pounds in order to continue consuming their favorite alcoholic beverages. This is about the equivalent of permanently carrying around 208 slices of bacon in your body.
Over one in three (37%) say they deem alcohol and coffee as essential purchases in their weekly shops. Moreover, the average drinker spends a fairly substantial $947 per year on hangover comfort food and coffees.
While all alcohol can lead to a plethora of health problems, too much caffeine can also lead to anxiety and dehydration.
What do you think about the study?
