As far as I can remember being in an Italian family; coffee is an important beverage.

There is a saying that says espresso coffee is higher in caffeine then regular coffee but as a child I drank espresso coffee. The fact is that most people confuse the intense flavor of coffee to mean that there is a higher amount of caffeine, but really the caffeine content of is determined by the coffee bean.

There is no such a thing as espresso coffee variety but either the roast is Arabic, Robusta or a blend of the two. Arabica which accounts for at least 70-100 percent of most espresso bends and it contains at an average of 1.2 percent caffeine, while Robusta contains approximately 2.2 percent.
The way we brewed espresso coffee in our family was on the stove in an espresso pot. In many countries the French Press or the Drip method is used to brew coffee. Believe it or not; these methods will produce a higher amount of caffeine then the normal brewing.

Cup of Coffee : Misconceptions of Espresso Coffee

The way the coffee is brewed determines the amount of caffeine content in a cup of coffee. If coffee has direct contact with water for longer period of time, then the level of caffeine will be higher. One to one and half ounces of espresso contains approximately 40 to 90 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the blend. If you filter the coffee is will have 110 milligrams in an 8 ounce cup of coffee.

In an hour a human body can absorb and process 150 to 200 milligrams of caffeine an hour. If a human has any form of hypertension or heart disease, a person can easily enjoy three to four shots of espresso a day. Caffeine is a stimulant to the neuromuscular functions and some believe it can increase awareness and boost energy levels. When I am tired, a cup of espresso gives me the lift I need to carry me through the day.

There is a saying that "Nothing in itself is a poison that can easily be a cure; everything depends on the dosage". A good quality decaffeinated espresso coffee is available in both beans and ground can be found in retail stores.

Cup of Coffee : Misconceptions of Espresso Coffee

Another misconception about espresso is that Italians consume large amounts of coffee but that is not true. Scandinavia; especially Finland consume 25.5 pounds per person and Sweden 24.5 pounds per person, these countries are the largest consumers of coffee in the world. Italy is ranked eleven with consumption at 9.75 pounds a year, while United States is number ten, with consumption of 10 pounds per person. United States is the largest importer of coffee, with an average of 18.1 million sacks or approximately 1.1 million tons of coffee per year.

Now that you know the facts about Espresso coffee; why don't just relax and enjoy a cup now.