DE 
EN Rough difference between caffeine carriers: Kola nut and coffee
Kola nut is dried raw and ground, which preserves the caffeine in its natural bond with the tannins. This natural combination makes the caffeine more stomach-friendly, as it is released more slowly but continuously over a longer period.
Coffee is dried, roasted, and ground before preparation. The heating during roasting separates the caffeine from its natural bond, making it available more quickly and providing a short-lived boost. This, of course, heavily depends on the quality of the roast and the bean! So, it's better to drink less but higher-quality coffee.
Caffeine is present in plants in varying concentrations and has different effects and tolerances for sensitive individuals. So, don't be disheartened if you've developed a coffee intolerance. More on the topic:
Coffee Intolerance or Caffeine Allergy?
A caffeine allergy is rare but does occur. It often manifests for the first time in middle age or after excessive caffeine consumption. Once an allergy is diagnosed, all caffeine-containing products should be avoided. This lifestyle change is challenging and requires careful scrutiny of the ingredients in foods, cosmetics, and medications.
Caffeine intolerance usually affects only certain sources of caffeine. Sensitive individuals may react more quickly to low-quality coffee than to high-quality, gently roasted coffee, with symptoms such as headaches, heart palpitations, circulatory problems, or nausea.
Testing Alternatives: Those who are only sensitive to coffee can try other natural sources of caffeine. Other well-known sources include kola nut, guarana, mate, matcha, and various green and black teas. Try each caffeine source separately, as they can have different effects. Be especially cautious with guarana due to its very high caffeine concentration. Keep in mind that there are significant quality differences that depend on soil quality, cultivation methods, harvest, processing, and synergy effects in ready-made mixtures. So, there is plenty of room for experimentation to find a tolerable caffeine alternative.
Caffeine has no effect on me, how can that be?
The following caffeine effects are very rare:
- If you feel no effect at all, then you are completely immune to the plant toxin caffeine.
Caffeine is nothing more than a plant's own toxin, which it uses to try to protect itself from insects. - Extreme fatigue, along with other unwanted side effects, can also be a sign of a caffeine allergy. If you only get tired, you have found your personal sleep aid.
- You can control the effect (feeling awake or tired) after consuming caffeine: Great, then you are the lucky one! It's all a matter of personal attitude, and admittedly, it does require some training.
This article is a work in progress. For more information, please refer to the literature or visit kolakao.de/wirkung.