What Does Caffeine Do to Your Brain?
Some people like strong coffee while others love it light. Some people add cream while others want it pure black. Do you ever wonder how many people drink coffee? I’m pretty sure there are millions of ‘coffeeholics’ in the world!
But what does caffeine do exactly, to our body? Is it really good for our brain or is it not?
Coffee and our Brain
Many people drink coffee to keep their minds alert in stressful (sometimes boring) situations. Working professionals who are on a graveyard shift count on coffee to fight sleepiness and enhance their focus and concentration. Most of us start our day with a cup of warm coffee. It’s like an energiser that magically boosts our mind and body!
Studies link these effects to caffeine’s ability to block the inhibitory properties of endogenous adenosine. This inhibition leads to the increase in dopamine (the feel-good chemical in the brain), norepinephrine (stress hormone that affects attention and response), and glutamate (a key compound in cellular metabolism).
Researchers say that caffeine consumption may lead to an increase in our cognitive performance, particularly when it comes to mental alertness, attention, memory and wellbeing.
Caffeine has also been found to improve our selective attention skills. This is our ability to tie our attention to meaningful data and ignore irrelevant ones.
This very stimulating compound also creates increased action monitoring – the ability of the higher brain to pinpoint and correct errors accumulated during mental processing and decision-making. In one study, researchers found that just a few cups of coffee could already enhance a person’s attention monitoring skills.
Another beneficial effect of caffeine is its ability to improve our mood. In another study, participants reported that drinking coffee made them significantly more awake, energetic, clear minded, alert and anxious.
Other than coffee, caffeine is also found in many other foods and beverages, including tea and chocolates. It is even used as an ingredient in different health supplements and prescription drugs.
Important Notes
While caffeine does have plenty of benefits to your brain, you should make sure you don’t exceed your daily consumption of it. Studies suggest that caffeine elevates body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure – producing effects similar to stress. And just like other stimulants, caffeine can be physiologically and psychologically addictive. Too much caffeine in the body could do more harm than good. It may lead to anxiety problems, insomnia, muscle cramps, fatigue and headache. Experts recommend drinking 4 or 5 cups of coffee a day to achieve its desired effects.
Dear Readers,
Are you a coffeeholic? If yes, in what way does coffee benefit you on a daily basis?
Share your comment below.
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