HOW DOES COFFEE IMPACT MY MIND AND BODY?
Coffee is more than just a morning ritual or a social beverage; it's a potent psychostimulant that speeds up the mind and causes alertness. This popular drink, revered for its rich aroma and robust flavor, owes its stimulating effects primarily to caffeine. There is also evidence that decaffeinated coffee may, in some respect, have similar benefits as regular coffee, indicating that besides caffeine other components contribute to the health protecting effects.
THE SCIENCE OF CAFFEINE:
Coffee is a complex mixture of more than 800 volatile substances, caffeine being one of them. Caffeine is naturally found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa. It is the primary psychoactive substance responsible for coffee's stimulating effects. Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. As a result, the activity in the brain increases, leading to heightened alertness and significantly reduced feelings of sleepiness and tiredness. This natural process keeps you awake and enhances cognitive performance, making coffee a popular choice for those seeking a mental boost.
BENEFITS OF COFFEE:
● Enhanced Concentration:
One of caffeine's most immediate effects is its capacity to enhance cognitive performance. Studies have shown that caffeine improves attention, concentration, and reaction time, among other mental functions. It is important to have sufficient self-awareness regarding what works on our bodies when we require constant mental effort and concentration.
● Mood Booster:
Caffeine can raise the levels of the happy hormone dopamine, causing feelings of pleasure and reward—the surge of dopamine in the brain results in a more positive outlook on life and a heightened sense of well-being.
● Improved Physical Performance:
Beyond stimulating the mind, caffeine also significantly improves physical performance. Adrenaline, a hormone that prepares the body for physical exertion, is rapidly released when caffeine is consumed.This surge in adrenaline can result in enhanced endurance, strength, and athletic performance.
● Anti inflammatory effects:
Coffee is not only the most consumed beverage worldwide, protects against neurological and liver diseases, and protects against the diseases of other organs.Caffeine increases the release of fatty acids from fat tissues, making the body loose fat and gain energy for long periods of time.
A 2023 study showed a strong association between coffee consumption and overall anti-inflammatory effects and protection against some cancers, thus considering coffee as a preventive and therapeutic agent by healthcare professionals.
EFFECT OF COFFEE ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE:
Beyond stimulating the mind, caffeine also significantly improves physical performance. Adrenaline, a hormone that prepares the body for physical exertion, is rapidly released when caffeine is consumed.
This surge in adrenaline can result in enhanced endurance, strength, and athletic performance. In addition, caffeine increases the release of fatty acids from fat tissues, making them available for use as energy during prolonged exercise. This can be especially helpful for endurance athletes who want to improve their performance and avoid getting tired.
HOW MANY CUPS OF COFFEE SHOULD I TAKE IN A DAY?
Study on the impact of coffee on health shows that for adults consuming moderate amounts of coffee (3 - 4 cups/day providing 300 - 400 mg/day of caffeine), is safe and can provide cognitive and physical benefits without significant risks.
However, it is essential to pay attention to individual tolerance levels and adjust consumption accordingly. While coffee is a popular source, caffeine is also found in tea, energy drinks, and certain medications. Being mindful of total caffeine intake from all sources can help manage its effects and avoid overconsumption.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Coffee's primary stimulating component, caffeine, significantly enhances alertness, cognitive function, and physical performance. Its positive effects on overall mood and mental well-being further highlight its impact. However, to avoid potential side effects, it is crucial to consume coffee in moderation and be mindful of its impact on the mind and body.
While coffee has many benefits as a psychostimulant, it is essential to be aware of its potential risks and side effects. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to symptoms such as jitteriness, anxiety, and insomnia. Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine and experience adverse effects even at lower doses. Adding too much sugar to coffee on a daily basis would result in obesity and several chronic illnesses. Additionally, sudden withdrawal from caffeine can lead to symptoms such as headaches, irritability, anger, and fatigue.
As with many substances that affect the central nervous system, the key to enjoying coffee's benefits while minimizing risks is understanding its effects and maintaining a balanced approach. So, the next time you want a cup of coffee, remember that you're not just savoring a comforting beverage but also engaging with a potent psychostimulant that can influence your mental and physical state.
RESOURCES:
1: Wang C, Zhou C, Guo T, Jiaerken Y, Yang S, Xu X, Hu L, Huang P, Xu X, Zhang M. Current coffee consumption is associated with decreased striatal dopamine transporter availability in Parkinson's disease patients and healthy controls. BMC Med. 2023 Jul 25;21(1):272. doi: 10.1186/s12916-023-02994-5. PMID: 37491235; PMCID: PMC10369815.
2: Fiani B, Zhu L, Musch BL, Briceno S, Andel R, Sadeq N, Ansari AZ. The Neurophysiology of Caffeine as a Central Nervous Syste Stimulant and the Resultant Effects on Cognitive Function. Cureus. 2021 May 14;13(5):e15032. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15032. PMID: 34150383; PMCID: PMC8202818.
3.Nehlig A. Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 17;14(2):399. doi: 10.3390/nu14020399. PMID: 35057580; PMCID: PMC8778943.
4.Farraj A, Akeredolu T, Wijeyesekera A, Mills CE. Coffee and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Literature. Nutrients. 2024 Dec 10;16(24):4257. doi: 10.3390/nu16244257. PMID: 39770879; PMCID: PMC11677373.
Medically reviewed by:
Dr.Saba Munir, MBBS
Written by: Hana Noor
On September 14, 2024
