Caffeine has been regarded as the most commonly taken psychostimulant in the world.
Globally, around 400 billion cups of coffee are drunk annually, and 90% of Americans begin their day with a cup. No surprise brain-healthy coffee is the United States’ largest food import and second most valuable commodity after oil.
Given the worldwide popularity of coffee, are there any benefits to consuming caffeine?
The brief answer is “yes.” There is even some evidence that coffee enhances cognitive function.
Alertness
Caffeine is a stimulant that works by accelerating the brain. Caffeine increases our alertness, which can improve our concentration and productivity.
The greatest impact of coffee on the brain occurs 15 to 45 minutes after consumption, and it lasts around two hours.
Antioxidants
Coffee is indeed rich in antioxidants, as you may have read. However, there are many other meals with a considerably higher nutritional value, so you may also get antioxidants in foods that are excellent brain enhancers, such as darkly colored berries and leafy greens.
Dopamine
Coffee raises our brain’s dopamine levels. Dopamine is the brain neurotransmitter associated with motivation and pleasure, which is connected to our reward circuitry.
Caffeine inhibits the brain’s reuptake of dopamine, making us feel good and compelled to prolong that sensation. Coffee is a neurotransmitter that improves our mood and helps us feel good.
Neuroprotection
Caffeine in our coffee appears to be a viable method for preventing age-related cognitive loss.
• Caffeine has multiple beneficial effects that help to normalize brain function and prevent neurodegeneration.
• Caffeine may be examined further as a potential disease-modifying agent for Alzheimer’s disease.
• The adenosine A2A receptors have been identified as the main target of the neuroprotection afforded by coffee. Caffeine may have a preventive effect against Parkinson’s disease, according to epidemiological research supported by meta-analyses.
Although these studies imply that coffee consumption is neuroprotective, this is not a cause-and-effect relationship. The good news is that consuming three cups of coffee each day (particularly if you are a woman between the ages of 65 and 80) has been linked to a decreased risk of dementia.
It appears that a small amount of what you enjoy might be beneficial.
Social Relationship
From its early beginnings (when it was first harvested in Ethiopia in the 10th century) through the emergence of coffeehouses in Europe in the mid-1600s, coffee has been an integral element of our social structure for centuries.
Coffee has maintained a special position in our culture as a method of social interaction. Among the ways coffee brings us together are:
• We plan to catch up with our buddies over coffee.
• We pause for a well-deserved cup of coffee after our Saturday morning bike ride with our cycling friends, who can be identified by our lycra attire and odd shoes.
• We order coffee for our coworkers to take a mental break during the workplace.
• We search for quality coffee before entering a lengthy business meeting or attending a class.
• We have business meetings at cafes to develop new working contacts and discuss our new program, project, or proposal over a cup of coffee.
• We have meetings at the office and (ideally) ask participants and guests if they would like coffee beforehand. Research indicates that consuming coffee before to beginning a group activity boosts individual engagement and concentration. It was also shown that coffee consumption prompted individuals to rate themselves and their co-workers as more alert, putting them in a better mood, and causing them to chat more and remain on topic.
Coffee’s societal benefits are real. If drinking coffee and/or working in a coffee shop helps you feel better, more socially involved, and happier, then this must be a positive thing.
