An unmistakable aroma… a powerful flavor that fills us with energy… a complete ritual in which every detail is important… Coffee is not only a delight, but it is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. Who hasn’t experienced waking up in the morning like a zombie, lethargic, apathetic and unwilling, making yourself a coffee and suddenly waking up with the energy of an army of spartans? The effects of coffee on the brain are more than curious. And it seems that the popular drink works like gasoline in an engine, a total boost to our body and energy. Next, in Supercurioso, we will tell you the truth about whether coffee is good for the brain.
And it is that, although it has many lovers, the black drink also has a few detractors. In fact, there are those who say that it is harmful, that it causes us migraines and that in the long term it will turn us into sad caffeine addicts, insomniacs and hypertensives. Like everything in this life, a balance is needed.
We can’t drink two liters of coffee a day. There are even studies that guide us on how many cups of coffee can be drunk per day. as you will see, a couple of cups give you a real elixir not only for your health, but also for your brain. Do you want to know more? Excellent, let’s follow the captivating aroma of that freshly brewed coffee…
Is coffee really good for the brain?
Much has been said about the benefits of coffee. Some say that they are just the justification for continuing to drink it in industrial quantities, but many qualified opinions also define it as a drink that, taken in moderation, brings positive aspects to our body. Among its benefits, there are things like that it improves digestion or strengthens cardiovascular health.
Now, the fact that explains that coffee is good for the brain, focuses almost exclusively on caffeine. This is nothing more than a particular chemical compound, which is also found in other beverages such as tea or yerba mate. Its effect on the body is a kind of “activation”, which lasts between one and three hours, and helps us start our day with energy.
But, the activation and energy boost would not be the only effect of coffee on the brain, if we take it long term. In fact, there are a number of very valuable benefits of incorporating this tasty drink into your life habits.
The effects of coffee on the brain
1. Avoid cognitive deterioration due to stress and age
To speak that coffee is good for the brain is to recognize one of its most extraordinary functionalities. Various scientific studies have shown that regular consumption of this drink achieves delay natural cognitive decline that comes with age, as well as delaying the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s
What is believed is that regular intake of caffeine would work as a protection for brain connections to function normally. Now, when it comes to stress, the effects of coffee on the brain will depend on the gender of the person. In women, dopamine is elevated, helping them focus more calmly on tasks. In men, on the other hand, it increases their nervousness and aggressiveness.
2. Improve memory and concentration
Another of the most positive effects of coffee on the brain is its action in improving concentration and memory capacity. Now, let’s pay attention to the scope of this benefit. Frequent coffee drinking would only have a positive impact on short-term memory.
Caffeine has the potential to improve basic cognitive processes in humans, such as memory and attention. It will improve our retention capacity and we will pay more attention to the information or stimuli that we receive during the time that the effect of caffeine lasts. Just don’t expect that momentum to spread permanently. You also have to keep in mind that when we mix coffee with milk or with a lot of sugar, its benefits are reduced.
3. Relieves Parkinson’s symptoms
Another element that supports that coffee is good for the brain is its good effect on the prevention and relief of Parkinson’s symptoms. In fact, for people who already have the disease, it has been shown that after a morning cup of coffee they feel revitalized and less sleepy.
Also improves mood, helping patients to be more active and social, and even improving their motor skills. If consumed on a regular basis, coffee’s effects on the brain can help delay the onset of this condition.
4. Other benefits of coffee
In addition to the fact that coffee is good for the brain, it is also very positive for other aspects and areas of our body, as long as we consume it regularly and without excesses.
- Coffee is an incredible source of antioxidants, helping us keep our cells young by protecting us from free radicals.
- It helps us protect our cognitive processes.
- Take care of our hearts.
- Drinking coffee regularly protects us against certain types of cancer.
- It helps us reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Coffee takes care of our liver.
- Improves sports performance.
- It lifts our spirits.
In short, it is more than proven that coffee is good for the brain, strengthening memory, retention, energy and mood, and even helping us stay lucid and healthy for longer. But these effects of coffee on the brain can also be accompanied by other quite negative ones, in case we abuse its consumption.
Insomnia, headaches, dizziness, elevated heart rate, dehydration, and anxiety are some of them. As always, the balance and balance in its intake is what will determine that it is a fully beneficial food for our well-being.