Coffee's positive impact on mental well-being goes beyond its antioxidant content. It enhances mental alertness and cognitive function by acting as a natural stimulant. The caffeine in coffee blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter promoting sleep, leading to increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, elevating mood and cognitive performance. Moreover, coffee has been associated with a lower risk of depression and certain mental health disorders.
Physiologically, coffee offers cardiovascular benefits, reducing the risk of stroke with moderate consumption. Some studies suggest positive influences on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Coffee's nutritional profile, including vitamins B2, B3, B5, and manganese, contributes to overall health. However, moderation is essential, as excessive intake may disrupt sleep patterns and elevate heart rate.
Coffee's metabolic support is highlighted, making it favored for weight management. Caffeine, a central component, boosts the metabolic rate, aiding fat burning and supporting weight loss or maintenance. It also improves physical performance by increasing adrenaline levels and mobilizing fatty acids from fat tissues.
Coffee exhibits potential liver-protective effects, reducing the risk of liver diseases like cirrhosis and fibrosis. Compounds in coffee help reduce inflammation and prevent fat accumulation in the liver.
While individual health benefits vary based on genetics and lifestyle, maintaining moderation is crucial. Balancing coffee consumption aligns with individual tolerance levels and health considerations, ensuring the realization of its benefits without adverse effects.
The more I learn about coffee and its health benefits, the clearer it becomes why coffee is number 2 on the list of the world's most popular beverages. (Tea comes in at number 1.)
Studies:
In the Scientific Reports study "Drinking coffee enhances neurocognitive function by reorganizing brain functional connectivity" investigating the acute effects of caffeine on neurocognition and EEG functional connectivity (FC) in healthy adults, noteworthy findings emerged.
After coffee consumption, the EEG FC demonstrated reorganization towards a more efficient network than the baseline. Improved performance in Digit Span tests and the Trail Making Test Part B was observed, with changes in graph measures correlating with enhanced network efficiency. The small-world network properties associated with increased efficiency may explain cognitive enhancements.
The study suggests that caffeine's stimulatory effects, particularly on dopamine and glutamate release, might directly contribute to the observed reorganization of network properties, enhancing cognitive function. However, further research is needed to unveil the precise mechanisms behind these changes. The results also indicate improved attentional and executive function, supporting previous observations of coffee's positive impact on attention, working memory, and psychomotor speed.
The study's strengths are its use of two EEG analysis methods, coherence, and phase lag index, which provide consistent results. Despite some limitations, including a small sample size and potential bias in test performance, the study sheds light on the potential neurocognitive benefits of coffee consumption and warrants further exploration into the underlying mechanisms.
Thank you, coffee, for helping our brains think a bit clearer, more efficiently and enhancing cognitive function!
Cheers to the brew, to your health! Enjoy your cuppa coffee!
Blessings,
Eluv
Australian Healing Music Artist Eluv offers heart-opening live music performances with angelic vocals, light language and Crystal Singing Bowls. Her music recordings & guided meditations are featured on the Monroe Institute's Hemi-Sync label. She hosts "Ultrasounds" music show weekly on WMNF 88.5FM Radio Tampa. Eluv, a Psychic Medium, Advanced Ancestral Healing & Shamanic practitioner and Epigenetic Wellness Coach provides private sessions and Channeled Readings for people and animals.
Reference: Kim, H., Kang, S.H., Kim, S.H. et al. Drinking coffee enhances neurocognitive function by reorganizing brain functional connectivity. Sci Rep 11, 14381 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93849-7
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