The Neuroscience of Coffee

Coffee is one of the world's most popular drinks, for good reason. Other than just giving us the boost of energy we need to make it through the day, coffee has been shown to have a lot of benefits for our brain health, like reducing the risk of Alzheimer's, protecting against liver damage, and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.

How is coffee able to work its magic? Caffeine is the answer. It's a stimulant that blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel drowsy and tired. Blocking adenosine allows us to feel awake and alert. It also increases the level of dopamine in our brains, which is sometimes why people's moods get better after taking a couple of sips. Coffee also contains other compounds that may be beneficial for our brain health, such as antioxidants and lignans. Antioxidants help to protect our cells from damage, while lignans have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.

Even though too much coffee can have negative side effects, I think its positives outweigh the negatives. If you aren't an avid coffee drinker, reach for a cup of coffee. It may just be the boost you need to power through the day. If you enjoy coffee, drink up!