Brain scans of coffee drinkers show its effects go beyond caffeine
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Many coffee drinkers will tell you there's something about that morning cup that other sources of caffeine just can't match.
Researchers in Portugal recently set out to investigate that idea: Is caffeine solely responsible for making people feel more alert, or do other parts of the morning ritual — coffee's smell or taste, perhaps — trigger that energetic feeling?
"If you listen to these individuals, they typically say that they need to have coffee in the morning to get ready. We wanted to understand the brain mechanisms and functional connectivity pattern that would justify this claim," said Nuno Sousa, one of the study's authors and a professor at the University of Minho's School of Medicine in Portugal.
The researchers recruited 83 people who drank at least one cup of coffee a day to undergo MRI scans so they could observe the participants' brain activity.
Of that total, 47 people were scanned before drinking their morning cup of coffee, then again 30 minutes after they had a cup. The 36 others were simply given caffeine diluted in hot water — no coffee — and underwent the same types of MRI scans before and after they consumed the beverage.
The results, published last week in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, suggest that, indeed, certain changes in brain activity were attributable only to coffee, while others were attributable to caffeine, as well.
The scans revealed that both groups — those who consumed caffeine and those who drank coffee — had decreased activity afterward in a part of the brain that puts people in a resting state. That indicated that people were more ready to start their days and engage with others after consuming either beverage. Decades of research has already shown that caffeine, a psychostimulant, can help people feel more aroused and alert.
However, the MRI scans showed that drinking coffee increased activity in parts of the brain involved in short-term memory, attention and focus, whereas ingesting caffeine on its own did not.
The researchers theorized that the sight, smell or taste of coffee may help people feel alert, regardless of the caffeine content.
"The pleasure that is given to an individual that likes coffee in the morning, that actually is part of almost a ritual that really is also important for that individual to feel that 'I'm ready for the day,'" Sousa said.
He added that people who don't regularly drink coffee may not experience the same effect.
Mark Mattson, an adjunct professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine who wasn't involved in the research, said the findings weren't surprising, since people form associations with particular sensory experiences over time, which in turn can influence their future reactions.
"It kind of makes sense, right? Coffee has taste and smell, so when you drink coffee, you're activating brain regions that are involved in the perception of the taste of the coffee, the perception of the smell," Mattson said.
Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, said the sight of coffee may trigger positive memories or make a person believe they're about to feel more awake.
"The visual impact of coffee is powerful," she said. "It could be like, 'Oh, I think there's something that gives me energy now. I'm going to have something that gives me that second wind I need at work or to study.'"
That's different from a placebo effect, she added, since the coffee is still inducing a physical, and perhaps emotional, response.
All three researchers said it's also possible that the natural chemicals found in coffee may have independent effects on brain activity, apart from those of caffeine. A group of chemicals in coffee called epicatechins, for instance, has been shown to improve memory in animal studies.
Sousa said the goal of the study is not to influence anyone's coffee consumption habits.
"We are not saying that coffee is good or coffee is bad," he said.
Mattson also pointed out that the study comes with several limitations. For one, the MRI scans measured blood flow, but caffeine can restrict blood flow, so the scans may not give a clear picture of its impact on brain activity. Mattson also noted that the study didn't include people who drank decaf coffee, which might have helped distinguish the effects of coffee versus caffeine on the brain.
Naidoo, meanwhile, highlighted that most of the study participants were women, so there could be sex-based differences in how people's brains respond to coffee.
But one point on which the researchers agreed is that coffee is a healthier way to consume caffeine than energy drinks or soda.
"It has caffeine, but it also is very rich in antioxidants and some polyphenols," Naidoo said, referring to natural compounds that may lower blood pressure, destroy cancer cells and protect against diabetes by improving metabolism.
"There's also another substance called trigonelline that gives coffee the aroma, the taste, that bitterness, but it also has antibacterial, antiviral properties," Naidoo said.
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I drink a cup of coffee every day for (indefinite years) now. Interestingly, my short-term memory is not as good as it used to be. I try different brands looking to get back to that great 'brew' I used to make/taste and call: "liquid gold."
I drink probably at least 3 cups a day. My short term memory is fine it's that other memory (what's it called again)....
The long-term memory. . . .
You know, the one that allows you to remember that song from the play way back in High School or songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s.
BTW, three cups of caffeine (moves slowly out of the body during the day/night (9 hours I'm told) might be a tad much. What do you think?
No. Unless you want to see me go to prison fr 25 to life
“Unless you want to see me go to prison fr 25 to life.”
Trout, you could always argue justifiable homicide.
(does this require a sarcasm tag?)
I say: "Just Give Trout G' all the coffee she craves." Make peace. . .not jail time.
Stopped drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes many years ago.
Had to stop myself from punching fools out for months.
me too, but I started again when I became armed full time...
Have been armed "full time" for many years now.
Find myself to make better decisions with no drugs onboard.
What's your favorite EDC?
.380 or 9mm
weed keeps me from shooting at them right now...
no labor or human contact until I've had my 20 ounces.
... and I used to drink it nonstop until I got the shakes.
Was a Gevalia member for years until all of that connoisseur coffee started messing with my innards and my nervous system. Haven't drunk coffee in a few years now and don't miss it.
Jethro Gibbs and Abby can vouch for the positive effects of caffeine although their choice of beverage differed
My choice of waker upper is generic Mountain Dew
I have an 20 ounce mug I fill up with coffee every morning. Sometimes I drink all of it during the morning, and sometimes I dont. But I would never not make that mug of coffee.
There is a reason that Natives call coffee, ''black water medicine''.
Well, there ya go. Coffee is health food.
Of course it is. Some people are alive and healthy today because I get my prequisite amount of caffeine every morning
I hear that.
Well, decaf for the "blood pressure challenged," of course!
That's what lisonipril is for
That's interesting. I know of someone who uses Losartan for blood pressure lowering. However, decaf works 'better' for those coffee "achievers" who can't fully handle the regular drink any longer.
DEATH BEFORE DECAF!!!!
I take lisonopril for my blood pressure. It works well
That's my motto.
I used to drink a pot or two of coffee a day. Carried around a large insulated mug that my mentor in college called my "life support system"
In the 90's I quit caffeine for a while and drank Postum as a replacement. There is a lot to be said about the ritual aspect of coffee drinking,because after the headaches went away, I was fine with just the Postum.
Now I have 2 or 3 cups in the morning usually and maybe some more in social situations.
As far as the memory thing goes, I have mostly needed repetition and iteration to get the memories to stick,and unless I have a discussion with someone about how I am going to forget their name, I forget their name
The US military runs on coffee.
If an enemy ever manages to cut off our supply of coffee; our soldiers will be asleep.
Nah...when they wake up they will be meaner than ever
If there's anything in the world better than a good, strong cup if coffee, I don't want to know. Lol
A good cup of coffee with a piece of good chocolate?
Dark chocolate 🍫
I'm good with either milk or dark chocolate.
the south american side of my family likes to stir a spoon of chocolate mix into their coffee.
I'm thinking those folks of yours might be on to something! I have been learning that "foreigners" have truly interesting and important rituals too!
I've seen dissolvable chocolate spoons for stirring coffee for sale as novelty items. Seem like a good idea to me.
A really good raspberry jelly
they stir in a spoon of hershey's chocolate milk mix.
I see lots of people adding various things to their coffee.
Butt what do enjoy WITH your coffee?
I like to smoke/vape cannabis with my coffee.
We call it "smoking coffee"
Mr G's friend calls it a wake and bake
Ah! I learned that 'treat-trick' back in the 80's. It is an early version of the "energy drink" which I still use sometimes with Swiss Miss instant chocolate. All this talk about coffee is having an impact on me: Already, I have increased my coffee habit to 1 1/2 cup of coffee a day!
You have the most interesting usage for the word, "butt." As to "smoking coffee" - how does it make you feel? Euphoria? "Normal"?
Me too. But I tend to lean towards dark.
When Cobalt and I founded ButtHeads Nation on NewsVine I started using "butt" instead of "but".
Milk chocolate sometimes creates a messy chocolate "slick" in the coffee whereas dark chocolate dissolves without the mess.
Ah, background. Now it all makes sense! Thanks for sharing the "how come."
Precious Cobalt: "♪ Oh where, oh where, has my Precious Cobalt gone; ♪ oh where, oh where, can she be ♫?
You're right about the 'slick' (and I drink it up too). I didn't know that about dark chocolate though. Thank you. I will give dark chocolate a coffee try, now!
I miss the NewsVine. The features were good, it was more personal. All of that is lost on the new formats.
That is a shame since we have tried to make NT technically resemble NV.
Can't be done. NV was before the MAGA. The rules are changed. A portion of the nation has taken 'the other road'.
I was talking about the technology, not the politics.
Correct.
Seattle's Best Coffee, French Roast, with a little stick of dark chocolate served on the side
...or just give me a double tall mocha
a buzz with a purpose...
I used to stop for a DQ chocolate raspberry shake on the way to the nightshift job, when I was trying to add some weight back in the 80's.
Delicious!
I hate you. I mean, I love you, but I hate you.
I know, right?
ice cream is a rarity in my diet now. I cut out all sugar and dropped 40 pounds in 3 months over a decade ago.
same size levi's as I wore when I was a senior in high school. I'm considering growing my hair down over my shoulders next...
All sugar? My my my.
I can still fit my 'school boy' waist size (32), but it's a little tight for someone of my profile now. I don't want to look like I am all 'hot and bothered' in the trousers, so I go for one size larger!
A good, strong woman is much better.
Okay, I'll go there: A good, strong man for the inverse!
Got nothing against a good, strong woman and don't we all need women in our lives from time to time. . . but, hey!
One who cam brew/serve a good strong cup of coffee.
Yes. I like it strong. My dad used to make the weakest coffee. He hated my coffee
You can also serve a good strong woman.
Giggity.
my granny used to brew coffee that would make your teeth look like baked beans if you drank it. she never cleaned out her electric coffee percolator because she said it would ruin the taste. the family joke was if she ever ran out all you needed to do was add water for a few days.
Did you ever watch Gunsmoke? Festus never cleaned out the coffee pot. He just kept adding grounds and water
no. I didn't like horse operas where few people got shot and none of the saloon girls put out.
I watched them all because my parents did. We only had one TV and Dad was in charge
my dad had 1 TV and 3 remotes, me and my 2 sisters...
he limped because his pants were too tight, and none of the saloon girls put out...
Matt Dillon was fucking Miss Kitty.
OTOH, maybe Matt was gay and that's why Chester and Festus walked funny.
well, it was the new frontier...
I am off the get a large cofee now
after that sentence, you really need one...
/s
Still can't find that missing letter F
I've got a storage building full of them that I use for another word, I'll send you some...
"Coffee is a cup of hope in a world full of Mondays."
coffee is the last minute commutation of somebody's death sentence...
Coffee is great, but Starbucks is just idiot juice. I can’t believe how much people will spend on a cup of coffee when you can easily make it at home and it will taste as good or better.
Yes, for the price people are paying they can afford a very good espresso machine and a quality (external) grinder that will last them years with daily use. They can then purchase Starbucks beans (which IMO are very good) for ~$10/lb (it varies).
We have an espresso station in our home and three of us use it twice daily. We can make coffee (mostly Lattes) that is actually better than Starbucks (for us) because we can choose our own almond milk and can match (possibly exceed) Starbucks' triple-filtered water with our own.
That said, we will go to Starbucks when on the road and pay their crazy prices because of the convenience of getting a Latte that we like.
I’m fine with a cup of joe dripped through an old Mr. Coffee machine with my favorite creamer. The Keurig thing needs to die, imo. Just tastes like the disposable plastic container and that the oils got left in the grounds because the water was forced through it to fast. If you’re in that much of a hurry you should work on your time management skills. I reserve my fine palate for craft beer.
I still think the best home coffeemaker I've ever had was a Bunn. But I had to make at least 4 cups in that, and I like the convenience of making one cup in my Ninja coffeemaker now. I think that's most of the appeal of a Keurig - the convenience of pods when you only want one cup, not a pot.
I have a Keurig. I don't want to make a whole pot. It would sit there on the warmer and when it sits to long to me it gets bitter.
do you have a ninja coffee bar that makes iced coffee and stuff?
Yes. I rarely make the specialty drinks, but sometimes, I crave one. I'd rather make them at home because I use less sugar than Starbucks or other places. Also, it's a 15-20 minute drive one-way for me to Starbucks.
On the days I do make a whole pot, like weekends, I have a thermal carafe. I pour the first cup, then empty the rest into the carafe so it doesn't cook on the burner. I don't like coffee that's been cooked too long, either.
geez, you really do live out in the sticks. there's 4 of them within a mile of my condo.
I live about 6 miles (I think) out of town, and our only Starbucks is on the other side of town. I've never actually been there. I'll sometimes get a specialty coffee drink at McDonald's or Sheetz (regional gas station/convenience store chain), but not often. They're sugar bombs.
I have one but mine quit working.
its weird, it will run a cleaning cycle but won't make coffee any more.
I've cut back on my coffee intake from 5 years ago. the pot said 12 cups, but it was more like 3.5 in my travel cup. I used my coffee maker as an alarm clock and would slam the 1st cup just to get my legs under me in the morning. then another while I got my shit together to leave for work. then 1 more to take out the door. I'd spend the rest of the morning looking for restrooms. now I maybe drink 1 large coffee per day, $1.40 at mcd's 2 minutes away. I can't do caffeine after 1 or 2pm or I won't want to go to sleep.
My Keurigs all kicked the bucket pretty early, so I won't buy one.
But my Ninja has only given me trouble once. It wouldn't brew a full cup, so I ran a cleaning cycle. Same problem. I ran the cleaning cycle again, and it's worked fine ever since.
Weekdays, I drink one large mug in the morning with breakfast. On weekends, I might drink 4 cups, or I might decide to have tea instead. When it's really hot, I make iced coffee with my breakfast.
I must be in control of my coffee.
When I was 14 I worked at Conways Country Store in the bustling hamlet of Wevertown, NY. It had an unpaved parking lot with a dual pump gas station, a full service deli, beer and assorted other items. The very first thing I learned was how to prepare a "regular" coffee: a spoon of sugar, milk and fill it the rest of the way with coffee. I never could figure out why they had me making the customers coffee for them. ‐\_@_/‐
I don't need no stinking sleep.
a starbucks card is an easy gift for my daughter, that I know she actually wants...
My son goes there reasonably often, for a sugar-bomb sort of drink.
Instead of Starbucks, I try to support my local cafe. We were a bit worried it might struggle once Starbucks opened, but it seems to be thriving. Good thing, because they have really good sandwiches and desserts.
I went to a supposed coffee shop one time in Fort Smith, AR. Going through the drive-thru and I made my standard order of a double tall mocha. When I pulled up to the window, the obviously confused person was standing there with two very large cups in her hand. She opened the slider and asked, "Did you want that in two cups?"
your accent threw her...
Nothing beats a good French press when making coffee. Best to grind whole beans for the best freshness. Not to mention the aroma is heavenly.
I'd preset my coffee maker to brew 15 minutes before I woke up and the smell would get me out of bed.
usually before my alarm went off...
5 decades ago it was a bong on the nightstand, so I guess I've progressed some...
The aroma of fresh brewed coffee is the best way to wake up.
you're telling me, and I'm somebody that doesn't like to get out of bed in the morning...
... any morning.
I have never been in a starbucks.
I won't pay $5 for a cup of coffee...
I had a boss once that went there at least three times a day. We are engineers, but I swear this guy was the Chris Farley of engineering, specifically the Tommy Boy character. To make matters worse he was a Trumptard who had QAnon sending him emails all day long.
The only Starbucks I’ve ever purchased from was in a turnpike welcome center whose convenience store was under renovation. Had to get an expensive and charred up cup of yuck instead of a decent and reasonably priced cup of yum.
it's a cult of hysteria...
the south american side of my family isn't impressed with what we call coffee here in the US...
... or tea for that matter.
the ex and daughter got their coca tea taken from them at airport customs in south america a few years ago. I would've definitely bailed out my daughter...
I have a coffee maker but it is still in the box, When I retired, I decided to continue going to Sheetz for coffee or I might set around in my underwear half the day plus now I have time to Bullshit with the rest of the old farts. Sheetz got Franke automatic coffee making machines and their coffee is not as good as it used to be but is OK. I bring my own container and it is $1
I have not been to the local Starbucks but I just finished half of a sub from the Jersey Mike's beside Starbucks
I brought home Jersey Mike's for dinner, too.
That is one place we don't have. We have a Jimmy John's, I only ate at once.
the one closest to me keeps having issues with the state health dept.
The one here always has its sandwiches scalding hot, so I don't worry. I don't eat there for lunch, because the sandwich wouldn't have time to cool down enough that melted cheese wouldn't be stuck to the roof of my mouth.
We had a Taco Bell that got closed down because they found human feces in the meat...
Oh Uh-uh! No Sir-No Ma'am! Shut my mouth and call me a cab: I am Out The Door! Good Evening. I'm done for the night!
that's almost an upgrade from their usual fare...
The same changes were also noted in people who use cocaine. Coffee is just cheaper and I'm kind of cheap.