Caffeine

The fascinating effect of caffeine on cognition, nerves, brain and general health has fascinated people for centuries. As one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances in the world, caffeine is found in coffee, guarana, tea, dark chocolate and many other foods.



Below are some of the remarkable benefits of caffeine for human health:

• Improved cognitive function: caffeine can boost cognitive performance by improving concentration, attention, memory and reaction times. It works by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which are responsible for signalling in the brain.
  
  
• Mood enhancement: Caffeine can brighten the mood and give a feeling of alertness and energy. It inhibits adenosine receptors in the brain, which leads to an increased release of endorphins and serotonin - neurotransmitters that promote a good mood and feelings of happiness.
  
  
• Protecting the brain: Research suggests that regular caffeine consumption may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Caffeine may play a protective role by protecting against harmful proteins in the brain, such as beta-amyloid plaques.
  
  
• Increased fat burning: Caffeine can boost metabolism and increase the release of fatty acids from fat tissues. This can lead to increased fat burning and improved athletic performance.
  
  
• Stimulation of the nervous system: By blocking the adenosine receptors, caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system and accelerate the transmission of nerve signals. This can lead to increased mental alertness and faster reaction times.
  
  
• Protection against certain diseases: Studies have shown that caffeine can reduce the risk of some health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and liver disease. The exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, but it is thought that this is due to its antioxidant properties.
  
  
• Reduced likelihood of strokes: Moderate caffeine consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of stroke. Caffeine can dilate blood vessels and promote blood flow, which can reduce the risk of blood clots.

Caffeine has a variety of positive effects on cognitive function, the nervous system, the brain and overall health.

Studies on caffeine

Here are some studies that show the potential effectiveness of caffeine:

• Haskell et al (2005) compares cognitive and mood improvements in regular caffeine users and non-consumers and shows that caffeine has positive effects in both groups.
  Haskell, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2005). Cognitive and mood improvements of caffeine in habitual consumers and habitual non-consumers of caffeine. Psychopharmacology, 179(4), 813-825.
  
  
• Lara (2010): This study examines the association between caffeine consumption and mental health and psychiatric disorders. It suggests that caffeine may play a protective role in certain psychiatric disorders.
  Lara, D. R., Caffeine, mental health, and psychiatric disorders. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 20(Suppl 1), S239-S248.
  
  
• Eskelinen, Kivipelto and Solomon (2010): This meta-analysis sheds light on the possible protective effect of caffeine in dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that moderate caffeine consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of these neurodegenerative diseases.
  Eskelinen, M. H., Kivipelto, M., & Caffeine as a protective factor in dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 20(Suppl 1), S167-S174.
  
  
• Santos, Costa, Santos, Vaz-Carneiro and Lunet (2010): This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the relationship between caffeine consumption and dementia. The study shows that moderate caffeine intake may be associated with a lower risk of dementia.
  Santos, C., Costa, J., Santos, J., Vaz-Carneiro, A., & Lunet, N. (2010). Caffeine intake and dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 20(Suppl 1), S187-S204.
  
  
• The study by Childs and de Wit (2006) examines the subjective, behavioural and physiological effects of acute caffeine consumption in occasional caffeine users.
  Hameleers, P. A., van Boxtel, M. P., Hogervorst, E., Riedel, W. J., & Houx, P. J. (2000). Habitual caffeine consumption and its relation to memory, attention, planning capacity and psychomotor performance across multiple age groups. Human Psychopharmacology, 15(7), 573-581.
  
  
• Einöther and Giesbrecht (2013) review the assumption that caffeine improves attention and shed light on the existing assumptions.
  Einother, S. J., & Giesbrecht, T. (2013). Caffeine as an attention enhancer: reviewing existing assumptions. Psychopharmacology, 225(2), 251-274.