The effects of Coffee are mainly because of caffeine, a substance that can affect the brain in several ways.
The main active ingredient Caffeine works by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called adenosine in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that are produced by our neurons, and are used to transmit signal between neurons. So, Adenosine is one of such a Neurotransmitter. Now you might be wondering how will blocking a certain tiny Neurotransmitter produces all the effects of Coffee... Lets dive in.
As the day progresses, as we do all our tasks - there are a lot of Neuronal transmission going on in the Body. Simultaneously there is a buildup of Adenosine in the Synapses (the gaps in between Neurons where transmission happens). Adenosine is responsible for the tiredness or Drowsiness at the end of the Day.
Its like your Phone - reminding you that you have been watching too much Netflix, and to doze off!
But you still want to continue watching Netflix, or continue your work inspite of your body telling you that its done through building up of Adenosine. Thats where you get yourself a Coffee, the miracle beverage that takes sleep out of equation.
Thats the reason students drink a lot of Coffee before exams - it keeps them alert so that they can study more.
So, what happens on that night when you take coffee??
When you take coffee or Caffeine containing foods or drinks - As your body absorbs Caffeine, it will go to those Synapses where Adenosine is working…
Adenosine - Phew.. that was a rough day! let me help my Queen to sleep, she might be exhausted.
The Queen (Human) - No! I have 2 more Chapters to revise... I cannot sleep now! What to do?
Coffee - Let me help you, have a Cup of Coffee and let me deal with the Chapters.
The Queen - Thats a great idea! (Gulps Coffee)
Caffeine enters the body...
Adenosine - Let me bind to the receptors and induce Drowsyness.
Caffeine - Hi old Friend! what are you trying to do?
Adenosine - Oh, hi, why are you here. I´m trying to help our Queen sleep.
Caffeine - I wont let you do it... she needs to study more, now just get the hell out of here...
Adenosine - But you are interrupting a natural course of Action by preventing me binding to my receptors ...
I will remember this... I will comeback for sure...
Caffeine - We will see that... Hey Dopamine and Norepinephrine why dont you join my party and effect more receptors so that our Queen might feel even Better and perform better physically too.
A nice sketchy illustration would have made this even better... But remember that Adenosine vowed to comeback.
Other way of writing this down is - When caffeine is consumed, it binds to adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing adenosine from binding to these receptors and causing the brain to feel more alert and awake.
Caffeine also increases the activity of other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which can enhance cognitive function, mood, and physical performance. Additionally, caffeine can stimulate the release of adrenaline, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels.
Also there is a Thumb-rule in Medicine - something that work for you, might not work for everyone else. The effects of coffee and caffeine can vary depending on factors like individual tolerance, genetics, and the amount and frequency of consumption.
Some of its positive effects are -
- Increased focus: Caffeine can improve you Alertness and cognitive performance. Cognition is the ability of an individual to acquire, process, and use information from the environment to understand and interact with the world around them. So, by being alert you can improve you cognitive Performance. That´s why students and employees prefer Coffee before their tasks.
- Improved mood: As we already saw, Caffeine invited Dopamine to the Party which has a very big role to play with your mood. It helps you not to go into depression.
- Reduced risk of cognitive decline: On the long run too, regular coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Improved physical performance: Caffeine can also improve physical performance by reducing fatigue and increasing endurance. Norepinephrine and Adrenaline might be responsible for this action.
- There are also studies which suggest that Caffeine can improve your Memory - and your ability to recall something. Now before complaining that you couldn´t recall something in an Exam - try having a cup of Coffee.
However, excess of anything is not always advisable. It's important to note that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to negative side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Additionally, individual responses to caffeine can vary depending on factors like age, genetics, and tolerance.
Some of the Bad Effects of Caffeine can be -
- Most important one - A CRASH! - the Caffeine Crash - occurs when the effects of caffeine wear off, and you experience a sudden drop in energy levels, alertness, and mood. This crash typically occurs a few hours after consuming caffeine and can leave you feeling lethargic, irritable, and unable to concentrate.
The Coffee that you drink is not unlimited - The party will be over after some time.. then you will actually have a reverse of symptoms - called a Crash.
As the Caffeine goes away - Adenosine come back - Remember - all this time its building up.. along with all that, which was already built up..
As it vowed - it comes back even stronger, leading to a sudden drop in energy levels and other symptoms associated with a caffeine crash. This crash can be more pronounced if you consume large amounts of caffeine or if you have a low tolerance to caffeine.
To avoid a caffeine crash, it's important to consume caffeine in moderation and to avoid consuming it too close to bedtime. You can also try gradually reducing your caffeine intake or switching to lower-caffeine alternatives, such as tea or decaf coffee. Additionally, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet can also help reduce your risk of experiencing a caffeine crash.
- Insomnia: Before you say you are a night owl and try to sound cool - stop having that coffee late in the evening... It can lead to disturbed circadian Rhythm and even lead to Insomnia. Which can further cause many Physical and mental manifestations - Remember Leonardo De Caprio in Insomnia !
- Dehydration: Coffee is a diuretic, which means it can increase urine production and lead to dehydration if not enough fluids are consumed throughout the day. How many of you noticed this and did not know that, its actually Coffee thats responsible for you peeing just after having it.
- Anxiety and jitters: Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to feelings of anxiety and jitters in some people. Excessive Coffee can cause this.
- Acid reflux: Coffee can increase the production of stomach acid, which can worsen symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. I will write more on it. But seriously, have it in moderation - not on an empty stomach! Coffee can irritate the stomach lining and cause digestive issues such as acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach upset.
- Addictive: Caffeine is a mildly addictive substance, and consuming too much coffee can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms if consumption is suddenly stopped. Imagine a bottle of Cola in you hand on a hot sunny day... Its addictive isn´t it? You will want to have some on every day. Because it has Caffeine in it!
- Stains teeth: Before you start typing whether favourite toothpaste contains salt or cloves - this can be prevented. But a fairly regular use of hot Coffee can still stain your teeth.
- Increases heart rate: As it increases the effect of Adrenaline, consuming too much caffeine can increase heart rate, which can be problematic for people with certain heart conditions.
It is important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and moderate coffee consumption is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. However, individuals who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or are sensitive to caffeine should be cautious about consuming coffee and may wish to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
Share this article with your Friends, ask them if they experienced any positive or negative effects of Coffee… Want me to add something else, let me know through your feedback.