Why Coffee Is AMAZING!

Besides the fact that it is like a warm hug on a cold day, an energizing kiss first thing in the morning, or a reason to just sit around and relax alone or with compnay, here are other researched and evidence-based reasons why coffee is fantastic...

Understanding coffee's effect on the brain

Increases mental acuity (can make you smarter!), aids in depression and elevates mood, and reduces risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's...

When caffeine enters the bloodstream, it blocks the neuro-receptors in the brain for Adenosine and Dopamine. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that, when binds to its appropriate receptors, causes drowsiness, dilates blood vessels and slows down other neuronal firing. Dopamine is essentially the cause for feelings of "pleasure."

Caffeine binds to Adenosine receptors and causes the brain to essentially "speed up" causing other neuronal firings. The result is a release in the "flight or fight" hormone adrenaline (epinepherine). When adrenal gets into the bloodstream the following happens.

Your pupils dilate.
The airway opens up (this is why people suffering from severe asthma attacks are sometimes injected with epinephrine).
Your heart beats faster.
Blood vessels on the surface constrict to slow blood flow from cuts and increase blood flow to muscles.
Blood pressure rises.
Blood flow to the stomach slows.
The liver releases sugar into the bloodstream for extra energy.
Muscles tighten up, ready for action.

This explains why coffee also benefits the liver, fat burning, and physical performance.

When caffeine binds to Dopamine receptors, it inhibits reuptake, and therefore leaves you feeling "good." Besides aiding in blocking pain reception, this can have a positive affect in people's moods, and aid in depression. Considering 1 out 3 people suffer from depression at some point in their lifetime, in my opinion, if you can drink a cup of coffee and feel better (even just a little) that is pretty significant!

In terms of prevention of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, there have been several studies done that prove coffee has protective properties but no one identifiable reason as to why. One study done showed that caffeine aids in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol has a harmful effect on the blood/brain barrier by weakening it and allowing damage to the brain. Caffeine helped to "strengthen" the barrier and therefore less damage is done. This study was conducted using mice given high amounts of cholesterol and then measuring the effects on the brain after given caffeine.

Coffee Pros:

Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which leads to a stimulant effect. This improves energy levels, mood and various aspects of brain function.
Several studies show that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3-11% . It is found in many diet and weight loss aids for a reason! Caffeine can specifically increase the burning of fat, by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people.
Caffeine makes the fat cells break down body fat, releasing them into the blood as free fatty acids and making them available as fuel, thus caffeine can improve physical performance by 11-12%, on average. Drink a cup of coffee 30 minutes before going to the gym as "pre-workout"
Contains nutrients including Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium and Niacin.
Reduces risk of Type II Diabetes: studies show that people who drink the most coffee have a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease, one study showing a reduction as high as 67%.
In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed (see info above for why).
Protects against liver disease: People who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk.
Reduces some cancer risks: Coffee appears to be protective against two types of cancer… liver cancer and colo-rectal cancer. Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer, and one study of 489,706 individuals found that those who drank 4-5 cups of coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of colo-rectal cancer .
Coffee contains a massive amount of antioxidants. Its beans contain quinines, which become more potent after roasting. According to an American Chemical Society news release, coffee is the leading source of antioxidants in American diets -- in part because we drink a ton of it.

Of course there are cons to drinking coffee, the most prevalent being possible caffeine addiction. But overall, coffee appears to have more benefits than associated risk, and so I'll drink to that!