Almost all of us have tasted if not drank coffee. Coffee is widely agreed as an energy booster and some even believe that it makes you smarter. But is that true, Does coffee make you smarter?  Will follow up on that later in the article.

Discovery of coffee

The origins are not very well understood or documented. But according to one legend, it was discovered in Ethiopian region accidentally by a shepherd named Kalidi, when he noticed that his sheep after consuming wild berries became very energetic.

Later on it was consumed by local residents only to find that they become very active and energetic. By 15th century it spread to Arabian region and almost 2 centuries later to Europe with certain bit skepticism.

Coming back to present,

Coffee has become a daily beverage for the people. Most of us have can’t do without coffee. It has become a part of our lifestyle. Many of Coffee houses/cafes are built around marketing coffee as their prime product. Some of us might have even have developed a strong taste for it so much so that we cannot live without it.

Upon inquiry, many of the people are under the impression that it makes them energetic, especially at times when they feel fatigue from work overload. Coffee seems to be the best way to pump in energy. So, What makes coffee coffee?.. it is Caffeine. Caffeine is a psychoactive substance. It directly affects the Central nervous system. Caffeine is also found in other substances like tea, cold beverages and others.

Coffee affects the brain

In a research conducted a decade ago, MRI scans of individuals showed that coffee activated many areas of brain. A memory test then conducted showed that those who consumed coffee showed significant activity in prefrontal cortex leading to slightly better performance than placebo group. This area is usually responsible for executive functions.

In essence coffee seems to improving working memory. The memory which one utilizes to memorize a phone number or pin code.

When is comes to mental alertness. It showed improvement in alertness and mood in many cases. So, caffeine might help in alleviating mood. Overall research in done on effects of coffee on brain, suggests increase in alertness and information processing. Although, long term effects of coffee on cognition are yet to be deciphered.  

This does not mean that more you drink coffee the more you will become intelligent. On the contrary more frequent consumption will certainly deteriorate your health.

Coffee and Headaches

I am sure you have heard that coffee can reduce headaches. Coffee helps in reducing inflammation. In many cases produces analgesic effect.

However, coffee can also cause headache. Consuming too much coffee can lead to headache. Especially, If you consume it regularly often on many times during the day, then upon withdrawal a headache is likely to follow.

So, as a suggestion drinking coffee works in best if taken in moderation.  As you have heard that too much of anything is bad hold true here also.

Thank you!!!