What Are The Benefits To The Brain Of A Cup Of Coffee?
Coffee stimulates the brain when we drink a cup of it. This happens because caffeine is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine into the human bloodstream. Once caffeine gets into the bloodstream, its effects are felt usually within an average of 15 to 50 minutes. The level of caffeine in the blood that reaches the brain is what actually stimulates cognitive abilities and benefits the brain. This level is dependent upon the potency of the caffeine present in the bloodstream, and it varies according to the amount of coffee consumed.
Coffee drinkers talk about getting a lift after drinking coffee. They also mention feeling less fatigued, more alert, less drowsy and sharper in their thinking. People who drive for a living or take long trips favor drinking coffee. They report improved driving abilities and more focused attention on the drive after a cup of coffee. Coffee acts as an awakening agent. It provides the stimulant for feeling upbeat and ready to take on the daily tasks with a positive, can do attitude. For this reason, it is not surprising that millions and millions of people all over the world have a cup of coffee in the morning before starting their daily activities. As the day progresses, millions more repeat the cup experience for the extra lift or simply because coffee tastes so good!
As long as caffeine remains present in the blood stream, it continues to have an effect on the human body. A very positive effect of coffee is the active role its antioxidants play in minimizing or neutralizing the negative consequences of free radicals in the body. Usually, within a period of about 3 to 5 hours from consumption, the body eliminates about half of the caffeine consumed. The rest takes additional time, from several hours to days. Caffeine metabolism occurs through the liver and coffee is excreted through urine, saliva, breast milk, semen and some traces through sweat.
The key to overall well being and continued good health include common sense and some basic principles: Living a balanced life. Exercising regularly. Consuming foods and beverages in moderation (this includes coffee, chocolate & tea). Paying close attention to your medical practitioner’s advice. It really does not take a genius to figure out that anyone who consumes excessively any one type of food, drink or even spice will suffer negative consequences in their bodies sooner than later.
Coffee is a wonderful and delicious beverage to enjoy. It is a social drink that facilitates thought formation and concentration. It provides unforgettable sensory experiences to the tongue and palate which send signals to the brain and increase the pleasure of every drop of coffee swallowed. The fragrances, aroma and unique perfumes that specialty coffees possess help the person enjoying these coffees form visual images of their single origin. This cognitive stimulation is good for the brain and it also adds interest to conversations.
The ongoing research about coffee keeps establishing additional landmarks for coffee as a beneficial beverage. For example, according to many published studies, coffee drinkers are 3 to 6 times less likely of suffering from Parkinson’s disease than non-coffee drinkers. This reduction from the beneficial effects of caffeine does not take place overnight, obviously, but through moderated long term coffee consumption.
