We all have different reasons for waking up happy every morning. And for coffee lovers, there is only one reason: strong coffee! Yes. Just thinking about coffee can instantly do magic for many of us. Its earthy aroma and strong flavor lift our spirits and bring us instant happiness.
And it’s not just a belief. It is an experience for many of us. What’s the secret that makes you crave a cup of coffee when you’re sad, lonely, or looking for a good idea? Is there any secret reason behind it? Yes, there is.
And another good news:
The secret that explains why coffee can improve our well-being is scientifically proven and explains why it makes you happy.
The science behind the feel-good effect of coffee
Coffee is a treasure trove of many chemicals that play an important role in maintaining our overall health. A cup of coffee includes:
• 2-Ethylphenol: The chemical that keeps us active and alert.
• 3.5-dicaffeoylquinic acid: The ingredient responsible for protecting us against neuronal damage.
• Trigonelline: A form of vitamin B3 that fights cavities in the mouth.
• Niacin: vitamin B3 that rejuvenates cells and prevents dementia.
Now, these are the components that, as we can see, provide many health benefits. So what does coffee have to do with happiness? The explanation requires a little background story.
Drinking coffee mimics a neurochemical called adenosine. It is the chemical that makes us sleepy and depresses us when we are tired. When caffeine enters the body, it acts on receptors that detect adenosine, interfering with normal function.
In other words, when you drink coffee, the caffeine interferes with your receptors for adenosine (the chemical that induces sleep) and keeps you awake.
What’s next?
When adenosine receptors are blocked, the body has no choice but to release its own stimulants, dopamine and glutamate. Dopamine and glutamate are two chemicals involved in pleasurable human experiences.
In other words, coffee increases the neurotransmitters in the brain that make you happy. Which are otherwise only released under certain circumstances?
A cup of coffee is, therefore, the best engine to start the production of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Did you know:
Drugs like cocaine can also be used to stimulate the release of dopamine. But yes, legally, we know what happens next.
Therefore, there is no better option than having a hot coffee to inspire your happiness in the most pleasant way. Now, do you think our happiness is in our hands? It sure is.
The bottom line here is that coffee will give you a great feeling when you drink it to the limit. Once your daily caffeine intake exceeds a certain limit, your body develops a tolerance to caffeine, and you no longer experience the same euphoria. It’s good to have limits for everything. I couldn’t agree more!
Other benefits of coffee
1. A treasure trove of antioxidants
Yes. Coffee is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, enough to protect against health risks like cancer and heart disease.
Note that antioxidant levels vary with caffeine content. For example, pure black coffee contains the highest levels of antioxidants compared to decaf coffee.
2. Protects neurons and the nervous system
Caffeine is a proven psychostimulant, and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects have been shown to be very effective in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Researchers also found similar effects of caffeine in fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) in men.
Caffeine has also been shown to protect the brain and increase its resistance to stress, aging, and neurological diseases.
3. Caffeine is a depression killer.
Studies also confirm that regular coffee consumption within prescribed limits can reduce the risk of mental illness.
This means that your cup of coffee can be your best ally in preventing brain inflammation, thanks to its high amount of antioxidants.
4. Keeps you awake and alive.
It is one of the effects that we have all experienced and, in fact, the reason why many of us have fallen head over heels in love with coffee. The moment we drink hot coffee, we feel energized, alert and active.
Why?
The reason is:
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system to keep you alert and active, and drinking coffee will keep you up, up, and up!
5. Stops suicidal thoughts
As we have seen, coffee makes us happy. But wait, the magic doesn’t stop there!
A study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that regular coffee drinkers got less about suicidal thoughts and depression. These results were equally effective in men and women.
The researchers attribute these results to the antidepressant properties of caffeine. They also found that drinking coffee regularly made people happier and more positive.
