Coffee is more than Caffeine

Coffee's ability to boost alertness is commonly attributed to caffeine but a new study showed that caffeine can't take all the credit .

The researchers investigated the neurobiological impact of coffee drinking on brain connectivity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The investigators conducted two fMRI scans ― one before, and one 30 minutes after drinking coffee or caffeine-infused water on 47 volunteers.

They discovered that drinking a cup of coffee also boosted connectivity in the higher visual network and the right executive control network, which are linked to working memory, cognitive control, and goal-directed behavior ― something that did not occur from drinking caffeinated water.

So, certain effects were specific to coffee drinking. We will need more studies with for example decaffeinated coffee to see any placebo effect and to differentiate the effects of caffeine from the overall experience of drinking coffee.

Enjoy your coffee as this study provide a scientific foundation for the common belief that coffee increases alertness and cognitive functioning.

Source : Coffee consumption decreases the connectivity of the posterior Default Mode Network (DMN) at rest

Maria Picó-Pérez, PhD