The Latent Effects of Your $8.00 Iced Coffee

Written By: Ihsaan Alam and Laila Ibrahim

For millions worldwide, coffee is a non-negotiable that has become a hallmark of morning routines and late-night study sessions. This caffeinated beverage, commonly known to promote cognitive function, digestion, and improved mood, actually offers more benefits than one might expect. Recently, research has provided a more comprehensive understanding of coffee’s short and long term effects when consumed in moderation. 

Caffeine, the main stimulant in coffee, functions as an adenosine receptor antagonist, meaning it inhibits sleep-inducing mental processes. In the short term, this blockade means increased neural activity and attentiveness. Beyond the immediate effects, moderate coffee intake has been discovered to have neuroprotective benefits, such as a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. These effects are thought to have arisen from coffee’s antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential to improve neuronal efficiency. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have also found that coffee consumption was correlated with a decreased likelihood of stroke, which was unanimous across age groups. 

Like any other dietary habit, coffee requires conscious consumption. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends a daily limit of 400 mg of caffeine, with exceeding amounts leading to adverse effects. Although in the short term, increasing caffeine consumption can further stimulate the brain, chronic overstimulation of the brain is not without its downsides, however. Over time, the central nervous system can become desensitized, leading to interferences in neural plasticity and memory formation. Furthermore, symptoms for anxiety, depressive, and other mental health disorders can be exacerbated due to overstimulation of the nervous system. Thus, it is best for individuals with said conditions to consult a physician before deciding to consume caffeine in any form.  

Aside from individuals who are predisposed to coffee’s adverse effects, coffee can negatively impact healthy individuals who even consume it at certain times of the day. Due to caffeine’s stimulant effects, drinking coffee can potentially disrupt circadian rhythm by delaying the onset of melatonin release. Furthermore, some studies show that irregular coffee intake increases the rate of insomnia and may even lead to heart palpitations. These outcomes show that coffee consumption can exhibit its positive effects only when consumed moderately and at a strategic time of day. 

So how should the average person decide whether to indulge in coffee or not? The answer lies in assessing personal health factors, caffeine sensitivity, and overall life factors that all play a crucial role in its effects. For healthy adults, moderate consumption has consistently been shown to provide a myriad of neurological and immunological benefits in the long run. Research also indicates that the perceived benefits of coffee consumption can lead to actual outcomes. In a study that examined the effects of coffee in habitual coffee drinkers and non-drinkers, they found that psychological perception of coffee consumption greatly contributed to its effects. In other words, individuals who believe that drinking coffee will allow them to focus better are more likely to report positive effects. Of course, this finding does not undermine the scientific effects of caffeine as a neurological stimulant but rather highlights the interplay between mindset and experience. So, for non-coffee drinkers, perhaps trying a cup of coffee with an open mind may lead to surprising results!

References: 

Wasim, Shehnaz et al. “Neuroprotective and Neurodegenerative Aspects of Coffee and Its Active Ingredients in View of Scientific Literature.” Cureus vol. 12,8 e9578. 5 Aug. 2020, doi:10.7759/cureus.9578 

“9 Reasons Why (the Right Amount Of) Coffee Is Good for You.” John Hopkins Medicine, 2019,www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-reasons-why-the-right-amount-of-coffee-is-good-for-you. ‌

James T. Kuznicki, et al. “The Effects of Caffeine on Caffeine Users and Non-Users.” Physiology & Behavior, Elsevier, 19 Mar. 2003, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0031938486901976.