COFFEE THE ORIGINAL BRAIN FOOD!

Coffee is more than just caffeine. New research published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found measurable differences in the experiences of people who drank coffee versus a caffeine solution.

The study included 83 participants. Forty-seven drank coffee, while 36 drank water with caffeine. All underwent MRI scans before and after consuming their beverage.

Both groups showed decreased brain activity linked to resting state, indicating caffeine boosted energy similarly. But coffee drinkers had increased activity in areas involved in focus, attention, and memory—benefits not seen with caffeine alone.

"The pleasure of morning coffee, part of an almost ritual, helps people feel ready for the day," explained study author Nuno Sousa of the University of Minho’s School of Medicine.

This could explain why just making coffee perks me up, even before my first sip. On days I opt for a canned energy drink, I may feel more sluggish.

Non-regular coffee drinkers may not experience these anticipatory effects, Sousa noted. Compounds in coffee beyond caffeine might uniquely impact brain activity and functions like memory.

The study didn't examine decaf or potential sex differences. Most participants were women. Caffeine has other physical effects to consider too, like restricted blood flow.

Still, the research clearly shows our daily coffee ritual is reinforced by forces we were unaware of.