A Few of the Benefits (and Risks) of Coffee Drinking

Like many things in this world, coffee drinking affects people in different ways. According to the New Scientist, a study conducted in 2005 revealed that coffee improves short-term memory and speeds up reaction time.

The study utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to understand how coffee acts on various centres in the brain. According to the study, coffee produces a higher brain function. Participants in the study were told to fast for four to six hours and abstain from caffeine products and nicotine for 24 hours. They were given either a cup of strong coffee containing 100 milligrams of caffeine or a placebo drink that was caffeine-free. After 20 minutes the participants were given MRI scans while carrying out a memory and concentration test. A few days later, the test was repeated, but this time the the two groups were provided with the other drink.

Those who received caffeine during the study were found to have "significantly greater activation in parts of the pre-frontal lobe." These areas are involved in tasks that involve memory, concentration, planning and monitoring.

Others argue that the risks associated with caffeine intake outweigh the benefits. According to an article posted on the web entitled "The hidden dangers of caffeine," caffeine sets the body up for a "roller coaster" ride of highs and lows that lead to daily fluctuations of alertness and energy levels. Coffee stimulates the adrenal gland, according to this study. Prolonged coffee intake leads to adrenal exhaustion. Coffee drinkers as a result need more and more caffeine to reach the same level of alertness that they did previously. This article goes on to say that even low to medium caffeine intake can cause such problems.